“What good would it do besides distressing Agatha, who loved him, bombastic nature and all? Mr. Montgomery was a fine father and a smart businessman. He could be sharp of tongue and quick to anger, but he was also generous and caring, especially toward Agatha.”

Heinrich leaned back. “I would not have you think ill of me. I was not speaking of Herr Montgomery in particular, but only in generalities.”

She smiled, and he relaxed. “No harm done.”

Returning her smile, he touched her arm. She looked up and caught Daniel’s stare. Something flashed between them, and she was acutely aware of Heinrich’s hand on her sleeve.

“Have you given some thought to my invitation to visit my homeland?”

She broke her stare with the detective and blinked at Heinrich. Truthfully, she hadn’t given the notion a minute’s reflection in the past several days. Too much had happened to draw her mind away.

“It is most generous of you—and kind. My parents are away at the moment. At the behest of the Regent, they are part of a diplomatic contingency to France to settle postwar issues not sorted by the Congress of Vienna. Perhaps we can discuss it once they return.”

The reprieve relieved her. She very much liked Heinrich, but the ardent look in his eyes made her uneasy. Agreeing to travel to Germany to meet his family would deliver a strong message as to her receptiveness should he propose marriage, a message she wasn’t certain she wished to send.

Again she was aware of Daniel’s eyes on her, and she picked up her fork and gave her attention to her food.

“It is too bad that Mr. Montgomery had such an argument with Mr. Coombe just before he died.” Mr. Earnshaw took up his glass and drank deeply as all attention focused his way. “Not that they didn’t argue frequently. Mr. Montgomery liked to tell his manager how to manage the mill, and Mr. Coombe had his own ideas.” The accountant half smiled at the memory. “They were at loggerheads on at least a weekly basis.”

“They argued that morning?” Daniel asked. “Do you know the cause?”

“I do not, though I can surmise. It was probably about the renovations Mr. Montgomery had ordered. Mr. Coombe was in favor of the changes, but not the timing. Many of the mill’s customers are emptying their grain bins and planting now. The excess grain is being brought to the mill to be ground, and Mr. Coombe wished to finish the orders before stopping to tear out the old machinery and install the new. He thought mid-May or even June a better time so everything could be renovated and ready for harvest this fall. Mr. Montgomery was not one to wait upon an idea, and he wanted the changes made as soon as possible.”