“Agatha is overwhelmed with it all. I hope you are able to solve the case quickly to give her mind a small measure of ease. Did the answers to her questions help? I’m sorry I had to pass them to you on paper. I would like to have discussed them with you.”

“The fact that her father did own a gun turned out not to be significant. It was of too large a caliber to be the murder weapon.” He kept his voice low, for such a conversation would no doubt get him thrown out of the place if it were overheard. Bad enough they had been forced to allow a policeman inside. Having him discuss unsavory work elements would be too much. “What does Agatha intend to do? Sell everything and live on the proceeds, or try to find a manager to help her?”

“I should think that Viscount Coatsworth may have some influence on her decisions. They were planning to announce their betrothal in a few days. The death of Mr. Montgomery has delayed that celebration.” Juliette looked past his shoulder. “The viscount is here tonight. His trip to his grandfather’s estate must have been very short. Or perhaps he hasn’t gone yet? He told Agatha he would see her upon his return. I don’t know how long they will have to delay their wedding, with Agatha in full mourning.”

Daniel kept his expression neutral, but he grimaced inwardly. Coatsworth always managed to abrade him. Even his compliments to Daniel, rare as they were, resembled hornets. There was always a sting in the tail.

“An admirable job,” Coatsworth had said when Daniel returned Montgomery’s stolen painting. “For one of such plebian origins.”

Daniel had contemplated landing the supercilious viscount a plebian facer.

Coatsworth stood alone near the doorway into the refreshment room, a stark look on his face. Actually, more ashen than stark. Staring into an unseen distance and paying no attention to those around him.

Perhaps he grieved the loss of his future father-in-law more than anyone suspected. But if that were the case, why would he be present at a social event like this?

Returning his attention to his partner, Daniel pushed aside the present and gave himself over to a pleasant daydream, one in which he was a peer with every right to court Lady Juliette. It was nonsense but harmless enough. He knew his place in the world, and he was content with it.

Most of the time.

When the music came to an end, Lady Juliette sank into a graceful curtsey, and he bowed from the waist, offering his hand to steady her as she rose.