Destined For A Duke (Completed)

Chapter 21

For the first time in history, three of the most powerful man in Britain were on their knees before a woman who was not their queen. Max, Lord William and Brandon felt so guilty that they took the blame for the murder. Max blamed himself because the murder happened under his roof. Lord William was the in charge of security and felt as if he was responsible for everything that happened. Brandon was supposed to keep Bradford out of trouble and was positive that it was all his mistake. The three of them kept on interchanging between berating themselves and apologizing to Isabella.

The three of them were busy trying to decide that which one of them was the guiltiest. Meanwhile the Marquees of Richmond was busy looking at the dead body that his sister, Lady Margaret had found. The two of them formed the oddest pair of siblings in ton. They had flaming red hair that were rare and both were good at finding things out that were supposed to stay hidden. Where Lady Margaret used her talent to become the youngest gossip, her brother decided to make a career out of it. His presence at the ball contributed to the fact that he was the first one on the scene of crime.

Everyone had been swiftly removed from the library with instructions to stop all guests from leaving. As soon as the bow street runners arrived with a few detectives, they started questioning guests. After answering all the guests were allowed to leave. Only the family and friends of Lord Crawford, Lady Margaret and hired help stayed.

By 4 o'clock in the morning, Lord Arthur was done with his investigation. The body was moved for autopsy and a meeting was called in the ballroom. Everyone in the house was to attend it.

"Hello! I am here to find the killer. I am sure that you are all tired and would like to rest but this must be done. I want all of you to think really hard and answer my question. When was the last time you saw Lord Bradford alive?" Lord Arthur said in the most nonchalant manner, as if he was asking about the weather. Ella could not keep her eyes away from his hair. He was the one who was dancing with Bella.

"I saw Mr Brandon dragging him towards gaming rooms, I think that's the last time I saw him." The butler was the first one to speak. "I questioned the staff thoroughly and that was the last time that anyone saw him."

Lord Arthur gave Brandon a questioning look. Ella suddenly felt nervous, what if the police suspected Brandon? What if the killer tried to frame him?

"I left him in his room. He was too drunk for the gaming halls." Brandon shrugged it off as if it was no big deal.

"That was the last time you saw him?" Lord Arthur asked to confirm. "Yes." was the only reply he got.

"Now I want to know exactly how you found the body and what were these two doing there?" Lord Arthur turned his attention towards his sister who immediately turned as red as her hair.

"I followed them to see if they are really in love or if they are pretending. I was leaving when I almost tripped over the dead body." Despite the fact that her face was blood red as her hair, Lady Margaret answered with her head held high. Ella realized the extend of her conversation that she had heard and the things she had seen. Ella felt her own face heat up as well.

"Well, that's it then. You can leave now, all of you. I will see you at home sister. Lord Maxwell and Mr Brandon, please stay. We have some things to discuss." Lord Arthur effectively blocked everyone out as he opened his note book. Every servant left along with Lady Margaret but no one else moved. Lady Malcolm was about to leave when she saw her own daughter and son in law stay behind. She changed her mind and stayed back with them.

After some time Lord Arthur looked up and Ella saw surprise register on his face. He quickly changed it back to neutral.

"I should warn you that this matter is personal that is why I asked for privacy. Are you comfortable with sharing your secrets with so many people?" Lord Arthur looked directly at Brady while he spoke. Brady shook his head yes. "Very well. There was a letter with the dead body. It was addressed to you. I have confiscated it as evidence but I will read the contend for you word by word.

Dear Brady,
I warned you this would happen. This was only a warning. I killed someone who was just an acquaintance. Next time it will be someone you love. Or specifically the woman you love.
Leave England. You will do as I say."

Everyone stared at Brandon who was standing very still. Ella saw the lack of color for what it was, fear.