Best Laid Plans (A Gentleman of Misfortune, Book 2)

Chapter Sixteen

The next morning, I didn't think my friend intended to join me for breakfast when I went down to the inn's dining room. I hadn't seen Ward since the day before when we parted company. He didn't say where he was going, and I chose to stay in my room with a book. I'd had my fill of company.

The serving girl brought two plates, however, and no more than a minute later, Ward was sitting across from me. His expression was far more cheerful than I had been expecting, and I eyed him with suspicion. "What?" he asked, catching my eye.

"I take it you had a good evening?"

"Well, enough. I do have news," hs said, unfolding his napkin. "Ingram was killed last night."

Astonished, I stared at him. Did he say what I thought he had said? "Ingram is dead?"

"That's what I've been told," Ward said, lifting his fork. His appetite appeared not to have been affected by the news. "Someone pushed him down a flight of stairs. At first, the footman who discovered him thought it was a drunken accident but evidence apparently suggests otherwise."

"Well, that was sudden," was all I could think to say. I didn't like the man, but I would hardly wish such an end to his life. "I wonder who could have done such a thing. Are steps being taken to find the murderer?"

Ward continued to eat. "Oh, naturally."

"You don't seem much affected by it."

"Why would I be? He was an unpleasant man, and now he will not harm another person again. If anything, it is a cause for celebration among those he has persecuted and victimized all these years. If they ever find the man responsible, I am tempted to offer him a drink and my sincerest thanks."

I'd managed to provoke a reaction from him, but I wasn't sure I liked what I heard. "I see."

Ward glanced at me, and a grin curved his lips. "I didn't kill him if that's what you are worrying over."

"I wasn't thinking that," I said defensively. I honestly hadn't thought he was the perpetrator, but his calm acceptance had me worried. "I'm just not sure I am of the opinion that a murderer should be congratulated."

"Why not? He has done all in Bath a favor," Ward said firmly. "No more will he hold past indiscretions over people's heads, demanding they give more than they can afford to remain silent."

Blackmail. What he described could be none other than blackmail. "Who was it, Ward?" I asked. "Who did you learn all of this information from?"

My friend went very still. "I don't know what you mean."

"I may not be the most intelligent person, but please credit me with some cleverness. You've hinted at knowing someone who had been wronged by Ingram. I assume it was someone close to you."
He heaved a sigh and pushed away his plate. "Walk with me. This is a conversation to be had where no one can overhear."

It was a reasonable request, and I followed him out to the street. The sun shone brightly overhead and a pleasant breeze ensured it did not get too hot.

We walked several blocks before Ward began talking. "A few months after our marriage, my wife became bored. Boredom was something Ingram had a sense for and he drew her into his web. I didn't learn anything about their association until Annabelle announced she was with child. Ingram's child."

Astonished, I stared at him, missed a step, and stumbled to keep my balance. I had wondered if little Isabella had been fathered by another man. To hear it had been Ingram of all people was a shock. It was a wonder Ward could even stand to look at the girl.

"I see," I said slowly. "I'm sorry to hear it."

"It was not as though I loved her," Ward continued as though I hadn't spoken. "Ours was not a love match by any means. A thoughtless action can have far-reaching and terrible consequences, you know. Still, I'd expected at least some kind of loyalty from her."