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“Indeed, someone has”

Some hours later, the servants and household were in a state of buzzing commotion The doctor had been fetched and added yetinformation with his announcereed with Lord Sherborne, and Sir Owen, that it appeared as though soled her with their bare hands

This piece of news delivered quietly, solemnly and as kindly as the doctor could muster, still served to prostrate Celia’s stepmother She was taken away to her room as she cried and carried on and declared that Celia, even in death, brought scandal down upon them

The doctor hurried off, he said to notify the town istrate and the assembled party took a moment of quiet as each considered the enormity of the situation Mandy was heartsick, for while she and her cousin had not been friends, she had always felt a bit sorry for Celia Besides that, no one deserved to have their life ended in such a way

Mandy looked at her brother, but he appeared as though he was at a loss for words as he stared out the

She turned to Sir Owen and Alfred wishing they would go, and contemplated them and their reaction to Celia’s death It was evident to her that neither man see woman and yet, she knew both had been interested in Celia

Her brother, on the other hand, was very distraught, and shearm about his waist

“We must talk about this,” Alfred announced suddenly

“Oh, Alfred, do stop always trying to sound so dashed portentous Why must we talk?” Mandy returned on a frown All she wanted was to be left with her brother If anything was to be done, it was up to them to do

“The seriousness of the situation absolutely demands it, Amanda,” Alfred puffed up “I don’t think your flippancy is warranted here”

She sighed, “I understand your concerns, but our cousin has died and at the hands of a ine what poor Celia felt in her lastand I am sure when the doctor notifies the authorities it will be ihed heavily, “Even so, I don’t think this is thearound unsubstantiated notions, do you? We can not knoho did this or why What we do know is our cousin has been rieve,” Mandy said quietly

“That is because you have not considered…” Sir Owen put in gently “That Celia was not killed by soh the area How could it be? A stranger couldn’t possibly have known she would be where she was And as the motive? This was done by someone she knew…”

“Indeed, I quite agree,” Alfred added, cutting Sir Owen off Without thinking it out added, “No doubt her lover”

“Alfred!” Mandy objected somewhat shocked “Why would a lover kill her?”

“Many reasons Jealousy…or…” Alfred started to list suggestions