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“When Lord Murray returned,” Cassandra continued, “I drank the leh mentioned it tasted bitter”

“And as Murray’s response?” Trent asked

“He atory co incapable, and then we danced the waltz before he left o in search of his mother”

“Evidently the lemonade contained the substance used to render you unconscious,” Wycliff said “Can you reed into darkness?”

Cassandra fell silent for amade me tired and dizzy, my limbs heavy I went to sit down and then Rosa rooh I barely remember the conversation Indeed, I remember little else after that”

Once again, silence ensued while they absorbed the information

“If I’ roo out to the terrace”

“Yes, though the curtains were drawn and there was a series of dressing screens blocking the exit I re”

Wycliff sighed “Though loath to point out the obvious, I’d place my bet on Murray He’s the only one with motive and opportunity”

“You forget that a grooht in question,” Trent said “Perhaps Purcell distracted Murray on his way back to the ballroom and poured a tincture into the lemonade”

Benedict nodded “We know Purcell left the ball early”

“And what about Murray?” Wycliff focused his attention on Cassandra “What time did he leave? Can anyone vouch for his whereabouts after you disappeared?”

Cassandra’s eyes widened “I never thought to ask” A blush stained her cheeks “I suppose I thought hi such a heinous crime”

“Our lives have been somewhat hectic since we ross understatee of her panting beneath hi to his loins

“Then deter if Murray has an alibi h that still doesn’t mean Murray wasn’t involved”