Montford looked annoyed at her very presence but answered politely. “Clifford is my nephew, didn’t I mention that? He gave us the tickets for this cruise.”
“He did? How nice of him.” Aunt Julia glanced at Nora then lowered her voice. “Such a shame about the tragedy but lucky thing we had a doctor on board. Not that you could have done anything.”
Montford shifted uneasily. “Terrible loss.”
Julia turned to Oxley. “I hope you will accept our condolences. We heard you were close to Miss Dove.”
Oxley nodded, his expression turning somber. “I was. She was a great singer and an asset to the entertainment staff.”
“Indeed. And so young. Hard to believe she just fell, what with the railing and all.” Aunt Julia smiled up at Oxley benignly.
Oxley pulled at his collar. “Umm, well… yes, it was tragic.”
“Yes, and so terrible to think of your loved one being subjected to such brutality.” Nora studied Oxley’s reaction. He cringed appropriately, but Nora sensed he was holding back. Was that because he was the killer and only acting disgusted?
Aunt Julia leaned in. “Tragic. I believe Giles mentioned something about an investigation…” She waved her hand in the air. “But I’m sure that’s just a formality.”
Oxley stopped fiddling with his collar. “I didn’t hear anything about an investigation.”
“Oh yes, of course there must be one. Don’t you think?”
“I don’t think so. I mean, it was an accident. No one needs to go poking around. Do they?” Oxley looked at his uncle.
Dr. Montford cleared his throat. “I suppose an investigation is warranted any time an unnatural death occurs but I’m sure the police won’t find that there was foul play.”
Nora wondered if his assurances were because he was oblivious to the fact that Delilah had been murdered or if he’d fixed things so that any evidence of foul play no longer existed.
Julia’s pursed lips indicated she was thinking the same thing. “I’m sure they will be very thorough. Everything must be done properly, though. Giles has to maintain the reputation of the Miss Delta Belle.”
“But no investigator has come aboard. Maybe they’ve already deemed it accidental?”
“I think I heard that the investigator will come on board in Vicksburg. Or maybe you’re right. I really can’t say.”
Aunt Julia pretended not to be too concerned. Oxley, on the other hand, looked very concerned.
“Well, we shall let you go back to your discussion. I didn’t mean to interrupt but thought it would be nice to give our condolences,” said Julia. She then waited until they were out of earshot to speak again. “That was an unusual surprise to find Percival and Oxley are related. What do you make of it?”
“In itself it doesn’t indicate guilt, but Oxley did seem concerned about the investigation.” Nora mentally moved Clifford Oxley to the top of the suspect list. “Though he did seem appropriately disturbed when I mentioned the violent nature of her death.”
“Indeed. And his uncle examined the body. Makes one wonder if he might have removed some clues pointing to his nephew. He probably knew Oxley was involved with Delilah. They must be close if Oxley gave him tickets.”
“As you always say, the spouse or significant other is usually the killer.”
“But I also always say, that we should continue to explore every clue. So just because Oxley has a few points against him doesn’t mean we can rest. Artemis Leonard wouldn’t, and I can’t risk accusing the wrong person and having him prove that my investigation was faulty.” Julia sighed. “If only we could get into Delilah’s cabin and dressing room. Maybe we should check to see if Giles has a spare moment after all. I hate to give the killer an opportunity to cover his tracks.”
Nora agreed, but since Giles was busy they had no choice. “Let’s focus on the suspects. We still need to talk to Vera Hinchcliffe, Max Lawton, Lily Sumner and Joy Morgan and possibly Johnny Stokes. Maybe we can corner Lily and Joy tonight.”
“Hopefully we will run into one of the others on our walk. Oh look, there are the Hinchcliffes.” Julia waved at Martha who brightened and waved back. “Looks like our wish has been granted.”
“What a lovely afternoon,” Julia crowed as they joined the Hinchcliffes at the railing. They were on the starboard side of the boat and the riverbanks were lush with hardwoods and shrubs, their green leaves bright in the sunlight.
“It is indeed. Vera saw a deer on the side of the river earlier.” Beau looked at his wife proudly, as if seeing a deer was some sort of magical feat.
“How unusual.” Martha’s voice dripped with sarcasm.
“Such an odd juxtaposition the beautiful countryside is to the grim event on the ship and impending investigation.” Nora decided to get right to the thing that might cause the killer to do something drastic. Even though everyone knew Delilah had died under suspicious circumstances, she hadn’t heard people mentioning an investigation, so once Aunt Julia had broken the ice with Oxley, Nora decided it might be just the thing to get a reaction.
Martha frowned. “Investigation?”
“Into the death of Delilah Dove.” Aunt Julia lowered her voice. “I hear an investigator will come aboard in Vicksburg.”
Vera gasped, her face turning pale.
Martha glanced at her with disdain. “It’s nothing to get the vapors about.”
Beau looked at Vera protectively. “I don’t suppose that has anything to do with us.”
“I suppose not,” Aunt Julia said. “You were roused from sleep like the rest of us, weren’t you? I mean, I did see you peeking out into the hallway, so I assume you were in your room.”
“Of course I was in my room, where else would I be?” Beau looked confused.
Julia shrugged. “I was just thinking the killer might have pretended to be in their room.” Her eyes settled on Vera whose face was now turning pink.
Vera fisted her hand on her hips and glared at Aunt Julia. “Now, you see here. My Beau was in the room sleeping. I can vouch for that. He’s a good man and I don’t appreciate you casting aspersions on his character.”
As soon as the words were out of her mouth, Vera’s hands flew to her lips. She glanced at Martha with round eyes. No doubt she regretted making the outburst in front of her mother-in-law. Nora got the impression Vera wanted Martha to think she was perfectly polite and flawless. She need not have worried though, because Martha was gazing at her daughter-in-law with sudden admiration in her eyes.
Julia rushed to apologize. “Oh dear, I am sorry. Didn’t mean to imply a thing! Well, look at the time. We best go back to our cabins.”
Julia tugged Nora away.
“Really, Auntie, you didn’t have to be so blunt. Haven’t we discussed how you should leave the questioning to me? I know how to do it so that the suspect doesn’t realize they are being interrogated. Now Vera is mad and it’s going to be difficult to draw more information out of her.”
“Sorry, dear. Sometimes I can’t help myself,” Julia said. “But wouldn’t you say that Vera’s quick reaction indicated that she spoke the truth?”