A Most Agreeable Murder (Beatrice Steele, #1)

by Julia Seales

Unfortunately in Swampshire all of this made her—one shudders to even say—a morbid creep. There are many types of creeps, of course: the peeping Toms, the lurkers, those who dare to show up at a party twelve minutes earlier than an invitation states—but in Swampshire, creeps of the morbid variety were considered the most unsavory. If anyone found out about Beatrice’s secret obsession, she would be publicly disgraced and shunned. Politely, but completely.

“What could you possibly be doing that’s more important than finding a husband?” Mrs. Steele pressed. The victims’ entrails were ripped from their corpses and arranged in a heart. “Thinking about my beloved,” Beatrice said cheerfully,

She replaced a small pillow atop the window seat—a gift from her dear friend Daniel Ashbrook, embroidered with a quote he said had reminded him of Beatrice: A lady’s nook is incomplete without a book.

It is a fact known throughout Swampshire that a rich gentleman is prey hunted by every young woman.

“Surely he shall be most attracted to her mind and personality,” Beatrice said lightly. “Don’t be ridiculous,” Mrs. Steele said as she rifled through the closet.

“He could fall in love with any one of us,” Louisa interrupted, catching Beatrice’s eye. “Beatrice’s wit is unparalleled, and men adore funny women.” “Do not joke, Louisa. It is unbecoming,” Mrs. Steele said tartly.

“Wait,” Mrs. Steele said, grabbing Beatrice’s arm to stop her. “He could be a murderer, or worse, a Frenchman!” “But, Mother, aren’t we supposed to offer charity to someone in need, even if they are found outside the proper gathering places?” Louisa asked, eyes wide. “I must check.” Mrs. Steele pulled The Lady’s Guide to Swampshire (Travel Edition) from her reticule and began to flip through the pages. “I know a lady cannot approach a man without introduction….” “Then Father will do it,” Beatrice said.

“And don’t you know that bribery is hardly a suitable path to matrimony?” “Litigation is my love language. And you must realize, it is a practical path,”