Excerpt from MUSIC HALL QUEEN by Anna Markland
The Inspector had to admit the Frenchman was slick. He’d wager the Parisian had dealt with law enforcement before. Too bad there was no way to find out about his background—except to ask directly. “Ever been arrested?” he asked.
Again, Edouard was torn. Revealing his regrettable past would throw suspicion on him. However, in his experience, lies usually came back to haunt the liar. “Twice, in fact, Inspector.”
“Care to explain?”
Edouard’s hope that Maggie Chadwick wouldn’t hear his confession was dashed when she returned with the tea tray. Seeing her garbed in black brought back memories he’d sooner forget. “I was fifteen when my father beat my mother to death in a drunken rage,” he said, not surprised when shock widened her eyes. “I found Maman’s body, tracked my father down to the local bar and thrashed him to within an inch of his life.”
“You were then arrested.”
“Oui, but I was pardoned after they hanged my father. We Frenchmen respect courage. I was afraid to tell them it was anger, and perhaps fear, that drove me to beat him, not courage.”
“So, you get violent when you are angry?” the inspector asked. “Is that what happened with the second arrest?”
Edouard wished with all his heart he didn’t have to reveal more sordid details of his life in France. “No, I was accused of murdering my wife.”
Maggie swayed as the color drained from her face.
“And did you?” the policeman asked.
He shook his head, willing away the terrible memories. “It was quickly proven that a lover killed her. Some sort of unintended accident involving his cravat during a lovemaking episode. He took his own life when he realized what he’d done. He left a note expressing his deep regret.”
Complete silence greeted this account until Halliwell spoke. “With your checkered past, I’m somewhat surprised the owners of your store trusted you to manage Shangri-La.”
“Ah, Inspector, you demonstrate a lack of understanding of the retail trade. The owners of Bon Marché recognized me as a risk taker, an essential quality in an entrepreneur. In addition, I must inform you that I am the majority owner of Shangri-La.”
Shocked to the core by Edouard Deschanel’s revelations, Maggie remained standing, not quite sure what to do with the tea tray. If she held on to it much longer, her trembling arms might let it fall to the floor.
Edouard came to her aid. “Allow me,” he said bestowing a reassuring smile as he took the tray from her and placed it on the occasional table. “Would you like me to pour?”
She’d tried to deny she was falling in love with this incredible man who’d borne so much tragedy, but now she was free to give rein to her burgeoning feelings. “Please,” she replied with a broad smile, hoping he understood she didn’t censure him for the misfortunes he had suffered.
She suspected his emotions were in turmoil, yet he poured and served the tea with a steady hand, politely asking the policemen if they preferred one lump of sugar or two.
Even standing with a dainty cup and saucer in his hand, he looked composed and confident. She refused a cup of tea, afraid the china cup would rattle on the saucer. After sipping his tea, Halliwell complimented her on its strength. Constable Walsh stared into his tea as if he feared it might be poisoned.
“So,” Halliwell said after accepting the offer of a second cup. “I’d appreciate it if you could detail your movements last evening, Mrs. Chadwick.”
Walsh hastily placed his cup and saucer on the table and took out his notebook and pencil, his confidence seemingly restored. Maggie might have imagined it, but a trace of a smile tugged at the corners of Halliwell’s mouth. She decided she liked this inspector.
“I heard the commotion in the hall,” she began. “As you know, fighting isn’t unknown in music halls.”
Halliwell nodded.
“My husband’s strident voice indicated he was involved.”
“Did you hear anyone else’s voice?”
“No, but I suspected Fred was fighting with Mr. Deschanel.”
“Why?”
Edouard cleared his throat as he put down his cup and saucer. “Because I had just left her dressing room.”
Maggie rushed to clear waters that were becoming muddied. “One of the drawbacks of being popular,” she said. “Members of the audience frequently come to ask for my autograph.”
“That wasn’t the purpose of my visit,” Edouard asserted. “I recognize the traits of an abuser when I see them, and I knew Chadwick had abused his wife.”
“Is that true?” Halliwell asked.
Maggie drew back her sleeve to reveal the bruises on her arm. “Yes. Fred could be violent.”
“And what transpired between the two of you in the dressing room?”
“Nothing untoward, I assure you,” Maggie retorted.
“I told her I wouldn’t allow him to continue his beatings,” Edouard admitted.
“Why should you care?” Walsh asked derisively. “She’s just a music hall vamp.”
Maggie bristled.
Edouard fisted his hands.
“That’s quite enough, Constable,” Halliwell interjected. “You’ll apologize to Mrs. Chadwick.”
“Sorry,” Walsh muttered.
“I apologize for my constable’s rudeness,” the Inspector said. “However, Mr. Deschanel, why do you care what happens to Mrs. Chadwick?”
“Because she’s a beautiful and talented woman,” Edouard replied.
Maggie’s hopes rose. Deschanel had feelings for her. Then, hope faltered when he said, “Any man who stands by and does nothing to protect a vulnerable woman isn’t a man.”
“I think that’s all for now,” Halliwell said as he stood. “Thanks for the tea.”
Both policemen were halfway out the door when the Inspector turned to her. “One more thing, Mrs. Chadwick. Was your husband an opium addict?”
Copyright © 2025 by Anna Markland
MUSIC HALL QUEEN by Anna Markland
In 1862, Maggie Chadwick is a popular artiste who performs at the Hippodrome Music Hall, a once opulent venue in Lancashire that has seen better days and now caters mainly to the under classes. Maggie is married to Fred, her abusive manager.
When Fred is found garroted behind stage, Inspector Halliwell launches an investigation.
Edouard Deschanel is a Frenchman who has come to the north of England to open a department store that caters to the well-to-do. Customers flock to enjoy this novel shopping experience.
Edouard is outraged by the abuse Fred Chadwick inflicts on Maggie. A confrontation between the two men is witnessed by several people. Halliwell quickly establishes that Deschanel has a motive for murder. But then so does Maggie herself.
Motivated by self-preservation, Edouard and Maggie work together to discover the identity of the murderer.
Mystery Amateur Sleuth | Romance [Oliver-Heber Books, On Sale: July 29, 2025, e-Book , / ]
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About Anna Markland
Anna Markland is a Canadian author with a keen interest in genealogy. She writes medieval romance about family honour, ancestry and roots. Her novels are intimate love stories full of passion and adventure. Following a successful career in teaching, Anna transformed her love of writing and history into engaging works of fiction. Prior to becoming a fiction author, she published numerous family histories. One of the things she enjoys most about writing historical romance is the in-depth research required to provide the reader with an authentic medieval experience.
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