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At first, I didn’t allow Caroline’s behaviour to bother me. It was nice to have someone to go out hunting with and to have proper conversations for once. But then Caroline overstepped the line.

I’d been in my study all night when there was a commotion at my front door. Davenport and Barrington strode in without a by your leave. They entered the study as I rose to my feet, and both were unaccountably sombre.

“What is it?” I demanded, alarmed.

Davenport coughed to clear his throat and peered at Barrington for support.

“Jacques, you’ve not been informed?” Davenport, eyes downcast, inquired.

“What?”

Davenport looked away again and cleared his throat.

“For God’s sake, man, tell me!” I snapped.

“Anthony Hamilton is dead. Hamilton was found the early hours of this morning.”

The name didn’t register at first, and then I realised Anthony was the heir to Lord Hamilton. Caroline’s oldest brother.

“How?” I asked, sitting back in disbelief.

Poor sod, Anthony had been a decent chap.

Now, they both averted their gaze and avoided making eye contact with me. Their behaviour signalled serious trouble.

“Hamilton was drained of blood,” Barrington stated.

The stupid little bitch had murdered her own brother!

How could she?

This was going to cause big trouble if Caroline wasn’t careful.

“Sorry, I don’t think I heard you correctly,” I answered as my mind raced.

Davenport slumped down into a chair and lit a cigar. He exhaled smoke, meeting my gaze.

“Hamilton was drained of blood. It is one of the most bizarre murders that the Peelers have encountered.” (Peelers were the Metropolitan Police, named so because of Sir Robert Peel, who created them.)

“How do you know this? The news couldn’t have spread this quickly?” I asked, twisting my hands.

“One of my maids knows Lady Caroline’s. The girl told mine, and mine informed my housekeeper. I spoke to an officer, and he said it was true. Jacques, all hell is going to break loose. The fact that nobility has been killed will not be taken lightly.”

“Where did it happen?” I asked.

“Hamilton left Whites and was discovered in an alley nearby. There were two tear marks in Hamilton’s neck where he had been drained of blood. The police think some sort of equipment was used to drain him. It’s all very bizarre. But rumours make mention of a monster.”

Thank God Caroline hadn’t murdered Anthony at home.

Barrington stood next to me and put his hand on my shoulder.

“Sorry, Jacques, the wedding will have to be cancelled for at least a year. I thought you should know straight away so you could visit.”

“Is my attendance acceptable?”

Luckily, it was another cloudy day, so I could attend the Hamilton’s and give my condolences if need be.

“Of course it is, man, you are Caroline’s betrothed, and should be with her,” Barrington agreed.