Page 119 of A Whisper and a Curse

The doctor called for Mallory, and they all returned to the bedchamber. Captain Vale looked much improved. Mrs. Wilson had gone downstairs to make tea.

Upon learning that the captain would move to Cadogan Place to rest, the doctor said he would call on him there the following day. Then he took his leave.

“Will you be there with me, Thaddeus?” the captain asked.

Mallory shook his head. “I’m to be arrested again. But I will ensure there is someone there to care for you.”

“Employ the Henry siblings to do so,” Tilda said. At Mallory’s nod, she looked at the captain. “They are downstairs now. I’ll send them up to meet you.”

“Thank you,” the captain replied with a smile. “Please deliver an invoice for your services to me at your earliest convenience.”

Tilda’s forehead pleated. “I’m not sure that is necessary, Captain. Most of my investigative work occurred before you hired me.”

He met her gaze intently. “You prevented my son from being killed. That is worth a great deal to me. I insist on paying for your services. You decide what is fair, and I’ll decide if I agree.” There was a glint of humor in his expression, and Hadrian had to stifle a smile. He really did like the captain.

“I’ll do that,” Tilda said. “Thank you.”

Hadrian looked to the captain. “And I must thank you for your … guidance.”

“I hope you’ll let me know if I can ever be of further help. Ours is a very small club, and we must take care of one another.” Captain Vale shifted his gaze to his son. “I trust you will treat our ability with more respect in the future.”

“Yes, Papa.”

Hadrian escorted Tilda from the bedchamber. Graythorpe had arrived and was investigating the bodies.

The coroner did not even look in their direction as they departed the house and made their way to Hadrian’s coach. Leach stood at the door and opened it as they arrived. “All is well?”

“Well enough,” Tilda said. “Thank you again for your assistance, Leach. You have become a vital part of our investigative team. I shall ensure you receive extra payment for your service.”

A faint bit of color flushed in Leach’s cheeks. “That isn’t necessary, Miss Wren.”

“I think it is,” Hadrian said firmly. He clapped Leach on the shoulder. “You were instrumental today.”

“Thank you, my lord.”

Tilda climbed into the coach, and Hadrian followed her after directing Leach to take them to Scotland Yard. He decided to sit on the opposite seat, probably because his conversation with Mallory about whatever might—or might not—be between him and Tilda was still fresh in his mind.

“My apologies,” Tilda said. “I should not have directed Leach.”

“Why not?” Hadrian asked. “As you aptly stated, he is part of the investigative team, and you are the leader.”

She blushed faintly. “I suppose it’s just unusual for me to direct a coachman. I have never employed one or lived in a household that did.” She leaned her head back against the squab. “I’m exhausted, I think.”

“We’ve had a very busy day, what with investigating and avoiding being murdered.”

Tilda smirked at him. “You make light of that?”

“What else can we do?” He pinned her with a serious stare. “I could tell you that I was terrified you would die, but I doubt either of us wants to belabor that.”

“I do not,” she said, shifting her attention to the window. “I was also frightened you would be shot. Again. I am most relieved you were not.”

“What happened to your father’s pistol?” Hadrian asked.

She patted her reticule. “I picked it up when I returned from asking the neighbor to fetch the doctor.” Her brows drew together. “I do not like that it was used against us.”

“That is not your fault,” Hadrian said. “Crocker surprised you. There was no harm done.”

“There would have been if he had more accurate aim.”