Page 115 of A Whisper at Midnight

“I’m glad someone does,” Beryl said with a faint pout.

Teague rose from the table where he’d sat to write down what everyone had said. “Mrs. Chambers, please inform me if you do leave London.”

Beryl nodded.

“Come, you need to go home,” Tilda said softly to Hadrian.

He nodded, his headache now gone, and stood. Tilda rose alongside him.

Oswald helped Beryl up, and she and her retainers began filing from the parlor. Tilda and Hadrian followed, accompanied by Teague.

“Thank you both again for your contributions to solving this bizarre case,” Teague said in the entrance hall. “I hope the arm isn’t paining you too badly, Ravenhurst.”

“It’s more of a nuisance than anything else,” Hadrian replied. “Let us know how we can help with anything further.”

Teague held the door while they left, and they walked together to Hadrian’s coach.

“Do you need a ride to Scotland Yard?” Hadrian asked.

“I’ll take a hack,” Teague replied. “If you don’t go directly home to rest, I fear Miss Wren will explode.”

Was she worried? Hadrian turned his head toward her to see she was shaking her head at Teague. The inspector chuckled and took himself off to find a hack.

Leach helped Tilda and then Hadrian into the coach. Tilda asked him to take Hadrian home first. “He needs to rest as soon as possible.”

“It won’t take long to drop you at home first,” Hadrian said.

“Nonsense. We’re going to Ravenhurst House first, and I will walk you to the door.”

Leach agreed with Tilda, and they were shortly on their way to Hadrian’s house in Mayfair.

Tilda angled toward Hadrian on the seat. “You must promise me you will take good care. You were stabbed not that long ago, and you suffer regular headaches. Now you’ve been shot.”

“I am fine,” he assured her. “Aren’t you curious what I saw when I grabbed Mrs. Styles-Rowdon?”

“You know I am. But I have been more worried about you. What did you see?”

“First, I saw her feeding those bloody cinnamon biscuits to a grinning Louis Chambers in his bed. And I am glad the vision ended there,” he added with a chuckle. “Second, I saw her standing beside a coffin bearing an older woman who bore a resemblance to her. After hearing what Teague said about her parents, I assume it was her mother.”

Tilda blinked. “It’s shocking she killed so many people. I think you may have been her next target.”

“I’m sure you’re right. I am relieved I did not have to flirt with her today as we’d originally discussed. It was bad enough I had to grab her.” He looked down at his hands. “I just realized I left my gloves in her dressing room. And I need to buy you a new pair after thoroughly ruining yours.”

“I’m just glad you’re all right.” She exhaled. “When I heard that pistol fire, I feared the worst.”

“I recall you checking my chest for a wound.” That had felt rather nice actually. He wished he’d been in a better state to enjoy it more.

Pink flushed Tilda’s cheeks. She looked very soft and feminine just now. “I didn’t mean to overstep,” she murmured.

“You did not,” he replied. “Youcouldnot.” His eyes met hers and silence reigned for a long moment during which a warmth curled in Hadrian’s belly.

Overcome with gratitude and something far more primal, he leaned toward Tilda. Her lips parted the barest amount.

Hadrian didn’t hesitate, nor was there anything in his mind telling him to do so. Closing his eyes, he kissed her.

CHAPTER 23

Tilda watched him lean toward her, but she hadn’t entirely realized what he’d meant to do until his lips met hers. Surprise, mingled with a wonderful heat, raced through her with delicious speed.