Page 117 of A Whisper at Midnight

This was a complication she didn’t need. She wanted things to go back to the way they were before he’d kissed her. No, before he’d talked about kissing her.

If they could do that, all would be well.

Three weeks later, Tilda descended the staircase in a new gown and with a more intricate hairstyle than she was used to. Her grandmother smiled widely. “You look lovely, my dear. I’m so glad you saw fit to purchase another gown. The mulberry is very pretty on you. And Clara has made a masterpiece of your hair.”

Clara had come to stay with them—temporarily—a few days ago after Beryl had gone home to her parents in Rutland. The house in Catherine Place would soon have new tenants, and as expected, they did not have need of Clara. In fact, they hadn’t wanted any of the existing retainers to stay, and so they’d all needed to find a new situation. Clara would be looking for a position as a maid or lady’s maid, but in the meantime, she’d had nowhere to go. So Tilda and her grandmother had taken her in, just as they’d done with Vaughn.

Now they had two additions to their household that they did not particularly need but who had ended up being quite helpful. Tilda could not have known that she would need someone to style her hair for a new client. The new client was also why Tilda had purchased a new gown. It was vital she looked her very best because today she was meeting with that client.

The dowager Countess of Ravenhurst.

Well, Tilda supposed Hadrian had been her first client and Beryl Chambers had been her second. This was the first client referred to her specifically for an investigation.

That it was Hadrian’s mother was slightly bothersome, but only because Tilda was still caught up on the idea that she oughtn’t be paid by him or his family for every investigation. He’d ended up paying for Tilda’s time investigating Beryl’s missing jewels, in addition to her invoice that covered the investigation to prove Hadrian hadn’t killed Louis Chambers.

However, Hadrian wouldn’t be paying for this investigation—his mother would. He was the reason behind it though, and whilst Tilda was grateful, she was also a bit nervous. She’d seen him just once since the Thing She Would Not Name had happened to ensure he was healing well.

During that meeting, Hadrian had reiterated his desire to help Tilda with her investigative work, which included referring people to her. He’d also ensured she paid averyfair price for the printing of her cards. Indeed, she wondered if he’d shared the expense without telling her. She hoped not, even as she told herself that she oughtn’t let pride rule her decisions.

“Thank you, Grandmama.”

Tilda’s grandmother eyed her with concern. “Are you nervous?”

“Perhaps a little.” Whilst Tilda had met the dowager countess previously, working for her would be a different kind of interaction.

“You will be splendid!” Grandmama assured her. “I only wish I could come along and watch your triumph.”

“This isn’t a social engagement,” Tilda said, which she’d explained before. She realized it was somewhat difficult for her grandmother to fully comprehend that Tilda was a woman of business. That was just so far outside her grandmother’s experience.

“I know, dear. I shall wait eagerly for the full report of what transpired.”

Hadrian’s coach arrived—he’d insisted on sending it to fetch her, and Leach helped her inside. “Good to see you, Miss Wren.”

“And you, Leach,” she replied with a smile.

When she arrived at Ravenhurst House, Collier showed her to the drawing room where Hadrian was already waiting. The dowager countess did not appear to have arrived yet.

That meant Tilda and Hadrian would be alone for a time. Tilda would do her best to ensure it wasn’t awkward.

He greeted her warmly, with his usual smile that still set a few butterflies loose in Tilda’s belly no matter how hard she tried to remain unaffected. She just had to accept that she had an attraction to Hadrian and would need to ignore that. In time, she presumed, it would pass. Especially after more time had elapsed since the Thing She Would Not Name.

His gaze lingered on her gown, and she knew he must recognize that it was new. She waited for him to compliment her as he often did, but he did not. That was probably for the best. After all, she’d said they needed to keep matters between them professional. Or something like that.

“You appear completely recovered from your wound,” she said.

“I am, thank you. I resumed my morning rides in the park a week or so ago.”

Morning rides in the park were an excellent reminder of why Tilda could have no future with Hadrian. She didn’t know how to ride a horse, nor did she have any interest in learning.

“I’m glad to hear that,” Tilda said. “Have you any idea why your mother seeks to hire me?”

He shook his head. “She is being rather guarded. She said she would reveal all today when she could meet with you in person. I only know she wishes you to make some inquiries on her behalf.”

“I am happy to help. And thankyouvery much for recommending me to her.”

“It is my pleasure. I hope to continue the practice.”

“Are you planning to assist me?” she asked tentatively, unsure of what answer she was hoping for. “With your ability, I mean.”