Page 13 of A Whisper at Midnight

“Mr. Chambers said he saw Ravenhurst at his club last night.”

Teague snapped his gaze—now angry—at Hadrian. “You saw Chambers last night?” He glanced at the valet. “Pardon me, Massey, but I must interrogate Lord Ravenhurst first.”

CHAPTER 3

Tilda watched Hadrian’s eye twitch at the word “interrogate.” Was he angry? She was trying to think if she’d ever seen him truly angry and didn’t think she had. He typically controlled his emotions quite well.

Teague turned to Mrs. Chambers. “Is there somewhere I can take Ravenhurst to talk privately?”

“The parlor. It’s off the entrance hall,” the widow said.

Meeting Hadrian’s eyes, Teague inclined his head toward the door. “Please excuse us,” he said to Mrs. Chambers. Then he looked to the valet. “Massey, I will speak with you when I return.”

Hadrian glanced toward Tilda, then he strode from the study with Teague following behind. Tilda went after them. When they reached the entrance hall, Teague turned and frowned at her.

“I didn’t invite you,” Teague said, sounding quite cross. He was generally an amiable fellow, and they’d formed a good rapport as Tilda and Hadrian had worked to solve the case of who had stabbed Hadrian.

“Nevertheless, I am here,” Tilda said with a vague smile. “Do you really object to my presence? Hadrian will tell me everything you discuss.”

“Very well.” Teague nodded, and they all went into the parlor.

Hadrian arched a dark brow at Tilda. Though he appeared annoyed, he was still quite handsome, with his square jaw and sculptured brow. His blue eyes were fringed with long, dark lashes that any woman—besides Tilda—would envy.

“Do you mind my being here?” she asked.

“Not at all. As you said, I would tell you everything anyway.” He shifted his gaze to the detective inspector. “Just as I will tell Teague all he wants to know.”

“Everything,” Teague said. “I want to know everything, starting with where and when you saw Chambers last night. Be specific.”

Hadrian related the events at Arthur’s in much the same way he’d told them to Tilda earlier.

“You’ve no idea why Chambers behaved in that manner with you?” Teague asked, echoing Tilda’s question.

“I do not.”

Teague grunted. “Tell me about your betrothal to Mrs. Chambers and why you didn’t marry.”

Hadrian’s jaw tensed. “We were betrothed four years ago. I caught Beryl in Chambers’ arms at a ball. We decided not to wed, and she went on to marry Chambers.” He spoke in a clipped tone. Tilda was sorry he had to bring this up again.

“I suppose I can understand why you didn’t readily offer those details,” Teague said. “Still, you should have told me.”

“Forgive me if I didn’t care to explain how I was betrayed,” Hadrian replied icily. “I prefer not to discuss it.”

Teague’s expression was wary, assessing. “Back to last night, what happened when you left the club?”

“My coachman drove me home. We arrived shortly before midnight.”

“I or one of the constables will need to speak with him.”

“He’s outside,” Hadrian said, gesturing toward the window that faced the street.

Teague nodded. “Did you remain at home, or did you leave again?”

“I retired to my bedchamber.” Hadrian gave Teague a stern stare. “My valet can corroborate that.”

“Can he also confirm you were in your bedchamber all night?” Teague asked.

Hadrian pressed his lips together, appearing beleaguered. “I sleep alone, so no, he cannot confirm that. He woke me at eight this morning and I was still in my bed. Does that help?”