Page 21 of A Whisper at Midnight

“And we went directly home,” Hadrian said, flicking a glance at Tilda.

Leach looked at him as if he’d knocked his head again. “Yes. I told the constable that too.”

Hadrian smiled at Tilda. “Satisfied?”

“Yes, but I took you at your word.”

“I’m sorry to hear your friend’s husband died,” Leach said with concern.

“You will hear more about this unfortunate situation as Miss Wren will be investigating, and I will be providing assistance once more.”

“Can’t say I’m sorry to see more of Miss Wren,” Leach said, extending a warm smile to Tilda as he opened the door to the coach.

“Thank you, Leach, you are most kind.” Tilda climbed into the vehicle.

“Tilda, do you mind if we stop by Ravenhurst House to fetch the letter that Beryl sent me?”

“Not at all,” she replied.

Hadrian instructed Leach to drive them to the druggist in Leicester Place after Ravenhurst House, then climbed into the coach. Tilda had taken the forward-facing seat, which he’d insisted she do when they’d first become acquainted. He was glad to see she hadn’t forgotten.

As Hadrian settled against the squab, he reveled in the comfort of being with Tilda and in the anticipation of working with her again.

“We are partner investigators once more,” he said.

She inclined her head. “Indeed we are, though I am sorry it’s necessary. I truly wish you hadn’t been drawn into this situation with Mrs. Chambers.”

“You may as well call her Beryl since she’s to call you Tilda,” he noted wryly. “I confess I wish I hadn’t been drawn into this matter either. I was quite content to not see or deal with Beryl or her husband again.”

“Was it terrible for you when the betrothal was dissolved?”

“If you’re asking whether there was a scandal, yes, though it could have been much worse. No one knew about them embracing at the ball. Miraculously, I seem to have been the only witness.”

Tilda cocked her head. “Then why was there a scandal? I am not well-versed in Society.”

“Because we ended the betrothal. That is generally not done. Once a couple is engaged to marry, they are allowed to be more familiar with one another, and a woman may suffer because of that.”

“Of course, the woman would suffer,” Tilda said with a faint cluck of her tongue. “I can’t imagine Beryl was unaffected?”

“Since she married, she fared better than most women.”

“They are ruined?” Tilda made a noise in her throat that was rather unladylike. “How horrible that a woman—or a man—can’t have a change of heart. Surely, it’s better to do that before the wedding than after.” Her brows drew together. “I hope it wasn’t terribly taxing for you. I’m going to do my best to make sure this doesn’t draw you into another scandal.” Her gaze locked with his, and he saw her commitment clearly.

His pulse quickened. “Thank you.”

“I will do my utmost to solve this case as quickly and as quietly as possible.”

“If anyone can, it’s you.”

CHAPTER 5

Tilda remained in the coach as Hadrian dashed into Ravenhurst House to fetch the letter from Beryl. Hadrian’s home was jaw-droppingly large. She’d visited him once before and had done her best to keep from goggling at the stateliness of his home. Set back from the street, it boasted six columns across the front of its gleaming white façade and a tidy garden with sunny daffodils, which Tilda adored.

It was a stark reminder of their difference in station, just as their conversation prior to arriving had been. Tilda hadn’t asked for the specifics regarding the scandal surrounding his broken betrothal, but she could imagine there had been a great deal of gossip. Had it affected his work or his social life? Had he been evicted from his club? Perhaps the news had appeared in the paper. Or multiple papers.

How awful to have one’s life sensationalized.

She’d meant what she’d told him about solving the case as quickly as possible and keeping the scandal at bay. She didn’t want to think what would happen if people knew that Scotland Yard considered him, the Earl of Ravenhurst, a suspect in the murder of the man who’d stolen his fiancée.