Page 25 of A Whisper at Midnight

Tilda was glad Beryl had been helpful to this young woman. She was also eager to see what else Miss Flanders might share. “Did you also know Mr. Chambers?”

“No.” Miss Flanders’ nose wrinkled. “Mrs. Chambers said he wasn’t very nice. She was always telling me to be careful around men, that I must not fall for their pretty words or excessive charm. She said she wished she’d never married him,” the young woman added in a whisper as if she were imparting a secret.

Tilda and Hadrian exchanged another look. “We will be sure to convey your condolences to Mrs. Chambers,” Hadrian said.

“Oh, yes,” Miss Flanders said with a jolt. “I should have said that immediately. I’m terribly shocked by this news. Please tell her that I am thinking of her and hope she is well.”

Mr. Flanders returned then, coming through the door where his daughter stood. He looked to her. “Elinor, I’ve set some things behind the counter. Will you box them up for Lord Ravenhurst and Miss Wren?”

“Yes, Papa.” Miss Flanders disappeared through the door, and her father closed it behind her.

“I can pay you for the items,” Hadrian said. “How much?”

Mr. Flanders waved his hand. “I wouldn’t hear of it. These are gifts to Mrs. Chambers, as one of our best customers. Please tell her how sorry we are for her loss.”

“We will do that,” Tilda said, rising from the settee. Hadrian stood beside her.

“I am curious what will happen with her husband’s new shop,” Mr. Flanders said. “Without one of the partners, will it even open?”

Tilda jumped on the opportunity to discuss Chambers’ business venture. “I wondered the same thing. Do you know where the shop is located?”

“Not far from here. Just west of Regent’s Circus on Oxford Street. They’ve done a great deal of refurbishment. It looks to be most elegant. I have stopped in a few times.”

“You are acquainted with Mr. Chambers then?” Hadrian asked.

“Somewhat. He was eager to show off the store. I could see he was quite proud of it. But his partner, Pollard, is a bit of an ass, if you’ll pardon me for saying so.” Flanders’ features pinched in distaste. “I’ve known him for some time. His uncle owns a drapery warehouse in Cheapside, and I’ve purchased from him on occasion. Pollard worked there—or used to. I’m not sure he has time for that now that he’s opening this shop with Chambers. Also, his wife worked for a friend of mine, Madame Ousset, as a seamstress for many years. Until she married Pollard.”

“What has influenced your opinion of Mr. Pollard?” Tilda asked.

“Do you mean, why do I think he’s an ass?” Flanders snorted. “He saw me as a competitor, which I found surprising at first. I thought they were just opening a clothing store, but Pollard said it’s to be much larger with a wide array of offerings. I believe he’s modeling the shop after Harding, Howell & Company.” Flanders moved closer to them and kept his voice low, though it wasn’t as if anyone would overhear him. “I sensed conflict between Pollard and Chambers over the shop. When you said Chambers had been murdered, my first thought was that Pollard must have done it. Did he?”

“The police have not yet arrested anyone for the crime,” Tilda said.

“There is to be an inquest tomorrow,” Hadrian added.

Flanders’ thin, dark brows climbed his forehead briefly. “Indeed? I may try to attend, if only to find out what happened.So devastating.” He clucked his tongue and cast his eyes toward the floor.

“We thank you for your time,” Hadrian said. “And for your generosity.”

“It’s the least I can do,” Flanders said with a brief smile. He moved to open the door to the shop for them. “Elinor will have Mrs. Chambers’ things for you at the counter.”

“Thank you,” Tilda said before making her way to the counter where Miss Flanders was boxing up the rest of the items.

The young woman looked over the counter at Tilda with a sad expression. She gestured to the round box tied with ribbon. “Those are two hats, one with a thick veil that she can remove if necessary.” She set another box next to it. “Here are three pairs of black gloves as well as some handkerchiefs. Those are white, but they are embroidered with black designs. Please tell her I will pray for her every night.”

Hadrian picked up the boxes. “We will. Thank you, Miss Flanders.”

“Yes, thank you.” Tilda gave the young woman a warm smile. “Your kindheartedness will serve you well.”

They took their leave, and Tilda immediately asked if they could go to the drapery shop next to hopefully speak with Pollard. Hadrian grinned in response, saying he was eager to do so, then gave Leach the direction to the shop.

Inside the coach, Hadrian set the boxes next to him on the rear-facing seat.

“You could sit beside me if you are crowded,” Tilda suggested as the coach began moving. “Or if you would simply prefer to face forward. There is plenty of room.” She understood why they’d sat opposite each other for the entirety of their acquaintance, but now that they were friends, did it matter? Then again, it was sometimes easier to conduct conversations facing one another.

“I am fine where I am for now,” Hadrian replied. “But I will keep your kind invitation in mind.” His eyes glowed with something she couldn’t define and decided she was probably better off not discerning.

“It’s too bad you weren’t able to shake Flanders’ hand,” Tilda noted.