Page 31 of A Whisper at Midnight

“Yes, I’m very sorry for your loss,” Tilda said.

Chambers shook his head in a manner that seemed to indicate he was trying to clear it of something. “I’m rather shocked. A detective inspector came to tell me earlier, and I hastened here to see Beryl.” He looked over at her with a slight frown. “Such a tragedy to lose one’s husband so young.”

Beryl only glanced at him before looking at the floor for a moment.

“Don’t you have another brother?” Tilda asked. Where was he? Why hadn’t he accompanied his brother on this condolence call?

“Yes, but Daniel did not take the news well. He shut himself in his study with a bottle of brandy, I believe.” The younger Chambers brother grimaced. “I should return to him.”

“You reside together?” Tilda asked, knowing she was treading the line between genial conversation and unsuitable curiosity, particularly in this time of shock and grief.

“For the time being. I just returned to London in December.”

“He was a curate in Kent,” Beryl said. “But he decided the religious life didn’t suit him.”

Chambers turned and put his hand on Beryl’s upper arm, then pressed a kiss to her cheek. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Will you be coming to the inquest?” Tilda asked, again risking being overly inquisitive. She had to be since it was her job.

“Yes, I planned to go in support of Beryl,” Chambers replied. He looked to Hadrian. “I’m pleased that she has your support as well. I’ll bid you good day.” He inclined his head and went to the door.

When he was gone, Beryl wasted no time in asking if they’d brought the sleeping draught.

“Yes, and we also brought some accessories from Flanders,” Hadrian said. “I will fetch them from the parlor.”

Whilst he went to retrieve the items, Tilda asked Beryl how she was feeling. “Were you able to get some rest?”

“Not really,” Beryl said, and indeed she did not appear rested. There were lines around her eyes and mouth, and she was still somewhat pale. “I did lie down for a while, but then Oliver arrived. I am so glad he called.”

“You are close with your brothers-in-law?” Tilda asked.

“Just Oliver. He has always been very kind and considerate, things Louis turned out not to be. Their older brother, Daniel, is rather stoic. He’s difficult to know.” Beryl’s brows arched briefly.“I am surprised at how badly he took the news. I never credited him for having an excess of sentiment about anything.”

Hadrian returned with the boxes and the draught, which sat atop them. “Mr. Flanders gifted you the hats and gloves in the boxes. He and his daughter were distraught to hear of your husband’s passing.”

Beryl put her fingers to her mouth for a moment and blinked, appearing to have to subdue her emotions. Finally, she said, “How thoughtful of them. I hope dear Elinor wasn’t too upset. She is a sweet-natured girl.”

“She felt badly for you,” Tilda said gently. “And sends her condolences.”

“I will write them a note to be delivered along with a funeral invitation. Oliver is taking care of ordering those, though we can’t print them until I know when we can have the funeral.” Beryl wrung her hands. “The inspector couldn’t tell me when Louis’s body will be returned.”

“It shouldn’t be more than a few days,” Tilda said.

“I’m glad you are both here to help. Hadrian, I located the household ledger if you’re still willing to review it for me.”

“Of course,” Hadrian replied. “On that note, I hope you won’t mind my asking, but do you owe money to the druggist and the milliner?”

Beryl inhaled. “Did they tell you that?”

“No,” Tilda said. “Hadrian is only trying to help, and he’ll need to know if you have outstanding debts.”

Pink stained Beryl’s cheeks. “I don’t know how much I owe, but I haven’t made payments to them recently because Louis had cut my allowance.”

Tilda felt badly for the woman because she had no control over her finances, which meant she had no real autonomy at all. “It seems your husband may have been struggling financially.”

“Which explains why he stole my jewelry,” Beryl said with a flash of irritation.

“Are you certainhestole it?” Tilda asked carefully. “I know you think he did, but have you any evidence that it was him?”