Page 54 of A Whisper at Midnight

Hadrian’s brow puckered, and his mouth tipped into a slight frown. “We’ve already survived one threatening environment today, should we really enter another?”

“Craven Street won’t be as bad as Flower and Dean,” Tilda said with a smile.

“Perhaps not, but the Cock and Hen may not be an appropriate place for you to visit.” He spoke cautiously, probably because he knew Tilda would disagree.

“I don’t care about such things,” she said perhaps a bit too sternly. “Particularly when I am conducting an investigation. Though in truth, I’ve no reason to visit a place like that when I am not.” She met his gaze and held it a moment. “Please don’t worry. You can take Leach’s pistol again if it will make you feel better.”

“I will,” Hadrian said before informing Leach of their destination.

“Happy to give you the pistol when we arrive, my lord,” he said with an affable nod before handing Tilda into the coach.

“Thank you, Leach.” She settled herself on the forward-facing seat as Hadrian sat down beside her.

As they began moving, Hadrian asked, “Is there any place you wouldn’t go in the effort of solving a crime?”

“Nothing comes to mind, but I suppose it would depend on the specific situation. For example, I am not sure I would have ventured to Flower and Dean Street after dark. At least, not without fetching my pistol first.”

“Perhaps I should start carrying a pistol,” Hadrian said.

“Don’t feel as though you need to. I am quite capable of seeing after myself.”

Hadrian looked over at her, his eyes dark and somewhat intense. “I will always protect you, whether you think it’s necessary or not. And don’t think to debate me.” He shifted his gaze forward, and Tilda regarded his handsome profile. The set of his jaw told her he was quite serious about keeping her safe.

Tilda wouldn’t quarrel with that. “I do think if I can manage an evening at Northumberland House, as we did recently, the Cock and Hen will be easy.”

This lightened Hadrian’s expression, and he laughed. “I don’t think they are comparable, but I understand your point. You are willing to venture wherever necessary to conduct your investigation.” He inclined his head. “I’m just glad you’re allowing me to come along.”

The Cock and Hen appeared to be a somewhat respectable establishment. It was at least in better condition and tidier than most of what they’d seen earlier in Spitalfields.

Leach parked the coach across the street, and once again gave Hadrian his pistol.

Tilda took Hadrian’s arm as they made their way to the brothel, which looked rather like a tavern. It even had a common area with a bar. There were no customers, however, perhaps due to it being afternoon.

A middle-aged woman came from behind the bar and greeted them, her expression cautious. She wore an elaborate hairstyle that looked as though it were from another era but was also quite flattering. The color was a vibrant red, which made Hadrian think it was likely a wig. Her features were painted with cosmetics, and her lips were scarlet.

“Good afternoon,” she said with a dark, husky voice. “How can I help you?”

Hadrian wasn’t sure what to say, so he left the response to Tilda.

Smiling, Tilda inclined her head at the woman. “Good afternoon. We are looking for a young man called Massey.”

The woman fluttered her lashes and gave them a patient half smile. “What makes you think you’d find him here?”

“We know he is here,” Tilda replied. “If you would tell him that Lord Ravenhurst and Miss Wren wish to speak with him, we would be most obliged.”

Surprise flickered across the woman’s features at the mention of a nobleman. She dipped a brief curtsey to Hadrian. “Your lordship. Your need to speak with Massey must be urgent if you decided to come here. Why don’t you follow me to the sitting room, so you aren’t seen in the common area? I’m Mrs. Longbotham.” She led them to a doorway at the back of the common room into a short corridor and then into a room on the right, gesturing for Tilda and Hadrian to go in before her.

Windowless, the room was covered in mirrors and several bright lanterns ensured there was plenty of light. The furniture was boldly colored with red, orange, and a brilliant blue.

“Wait here, and I’ll see if Massey wishes to receive you.” Mrs. Longbotham turned from the doorway in a rustle of dark-bronze silk.

“Should we sit?” Hadrian asked.

“You can if you wish, but I’ll wait to see if Massey arrives,” Tilda said. “Rather, if hereceivesus.” She waggled her brows.

“Mrs. Longbotham seems rather formal for an establishment such as this,” Hadrian noted. She was dressed for an evening out, she’d curtsied to Hadrian, and she’d behaved as if they were paying a call at someone’s residence. “Her hair was rather astonishing, though I do suspect it is a wig.”

Tilda arched her brow at him briefly as she took a step toward him, so they were rather close. “You do realize that Mrs. Longbotham isn’t a woman,” she whispered.