Page 57 of A Whisper at Midnight

“You should not suffer because your employer was murdered,” Hadrian said simply.

“That is incredibly kind of you, my lord.” Massey’s voice was small, his eyes grateful.

“I have one more question for you,” Tilda said. “A woman in a veil was seen at Martha’s lodgings the night she died. Have you any idea who else would visit her?”

Massey’s brow creased, and he pushed his hair back from his forehead. “A woman in a veil? No one from the Chambers’ household would have visited her. I was the only one who liked her. The housekeeper, cook, and Oswald are thick as thieves and never really took to the rest of us. They were already working in the house when Chambers assumed the lease.”

“What about Clara? She’s been with the household for some time. Did you know her well?”

“Chambers hired her on the year after I started. She was very timid and eager to please, which Chambers took advantage of.” His mouth twisted with disdain briefly. “I was glad when she stopped sharing his bed after he wed—and relieved that Chambers didn’t press her to continue. But we never became close.”

Tilda cocked her head. “Did Chambers pressure her to begin with?”

“I don’t know.”

“Do you think she could have killed Chambers?” Tilda asked.

“That would shock me, but then I don’t know her very well.”

“You don’t know me either, yet you think I would have an affair with another man’s wife,” Hadrian said, knowing he sounded sour. However, his life and reputation were at risk. “It would be helpful to me if you stopped reiterating that lie.”

Massey looked pained. “I do apologize, my lord. It’s clear Mr. Chambers didn’t care for you, and I should have realized he was more concerned with denigrating you than speaking the truth. I’ll understand if you would rather not help me as I search for a new position.”

“I will help you,” Hadrian replied. “I am not one to hold a grudge. I am not sure, however, if you’ll find a position where you can be gone overnight on a regular basis, but I will hold out hope for you. Have you considered employment where you are not in service? You could work in a gentleman’s club, perhaps.”

Surprise flickered in Massey’s gaze. “I had not considered that.”

“You may need to make some … adjustments if you took that path. You would not want to be seen living in an establishment like this.”

Massey nodded. “I understand.”

Tilda had one more question. “Did anyone ask you to say that his lordship was carrying on with Mrs. Chambers?”

The valet shook his head. “No. It was something Mr. Chambers said.” He twisted his lips. “And I repeated the lie thinking it was true.” He sent another apologetic look toward Hadrian.

“Thank you, Massey,” Tilda said with a kind smile as she rose. “You’ve been very helpful. We’ll see you at the inquest on Monday.”

Hadrian stood, and the valet did as well.

“I’m sorry for what I said about you,” Massey said to Hadrian before looking at Tilda. “Who do you think killed Mr. Chambers?”

“I don’t know yet,” Tilda replied. “But we will find the truth.”

They took their leave, and when they were outside, Hadrian escorted Tilda across the street to the coach. “I am rather hungry,” he said. “I don’t suppose you’d care to join me for a repast at the pub up there?” He gestured toward the Strand.

“I should return home to my grandmother, but I confess I am hungry too. Let us have a quick meal, and we’ll review what we know, including our latest suspect.”

Hadrian arched a brow at her. “Who is that?”

“Massey, of course.”

CHAPTER 12

After informing Leach they would be dining at the pub, Tilda took Hadrian’s arm for the short walk. “How do we know if this is any different than the Cock and Hen?” she asked.

“You make a good observation. I suppose we will find out.” He waggled his brows at her.

They entered the River’s Edge and Tilda immediately saw that it was not like the Cock and Hen. There was a dining room where several tables were occupied.