Page 61 of A Whisper at Midnight

“My grandmother, with whom I live, is very proud of me,” Tilda said simply.

The dowager countess smiled. “That’s lovely.” She picked up her cup to finish her tea. “Well, I suppose I will be on my way so you can discuss whatever it is you need to discuss.”

Hadrian rose. “Delightful to see you, Mother, as always.” He moved to hold her chair as she stood.

“I’ll see you soon, dear. Please give Beryl my very best.”

“I’ll do that.” Hadrian escorted his mother to the doorway, then bussed her cheek.

“Miss Wren.” His mother waved her fingers at Tilda before departing.

Hadrian returned to the table where Tilda was watching him with interest. “You must have something important to share.”

“In a moment,” she said. “Your mother seems fond of Beryl. Was she disappointed when you and she didn’t wed?”

“Yes, but I don’t know that it had anything to do with the bride in particular. She just wants me to marry.”

“I did hear that she wants you to have an heir.” Tilda gave him a gentle, understanding look. “That must induce stress for you.”

“Somewhat, but I have mostly learned to ignore her.”

“I didn’t know you had a brother,” she said, confirming that she’d heard all that.

He lifted a shoulder. “I don’t speak of him often. He died of cholera five years ago in India. My father had died the year before, so it was a difficult time, particularly for my mother.”

“Were you and your brother close?”

“When we were younger. He was still a boy when I went off to school.” Hadrian frowned at his teacup. He wished they’d been close, especially since their father had been so cold. But Hadrian had been focused on his own life and growing up. He couldn’t wait to leave home. “I’d looked forward to when we might grow closer in adulthood.” But they would never have that chance.

“I’m sorry,” Tilda said softly. “I don’t know what it’s like to have siblings, let alone lose them.”

Hadrian blinked a few times, then straightened. “You did not come here to be weighed down by melancholy. What news do you bring? I am most anxious to hear.”

She’d taken another sip of tea and now set her cup back in the saucer. Her gaze met his, and for the first time since her arrival, he saw deep concern. It made him apprehensive. Had she engaged in conversation to postpone whatever it was she needed to say?

“Teague called on me earlier. He had information to share. Apparently, Louis Chambers consulted with a solicitor about divorcing Beryl. The solicitor said Louis was certain she was having an affair.” She paused, and now she looked apprehensive. “With you.”

Hadrian swore under his breath.

“I heard that,” Tilda said mildly.

“My apologies,” Hadrian murmured. “Is Teague coming to interrogate me?”

She shook her head. “He already did so the other day. I just thought you should know of this development.”

Hadrian was both relieved and pleased that she would come to tell him.

She laid her bare hand atop the table. “I am sorry you keep getting dragged back into this mess.”

“Why does Chambers keep telling everyone that I was having an affair with his wife? Is it because he appears to have been holding a grudge against me for some perceived slight?”

“It is noticeable,” Tilda said with a slight frown. “Perhaps the reason behind Chambers’ hatred of youisimportant. I apologize for discounting it.”

“I think I will visit Arthur’s tonight and make some inquiries amongst Chambers’ friends.” He sent her an apologetic look. “I’m sorry you can’t accompany me.”

“Can you go without being a member?” Tilda asked. “I realize your title has extraordinary privilege, but surely it doesn’t extend to that.”

“I will go with my colleague who invited me the other night,” Hadrian replied. “Provided he is able.”