Page 66 of A Whisper at Midnight

Tilda repeated what she’d learned regarding Louis Chambers’ mistress, particularly his lavishing gifts on her, including the rubies that belonged to Beryl, and that Louis had mentioned divorce.

“Too bad Kirkham couldn’t name the paramour,” Hadrian said. “Did you happen to ask why Chambers hated me so much?”

“I did, and he had no idea. He was aware of Chambers’ dislike of you, however.”

“I think that was evident to everyone last Thursday,” he noted sardonically.

Tilda wasn’t sure she wanted to tell him about Kirkham wondering if Hadrian had killed Chambers or that tomorrow’s inquest could turn into a spectacle where Hadrian’s presence as a suspect would surely be reported upon.

His eyes narrowed slightly. “What aren’t you telling me?”

Did he somehow know she was keeping something from him? Perhaps he was seeing something with the glass after all. But wouldn’t he have told her?

“I can see you are hesitant,” he said. “And concerned. You have these little pleats between your eyes.” He lifted his hand, and for a moment, she thought he meant to touch her.

He must have thought so too, for he blinked and dropped his hand with alacrity.

Shewaskeeping something from him. Apparently, he just knew her well. “Kirkham wondered if you’d been angry enough to kill Chambers.”

Hadrian’s nostrils flared and his jaw clenched. “I wasn’t even angry the other night.”

“I told him as much,” Tilda said, eager to soothe his ire, which he was more than entitled to. “But then he pointed out that you were perhaps still upset about Chambers and Beryl. I disabused him of that notion, by the way.”

Surprise flickered in Hadrian’s eyes, and his features settled into mild amusement. “What did you say?”

She shrugged. “That you didn’t hold a grudge and had no regrets. Or something to that effect.”

“Thank you,” he said softly, his gaze reflecting his deep appreciation.

Tilda did not allow herself to look into his eyes for too long. She glanced toward the billiards table where Sir Godfrey and Ardmore were playing. “I should also warn you that Kirkham and some of his friends will likely be at the inquest tomorrow. He sees it as entertainment, I believe.”

“Spectacular,” Hadrian muttered.

“One last thing,” Tilda said. “Kirkham suggested we speak to Daniel Chambers about why Louis despised you. Apparently, he’s a member here too, but he hasn’t come in since Louis’sdeath. Perhaps we can speak with him after the inquest tomorrow.”

“I’d like to, if possible.” He sipped more of the whisky. “We can go now, if you like.”

“Yes, please.” Tilda was pleased with how easily she’d moved about, but for the last few minutes, a gentleman across the billiard room had been staring at her off and on. “I’m concerned there’s a man over there who may not be fooled by my disguise.”

“I see. Then let us depart after we give our regards to Sir Godfrey.”

A short while later, they were ensconced in Hadrian’s coach. Tilda wished she could remove the hair stuck to her face, but that would have to wait until they returned to the Cock and Hen where she would return to her regular appearance.

“How did it feel to be inside a gentleman’s club?” Hadrian asked with a smile.

“I confess I found it rather titillating, as well as annoying. Why can’t women be allowed?”

“Some argue that they have their own clubs.”

Tilda scoffed. “Not nearly as many or as varied.”

Hadrian inclined his head. “And some men think women would ruin things.”

“I daresay those men don’t see women as their equal or as engaging individuals to, say, play billiards with.”

“I don’t agree with those men, by the way,” Hadrian said. “You and I are the perfect example of how a man and woman can be friends and enjoy one another’s company.”

They were indeed.