Page 71 of A Whisper at Midnight

“Let’s go ask him.” Hadrian escorted her to Massey, who was trying to cut through the crowd toward the door. “Massey, wait,” Hadrian called.

The valet paused, his features taut. “What is it?” He appeared impatient.

“I don’t suppose you’d come to the Chambers’ house with us?” Tilda asked. “I’d like to conduct some inquiries about this poisoning. In particular, I’d like to determine where it came from.”

“Wouldn’t it have been put into his food?” Massey looked toward the cook. “Seems like you should be speaking with Mrs. Dunning.”

“I plan to,” Tilda said. “I’d just hoped to speak to everyone who lived there. If you’d rather not come, I can ask you some questions now and then call on you at the Cock and Hen if I have further inquiries.”

“I’ll come to the house,” Massey said, though he seemed annoyed. “I do need to fetch the rest of my things.” He seemed hesitant. “I should also speak with Mrs. Chambers about making sure she’ll continue to pay my wages. Though I am worried since Daniel Chambers indicated that his brother was out of funds.”

“I will speak with her on your behalf,” Hadrian offered. He hoped there were funds to pay the valet. Not to mention the rest of the staff. If not, he may talk to Daniel Chambers to see if he would ensure the retainers did not suffer because of Louis Chambers’ financial recklessness. “Why don’t you walk on ahead and pack up your things?” Hadrian suggested.

When the valet was gone, Hadrian and Tilda walked to where Beryl stood with Mrs. Styles-Rowdon.

“That wasn’t so bad, was it?” Mrs. Styles-Rowdon said brightly. She wore an elegant purple ensemble adorned with a black sash at her waist.

Beryl had left her veil up for the remainder of the inquest. “I am glad it’s over.” She glanced at Hadrian with perhaps a touch of nervousness.

“I am also,” Hadrian said. “Would you allow Tilda and me to accompany you back to your house?” It would be a short walk.

“Of course,” Beryl replied.

Tilda smiled. “Thank you. I would like to speak with you and the staff about this poisoning business, as well as look around the house. Will that be all right?”

Beryl shook her head. “I can’t believe he was poisoned. I suppose that was why he’d been ill. We had no idea.” She seemed more surprised than sad, but Hadrian supposed that made sense. She’d made no secret that she disliked her husband and regretted marrying him. It was why she was a suspect.

And while Hadrian had a great deal of trouble believing she would have stabbed her husband, he somehow found it more believable that she might poison him. Did that mean he suspected she was guilty? Did that also mean multiple people had attempted to kill Chambers?

He wasn’t sure, butsomeonehad succeeded in killing Louis Chambers.

After today’s inquest, he wasn’t sure they were any closer to finding out who.

CHAPTER 15

When they stepped from the pub into the street, Tilda immediately wished they’d left through a back door. The number of reporters had increased, and several flocked toward Hadrian. Kirkham was also loitering about with a few gentlemen, and their attention focused on Hadrian.

Tilda clasped Hadrian’s arm. “I know it’s a short trip to Beryl’s house, but perhaps we should take your coach.”

“Lord Ravenhurst!” one of the reporters called. “Are you a suspect in the murder of Louis Chambers?”

“Were you having an affair with Chambers’ wife?” another asked.

Hadrian tensed, and a muscle in his neck worked. “I don’t want to leave Beryl to these jackals either. But I must tell Leach we’re going to her house.”

“He’s going to move the coach. You may as well get in it,” Tilda advised. “You go. I’ll move Beryl and everyone else along.” She didn’t want to suggest Beryl go with him in the coach. That would only feed the rumors.

His eyes sparking with anger, Hadrian muttered something before hurrying to the coach. Tilda glared at the encroachingreporters and hastened to where Beryl and the others were already fending off several other reporters.

Tilda moved to Beryl’s side. “You don’t need to speak with them. Just walk quickly toward your house.”

“What if they follow us?” Beryl asked, her features stricken.

“They wouldn’t dare!” Mrs. Styles-Rowdon declared in horror.

Tilda was afraid they would. “Go. Quickly.”

Mrs. Styles-Rowdon took Beryl’s arm and steered her away. The retainers were already moving in the direction of Beryl’s house.