Page 84 of A Whisper at Midnight

“You do indeed, miss,” Leach said in agreement as he held the door to the coach.

“Thank you, Leach.” Tilda climbed inside with the coachman’s help. How quickly she’d become accustomed to this manner of travel. She thought of what her grandmother had said about her father being proud. What would he think if he saw her gadding about with an earl?

He would have liked Hadrian, she realized. And her father wouldn’t have given a fig about Hadrian’s rank, so long as he was kind and had integrity.

Hadrian sat beside her, and the coach started forward.

Tilda looked over at him to share the most recent developments in the investigation. “I received a note from Mr. Forrest earlier. A pawnbroker called on him yesterday regarding the list of Beryl’s missing jewelry I published. He has a shop located just off the Strand. He recognized the description of the pearl necklace and ring. Unfortunately, he’d already sold them, so Mr. Forrest wasn’t able to confirm the pieces specifically. However, I don’t think that’s necessary because the pawnbroker identified Louis Chambers as the man who sold him the items.”

Hadrian met her gaze. “So Louis stole multiple items from Beryl that we know of. He gave one item, the brooch, to Martha and sold some others.”

“It certainly supports the idea that he was short of funds or out of them entirely.”

“And spending lavishly on his mistress,” Hadrian mused.

“Also on those monthly dinner parties which included expensive cakes,” Tilda said. “Multiple people have said Louis liked to spend money, and it appears he did so quite recklessly.”

Hadrian nodded. “It’s not difficult to see why his brother cut him off.”

“I do wonder why he wasn’t yet selling everything he could. But since there is still jewelry in Beryl’s possession, not to mention other items in the household, perhaps he just hadn’t become that desperate.” Tilda would never want to be in that position, which was why she was so careful with her grandmother’s finances. “Though I’m sure he was close.”

Hadrian glanced toward her. “Did you inform Teague of the pawnbroker’s information?”

“Not yet, but I will. I don’t imagine he’ll be at the funeral.”

“We can stop in at Scotland Yard afterward, if you’d like,” Hadrian offered.

She sent him a smile. “Thank you.”

They were quiet a moment before Hadrian said, “I hope I didn’t imply yesterday that you needed to buy a new dress.”

“No.” Tilda smoothed her hand over her skirt. “As I said, my grandmother has been pressing me to do so. However, I confess that our visit to Madame Ousset’s may have persuaded me to finally spend the money.” She hadn’t intended to tell him that, but she felt comfortable doing so. Perhaps because he’d broached the subject. She didn’t want there to be awkwardness between them.

He grimaced faintly. “I hope you didn’t feel bad. About your wardrobe, I mean. You always look nice.”

“But incredibly outdated,” she said with a laugh. “I will replace the lot as I can, but it will take me a while—and a steady stream of clients.”

“I shall do my best to support you in your endeavors.”

“Do you mean in attracting clients or with investigating?”

“Both,” he said eagerly. “If you’ll allow it.”

Tilda could never have imagined becoming a private investigator with an earl as an assistant. But he was quite helpful. “Your investigative skills are developing nicely.”

“We make an excellent team. In my opinion.”

“I cannot disagree.” Tilda met his gaze, and it was a long moment before they each looked away. “Although you must ensure you have adequate time to devote to your duties in the Lords. I daresay they need a man of your intelligence and integrity.”

Hadrian grimaced and wiped a hand over his brow. “I would agree after yesterday. Too many of them are unserious too much of the time.”

“Did something happen?”

He sent her a look of frustration. “Several had read the reports of the inquest and asked me about Chambers—and Beryl. It was incredibly irritating, if I must say. Then my mother called this morning. She’d also read the papers and was concerned about me. It’s as if I’ve been transported back four years.” He rolled his eyes and blew out a breath.

Tilda turned toward him. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t want any of that to happen. I promise we’ll find the killer soon.”

He smiled faintly. “You can’t promise that, but I appreciate your support. Don’t let my complaints interfere with your investigation. You’ll discover the truth of everything, I have no doubt.”