Page 91 of A Whisper at Midnight

“I’m not sure, but I did inform him that Louis had stolen Beryl’s jewelry and given it to his paramour. I hope that was all right. I wanted to see his reaction.”

Tilda’s brows dipped. “And what was it?”

“He wasn’t surprised, just disappointed, I think. He said he attended their dinner parties until about six months ago when he could no longer watch Louis’s financial recklessness. I have the sense he hoped his brother would change.”

“After all we’ve learned about their spending habits, I am surprised their house isn’t more lavishly decorated. It’s nice enough, but compared with your house … well, there’s no comparing.” She glanced away, and he wondered if his house intimidated her. Their experiences were quite different, particularly in how they lived day to day. However, he did not see that as something that divided them. He hoped she didn’t either.

“You can’t compare Ravenhurst House to the Chambers’ residence or to very many others. It’s been in my family for generations and is filled with items collected over those generations. And there are substantial coffers to ensure it is elegantly appointed, as every countess has endeavored to ensure.”

“I should hate for that to be my responsibility,” she said with a faint shudder. “I’m quite content with a house my grandmother’s size—and with its amenities and decor. Or lack thereof,” she added with a smile.

Hadrian had his answer. Tilda absolutely saw them as coming from distinctly different places. Perhaps this was why she bristled against him paying her to conduct business. She would hate knowing that he’d replenished her grandmother’s fund after her grandfather’s cousin had carelessly used every shilling for himself.

Which was why he would never tell her.

They fell quiet for a short while. Finally, he brought up the question that was most bothering him at the moment. “Do you think Beryl is lying about putting the knife in her drawer?”

“Are you asking if I think she stabbed Louis after all?” Tilda leaned her head back and looked at the ceiling of the coach a moment. “Whilst she has maintained her innocence and speaks convincingly, I remind myself that I have been sympathetic to her since I was hired to help her.” She turned her focusto Hadrian. “You and I both are inclined to believe she did not kill her husband, and if she did, that she may have been justified. But murder in the manner Louis was killed cannot be rationalized. She was not actively defending herself. She likely poisoned him and then, frustrated that it took too long, stabbed him.”

Hadrian couldn’t disagree with any of that. “I hate thinking she did that, but it does seem most likely. Yet you remain interested in investigating Mrs. Pollard.”

Tilda smiled. “Because I have unanswered questions, particularly why she would visit Martha Farrow. How did she even know the maid?”

“You are incredibly thorough,” Hadrian said. “Anyone would be lucky to hire you.”

They arrived at Scotland Yard and departed the coach. Inside, they were shown to Teague’s office, but he was not there. They were assured he would arrive shortly.

After a few minutes, the detective inspector joined them. “I appreciate you sending for me. I thought today would be for mourning. My mistake.”

His office was large enough for his desk as well as a small seating area with two chairs near a hearth. There was a third chair positioned near the desk, which Teague dragged to the other two. He motioned for them to take the two chairs whilst he sat in the one that he’d brought.

“Is Beryl being charged with Louis’s murder?” Tilda asked.

“Not yet, but probably. The cook is certain the knife that was found is the one that went missing from the kitchen.” Teague frowned. “Its presence in Mrs. Chambers’ dresser drawer is rather damning.”

Tilda arched her brow at Teague. “Your constables didn’t find it the other day?”

“No, in fact they are insistent it wasn’t there. I am inclined to believe them, but then where was it and why was it moved to the drawer?”

“Someone could have put it there since your constables searched,” Tilda said. “You already know that the back door to the house is sometimes left unlocked.”

“That would mean someone is trying to ensure Mrs. Chambers is blamed for the murder,” Teague replied. “Who do you think that would be?”

Tilda clasped her hands in her lap. “I can’t answer that yet. Our investigation is ongoing. We did learn why Louis Chambers was holding a grudge against Hadrian.” She turned her head toward him.

Hadrian explained what Daniel Chambers had told him.

“Did Mrs. Chambers know about this? Was she aware her husband married her out of spite?” Teague shook his head. “That does not help her case.”

No, it did not.Ifshe knew. “We have not discussed the matter with her,” Hadrian said.

A knock on the door prompted them all to look in that direction.

“Come,” Teague responded.

The door opened to reveal a constable in a blue uniform. He was young and tall, his expression earnest. “Detective Inspector, there is a man here who wants to see you. Says his name is Oliver Chambers.”

Teague looked over at Hadrian and Tilda, his brows arching. “Wonder what this is about.” He stood. “Bring him here.”