Page 1 of A Whisper in the Shadows

CHAPTER 1

London, May 1868

“Did you say you wanted me to be your wife?” Matilda Wren asked Inspector William Maxwell, a man she’d just met a few minutes ago. She wanted to make sure she’d heard him correctly.

“Yes,” the inspector replied. He appeared to be in his late twenties and had light-brown curly hair and sharp, hazel eyes. “Not in actuality, of course. I’d like you to pose as my wife to assist me with an investigation.”

Tilda slid a glance toward her friend and investigative partner, Hadrian Becket, Lord Ravenhurst. His features were inscrutable, but his gaze was fixed on the City of London inspector.

“Let us sit,” Tilda said, gesturing toward the seating area in the parlor of her grandmother’s house in Marylebone. She took one of the chairs while Hadrian claimed the other, and InspectorMaxwell occupied the settee. “I confess I’m surprised by your request, Inspector. Or are you Detective Inspector?”

“Inspector,” Maxwell replied. “Though I am hoping to be Detective Inspector at the conclusion of this investigation.”

“I see.” Tilda was more than surprised by the man’s request—she was thrilled. While she’d worked in tandem with Scotland Yard on several cases now, they would never officially request her assistance. “Do your superiors know you are asking me to help?”

“They do. I’m conducting a secret investigation in which I will change my identity. The scheme requires me to have a wife, and, well, your recent success with helping to catch the Levitation Killer recommends you.”

“Miss Wren did not justhelpto snare the murderers. She solved the case,” Hadrian said with a bit of ice to his tone.

Tilda couldn’t help feeling pleased that he would ensure she received credit. But she wanted him to have the same. “Lord Ravenhurst is being modest. He was instrumental throughout the investigation of the Levitation Killer. Rather, killers,” Tilda corrected as there was more than one person responsible.

The inspector looked toward Hadrian. “I didn’t realize you were so involved, my lord. There was no mention of you in any of the stories published about the case.”

That was because Hadrian had asked that his name be left out of the reporting. While some of his peers and colleagues were aware he assisted with investigations, the majority would likely not approve of his involvement, particularly if it distracted from his duties. Though Hadrian had never indicated that was the case, Tilda sometimes wondered if their investigations took him away from his responsibilities in the Lords.

“I prefer my involvement to remain anonymous,” Hadrian said blandly.

“I do understand,” the inspector replied. “Well, I don’t think this is a case where your assistance will be required,” he added with a brief smile.

Tilda slid another glance at Hadrian. She didn’t think he would like being excluded, but then again, perhaps it was time for him to pay more attention to his duties as earl.

“Tell me about this investigation,” Tilda said to the inspector.

“Yes, of course.” Maxwell positioned himself toward Tilda. “I’m investigating a friendly society. Are you familiar with them?”

“Somewhat,” Tilda said. “They are organizations formed to provide for the welfare of their members. They are rather like a brotherhood, are they not?”

“In many cases,” Maxwell said with a nod. “They are often organized with a specific goal or like-minded pursuit, perhaps centered on a trade or a religious belief. This society was started just over six months ago, and membership is confined to a specific ward in the City.”

“Where is that?” Hadrian asked.

The inspector glanced in his direction but looked at Tilda as he responded. “It’s called the Coleman Street Ward Amicable Society. Their headquarters are at the Swan and Hoop in Moorgate.” This was all very close to the City of London Police headquarters in Old Jewry. “There is suspicion that this society is committing fraud. The Amicable Society provides the same sort of benefits as a burial club.”

“I’m familiar with those,” Tilda said, her curiosity piqued. “People pay a few shillings or pence a week in order to collect money to pay for a funeral in the event someone in the family dies.”

“Precisely,” the inspector said. “Friendly societies operate in much the same way but also offer benefits for illness and sometimes on the birth of a child. However, friendly societiesare required to be registered. And yes, the Amicable Societyisregistered.”

“How did the police become aware of this potential fraud?” Tilda asked.

“A widow of a member of the Amicable Society is the cousin of a sergeant’s wife,” Maxwell explained. “The member recently died, and when the widow tried to collect the benefit for her deceased husband, she was denied because it’s the society’s policy that benefits are not paid for one year.”

Tilda cocked her head, uncertain of what the fraud could be. “Since the society has only existed for six months, why would the widow think she was eligible to collect?”

“Because when her husband joined and paid the entrance fee, he was told he would be eligible to receive benefits after six months.” Maxwell frowned briefly. “The widow insists this is true but, unfortunately, does not have documentation to prove her claim.”

“Does the society have record of him?” Tilda asked.

Maxwell nodded. “He is listed in their membership rolls. However, they refused to pay the benefit, citing that he wasn’t yet eligible.”