Page 114 of A Whisper in the Shadows

Dr. Giles parted Hadrian’s hair and gently prodded at the spot where Draper had hit him. “You’ve a contusion, and a bump has formed. I’d say it’s good you were wearing that hair piece or you might have sustained a cut or abrasion.”

Hadrian smiled at Tilda. “I’m glad it was good for something.”

“Are you really an earl?” Dr. Giles asked.

“Yes. Am I all right then? No concussion? I had one in January, and this doesn’t feel as bad as that, thankfully.”

Dr. Giles asked several questions and concluded that Hadrian was not concussed. He instructed him to be cautious for the rest of the day.

“What of Maxwell?” Hadrian asked. “Will he be all right?”

“Was he really poisoned?” Furnier asked, his face pale.

The doctor nodded. “But he’ll be fine.”

Tilda was eager to see Hadrian back to White Alley so he could rest. However, she also felt the need to stay and speak to Mrs. Draper about what had happened. She looked to Hadrian. “You should return to White Alley. I want to stay so I may tell Mrs. Draper about her husband. Perhaps Dr. Giles can walk with you.”

“I’ll just wait for you.” Hadrian gave her a weak smile, and she could see he was in pain. She wondered how much was from the blow to his head and what was due to the vision he’d had. Tilda had no doubt he’d seen something and looked forward to hearing the details.

“Mrs. Harwood, perhaps I should stay with you,” Dr. Giles said. “Mrs. Draper may be overcome when she hears the news of her husband’s arrest. She may require a physician.”

Tilda appreciated the doctor’s concern. “Thank you, Dr. Giles.”

“I don’t mind walking you, my lord,” Furnier said to Hadrian. “It’s the least I can do. I feel horrible about all that’s happened. I just wanted to help others during difficult times. Mrs. Furnier and I have lost four children, and it’s devastating, especially if you can’t care for them in death the way they deserve to be. I don’t want anyone to have to feel they are failing their family—in life or death.”

“That is precisely why you should consider maintaining the society,” Hadrian said. “I do appreciate your offer to accompany me, but I’ll wait for Mrs. Harwood. You’re still planning to have the weekly meeting tomorrow night?”

Furnier nodded. “We must. Many members are demanding at least an explanation of what’s happened and what the future of the society will be. Others want their money refunded.”

“Perhaps we can find a way forward,” Dr. Giles said, surprising Tilda.

“I thought you planned to resign.” She met the doctor’s gaze.

“I did, but Furnier has reminded me of why I agreed to help in the first place.” The doctor sent Furnier a brief smile.

“It wasn’t to improve your position?” Hadrian asked.

A bit of pink stained Dr. Giles’s cheeks. “I genuinely wanted to help, just as I hoped my association with the society would boost my prospects. Is that so terrible? When I learned of Phelps’s corruption, I became concerned about my future. I will shortly have a wife to care for.” He took a deep breath. “I am still committed to the society and what we originally set out to do. If we can persuade Mrs. Atkins to be a true benefactress, we may be able to find a way forward.”

“If she won’t support you, I will,” Hadrian said, looking from the doctor to Furnier.

Tilda’s heart swelled. She knew he would help, but hearing his pledge made her happy, nonetheless.

Furnier gaped at him. “You’d just give us money?”

“The police recovered money from Phelps’s house—his wife found it under the floorboards in his bedchamber,” Hadrian explained. “We’ll find out how much and whether it can cover what the society owes to those who were swindled. I’ll make up any difference, and I’ll set up a small fund to help you restart the society as you intend it to be.” He gave them a brief smile. “I have faith the two of you can do right by the denizens of the Coleman Street Ward.”

Furnier put his hand to his chest. “I don’t know what to say, my lord. Your generosity overwhelms me.”

“I would appreciate it if you said nothing. No one else needs to know who your benefactor is. And it is still my hope that Mrs. Atkins will also provide her financial support.”

“We may have to invite her into the administration,” Furnier said with a touch of disdain.

Dr. Giles sighed. “I suppose there are worse things.”

“With a woman in the leadership, you might consider allowing women to join the society.” Tilda couldn’t stop herself from making the suggestion.

Furnier appeared skeptical whilst Giles nodded. “We can certainly discuss that,” the doctor said.