Page 115 of A Whisper in the Shadows

A while later, after speaking with a very distraught Mrs. Draper, Tilda and Hadrian made their way toward Old Jewry. Hadrian explained the vision he’d seen when he’d picked up the candle and how he’d managed to provoke a near-confession from Draper.

“Rather than completely confess, he tried to kill you instead,” Tilda said, looking over at Hadrian.

“I suppose he did.” Hadrian wobbled, and Tilda threaded her arm through his and pressed herself to his side.

“Careful,” she murmured.

Hadrian stopped and pivoted toward her slightly so they were almost facing one another. “Thank you.”

Tilda met his gaze and allowed herself to just stand here with him in this moment. “I was very worried. You’re sure you’re all right?”

“I am. It’s nice to know you care so much.”

“I do.” It sounded like a confession, and she supposed it was. She’d been trying so hard to maintain a strictly professional friendship, but their connection was much deeper than that. It was time she embraced it.

Tilda slipped her other arm around him and pressed herself against him. Hadrian’s arms encircled her, and they stood together like that for several moments.

Heat rose up from Tilda’s chest into her face. She pulled back and looked up at him. Then she laughed.

Hadrian arched a brow. “What do you find amusing?”

“Your dark hair and your blond side whiskers—one of which is starting to peel away.” Tilda giggled.

He touched the side of his face and felt the hair piece where it was coming off. “I’m glad to not have to wear these again.”

“And I will be most relieved not to have to powder my hair anymore.”

“Will you go home tonight?” he asked as they continued walking.

“I suppose I could, but I’m concerned about Maxwell. I think I’d like to stay and make sure he recovers. And I do wonder if we ought to attend the Amicable Society meeting tomorrow night.” She glanced over at Hadrian and felt another rush of admiration for him. “Your offer to support the society was incredibly generous. Why do you want to do it anonymously?”

Hadrian shrugged. “This is not my home. Once they learn who I am, they’ll see me as an outsider.” He met her gaze briefly. “Which I am. I wasn’t even supposed to help with this investigation,” he added with a smile.

“I’m very glad you did. This was particularly complicated, and I’m not sure we could have solved these murders without your help—and not just because of your visions. You were able to provoke Draper into admitting his guilt.”

“I just found myself wondering what Tilda would do,” Hadrian said, his eyes glowing with respect.

Tilda laughed. Then she felt humbled. She’d never intended to train Hadrian to become an investigator, but that had just…happened. “I imagine you’re anxious to return to yourresponsibilities. I feel bad that you’ve lost a week. Won’t they have missed you in the Lords?”

Hadrian waved his hand. “Not for a week. But I do have matters I must attend. I may go to Westminster tomorrow and return for the Amicable Society meeting.”

They were nearing the police station. “I hope this won’t take too long. I’m concerned about Maxwell and want to make sure he’s improving.”

“I hope so,” Hadrian said. “If not, Draper’s situation will become much worse.”

CHAPTER 26

Dr. Giles called on Maxwell again Sunday evening and declared him to be on the mend. Maxwell had even managed to ingest some broth, and Tilda was most relieved.

By Monday morning, Maxwell had left his cot in the storage cupboard and even bathed. He’d indicated his intention to attend the Amicable Society meeting, and Tilda could see there was no stopping him.

Hadrian had gone to Westminster but was now back at White Alley. However, instead of walking to the meeting at the Swan and Hoop, Hadrian had insisted they take his coach, since Maxwell was still a bit weak. Tilda sat with him on the forward-facing seat, which Hadrian understood, given Maxwell’s condition. Leach had been delighted to be driving them once more.

As they entered the common room, Tilda immediately noticed Ezra Clement sitting at a table sipping ale. He lifted his glass toward her.

“Clement is here,” she said to Hadrian and Maxwell. “I’m eager to learn what he discovered on his travels.”

“As am I,” Maxwell said. “Do you think we have time to speak with him before the meeting starts?”