Page 120 of A Whisper in the Shadows

Hadrian’s stomach flipped, and he had to keep himself from grinning like a fool. “I would be delighted.”

A short while later, they arrived at her grandmother’s house in Marylebone. He walked her to the door and bid her goodnight.

He whistled on his way back to the coach.

CHAPTER 27

Tilda’s grandmother was thrilled to have her back at home, as was the rest of the household. She’d taken the last two days to rest and reacclimate herself and was now ready to return to work. In fact, she’d just sent a note to the person who’d hired her to find some stolen items and would hopefully meet with her in the next few days.

And today Hadrian was coming for tea—he was due any moment. Tilda’s grandmother already had plans to take tea at a neighbor’s house, though she’d considered canceling in favor of seeing Hadrian. She enjoyed his visits, which often occurred after they finished a case.

The tea and scones were already on the table in the parlor thanks to Mrs. Acorn. She was just finishing her arrangement, when Tilda heard Vaughn open the door and welcome Hadrian inside.

“It’s good to see you, my lord,” Vaughn said. “We heard all about your exciting case in the City. Are you glad to be back at home?”

“I am, thank you, Vaughn. The investigation was most invigorating.”

“I’m sure there will be another shortly,” the butler noted.

“Has Miss Wren received more inquiries?” Hadrian asked.

“Just one, but I’m not interested in it,” Tilda replied from just inside the parlor.

Hadrian stepped over the threshold. His head and hands were bare as he’d given his hat and gloves to Vaughn. The towering butler shuffled to a table where he set the accessories.

“You look lovely,” Hadrian said with a warm smile. “I’ve missed your blonde hair.”

Tilda touched the back of her head. Clara had done another of her intricate styles, which Tilda had surprisingly missed—not necessarily how it looked, but having the help. Tilda hadn’t ever wanted a maid, and now she found she liked having one, particularly after living in the City the past week, where she’d cared entirely for herself. That realization made her slightly uncomfortable. She told herself that enjoying the help of a maid did not diminish her independence. “I’ve missed my hair too.”

“That powder was in your clothing,” Mrs. Acorn noted. “But Clara is a wonder with laundering.”

Hadrian smiled at the housekeeper. “Good afternoon, Mrs. Acorn. It’s a pleasure to see you.”

Mrs. Acorn blushed faintly. “It’s always nice to welcome you, my lord. Mrs. Wren is sorry she isn’t here but hopes to return before you leave.” She gestured to the table. “Enjoy your tea.”

When she was gone, Tilda moved to the table and poured out. She made Hadrian’s cup the way he liked it.

“I’m afraid I can’t use sugar now without thinking of Inspector Maxwell,” Hadrian said.

Tilda sat. “I had the same thought. Speaking of him, he sent a note this morning. He’s been promoted to Detective Inspector. I’m so pleased for him.”

Hadrian smiled as he took the opposite chair. “That is excellent news.” He sipped his tea. “I take it I shouldn’t leave until after your grandmother returns?”

“She would appreciate that,” Tilda replied. “Thank you.” She helped herself to a scone.

“Have you settled back in?” Hadrian asked.

She nodded. “And you?”

He put a scone on his plate. “I’ve noticed something odd,” he spoke softly, though he didn’t really need to. Vaughn was in the entrance hall, but his hearing was not the best. “You recall how I didn’t see any visions on Monday at the society meeting?” At Tilda’s nod, he continued. “I haven’t had any—not even a glimpse—since. I’ve been to Westminster and to my club. I typically see a flash ofsomethingwhen I am in such places.”

Tilda paused in spreading jam on her scone. “When was the last time you had a vision? You were at Westminster on Monday before the meeting, weren’t you?”

“The last vision I had was the candle at Draper’s house.”

“That is perplexing,” Tilda said. “Have you ever had such a period where you haven’t seen visions?”

Before he could answer, there was a commotion in the entrance hall. Tilda heard the door open. An unmistakable voice made her freeze.