Page 121 of A Whisper in the Shadows

“Are you a butler? How on earth can Barbara afford a butler?”

Hadrian leaned slightly forward. “Who’s that?” he whispered.

Tilda clenched her jaw. “My mother.” She set her scone down and prepared herself for the coming storm.

Tilda’s mother swept into the parlor, her orange-red silk skirts swirling. Her pale blonde hair was piled high atop her head and her hazel eyes surveyed the room briefly before settling first on Hadrian and then Tilda.

“Welcome, Mother. We were not expecting you,” Tilda said evenly. “Unless we somehow missed your letter.”

She waved her hand. “I did not send one. I only made the decision to come yesterday after a friend told me she read about you working as aninvestigator.” She flicked a glance toward Hadrian, who stood. He wore an amiable expression.

Tilda looked up at Hadrian. “Allow me to present my mother, Lady Edith Pierce. Mother, this is Lord Ravenhurst.”

Hadrian bowed. “Lady Pierce. Your husband is a baronet?”

Tilda’s mother’s brows arched in surprise. “Lord Ravenhurst? How do you know one another?” She appeared utterly aghast, but then she would never have expected her daughter to be acquainted with an earl.

Glancing at Hadrian, Tilda murmured, “Yes, her husband is Sir Bardolph Pierce.” She returned her gaze to her mother. “Ravenhurst assists me with my investigations.”

Gasping, Tilda’s mother’s hand fluttered to her chest. “My goodness, but that is shocking.”

Tilda rose from her chair reluctantly. “Why are you here?” She hadn’t visited London since last autumn, and Tilda did not expect to see her for at least another few months.

“As I said, I heard you were working as aninvestigator,” Tilda’s mother said dramatically. “Why on earth would you do that when you should be looking for a husband? I was concerned it may be too late for that, but my hope is rekindled now.” Her gaze settled on Hadrian once more, and she smiled.

“Lord Ravenhurst is my investigative partner,” Tilda reminded her, though she’d little hope her mother would accept that truth.

“He’s here for tea,” her mother said with a faint shrug. “That is nearly courting.”

Tilda exhaled with exasperation. “It is not.”

Tilda’s mother pursed her lips. “Hmm. I would join you, but I’m exhausted after my trip. Where is Mrs. Acorn? I’m afraidI didn’t bring my maid. She was feeling a touch under the weather.”

“I’m here,” Mrs. Acorn called just before she stepped into the parlor. Her eyes were slightly wider than usual, and Tilda could see she was as surprised by their sudden guest as Tilda.

“My mother is here for a visit,” Tilda said tightly. “She did not bring her maid. I am happy to assign Clara to her for the duration of her stay.”

Her mother’s gaze snapped back to Tilda. “Who is Clara?”

“Our maid,” Tilda replied.

“You’ve a butleranda maid? Is this because you’re an investigator? Don’t tell me you earn enough money to afford such luxuries. I can’t believe it.”

“Your daughter is quite accomplished,” Hadrian said smoothly. “My own mother hired her to conduct an investigation.”

Tilda’s mother narrowed her eyes briefly as she regarded Hadrian dubiously. “Indeed? Well, I shall have to hear more about this, I suppose.” She sent Tilda a look of deep concern. “I came here to demand you cease that work at once. It’s unseemly.”

Tilda opened her mouth to defend her work, but there was a second commotion in the entrance hall. She heard another familiar voice—that of Inspector Teague from Scotland Yard.

Turning to Mrs. Acorn, Tilda gave her a pleading look. “Please show Lady Pierce upstairs so she can rest.” She tried to summon a smile for her mother and failed. “I’ll see you later, Mother.”

Mrs. Acorn followed Tilda’s mother from the parlor, and Tilda sent a brief look at Hadrian, who was regarding her with curiosity.

“I want to know more about that situation,” he said softly. “But it sounds as though you have another caller. What a busy afternoon. Here, I’d hoped to have you to myself.”

His words sent a ripple of heat through Tilda. She didn’t have time to consider her reaction, which was probably for the best. She still hadn’t worked through the unfamiliar new feelings she had for Hadrian.

Vaughn trudged into the parlor. “Inspector Teague is here. Is now a good time?”