Page 17 of A Whisper in the Shadows

Maxwell smiled. “Brilliant.”

“That was when Mrs. Burley took the opportunity to discuss last week’s meeting. Phelps announced that the canvasser had been sacked, and they were looking into possible corruption.”

“He mentioned that during our meeting,” Hadrian said. “But only because someone asked—probably because Phelps hadn’t provided an update. Seems as though it should have been the first thing discussed in the meeting.”

“Did Mrs. Burley have anything to say about the canvasser’s record?” Maxwell asked.

“Only that she wasn’t aware of one. She did say it would be helpful if it existed, for then they could hopefully determine whether Eaton had committed any wrongdoing. That was when Mrs. Furnier finally spoke up and said Mrs. Burley didn’t knoweverything. She said there was a record of Mr. Eaton’s recruitment and that they must trust the administrators to solve that issue.” Tilda recalled Mrs. Burley’s affronted reaction. “Mrs. Burley didn’t appreciate being scolded.”

“I can imagine,” Maxwell murmured.

Tilda frowned slightly. “I will say Mrs. Furnier seemed almost suspicious about my questions regarding the records. It was one of the few times she looked up from darning her socks. I explained that I was interested in recordkeeping because my husband is a clerk.” She looked to Maxwell. “Mrs. Draper endorsed my curiosity as another clerk’s wife.”

“We also learned at the meeting that there’s to be a picnic and the wives are to plan it,” Hadrian said.

Tilda blinked. “Nobody mentioned that.”

“I think it was just decided at tonight’s meeting.” Hadrian inclined his head toward Maxwell. “Your husband was keen to endorse the idea.”

“I most certainly was,” the inspector said. “It will give Miss Wren an excellent opportunity to meet with the other ladies.”

“It does indeed.” Tilda tapped her fingertips briefly against the wood seat. “Perhaps I can persuade Mrs. Furnier to host a meeting, which would give me an opportunity to search for thesociety’s financial records. Although, I don’t know if she would agree. She seems unlikely to.”

“I want to find Timothy Eaton, the canvasser who disappeared, since Inspector Dolen was not able to speak with him,” Maxwell said. “I’d like to see his recruitment records.”

“What information do you have about him?” Tilda asked.

“He was living at a boarding house in Ironmonger Lane. Dolen interviewed the landlady, but she didn’t have much to say. She described Eaton as charming and attractive, as well as extremely friendly—just the sort of person one might hire to recruit members.”

Tilda would hope she could persuade the woman to say more. “I should like to talk to her, if you don’t mind.”

“Not at all, but will you do so as Miss Wren, investigator, or Mrs. Harwood, curious matchbook maker?” Maxwell smiled briefly.

“I can’t think of a reason Mrs. Harwood would be asking about Eaton,” Tilda replied. “And I should like to protect my disguise. I shall have to speak with this woman as myself—an investigator.”

Maxwell’s brow furrowed. “You must be very careful not to be detected by anyone who knows you as Mrs. Harwood.”

“We should determine who hired Eaton and for what purpose,” Tilda said. “Did they direct him to recruit people who were ill and to offer a shorter eligibility for benefits in order to persuade them to join? Was the intent to simply fill the society’s coffers, or was it something more nefarious?”

“Such as what?” Hadrian asked. “Do we know if all the money that was collected actually made it into the society’s locked box?”

“That is also a good question,” Tilda said, with anticipation for the coming investigation.

The inspector shifted his attention to Hadrian, a slight frown marring his expression. “I am still slightly peeved that youinserted yourself into my investigation without speaking with me first. Henceforth, I require that every method and scheme must be approved by me. This ismyinvestigation. Do you both agree?” He looked to Tilda then back to Hadrian.

“I understand,” Hadrian replied.

“Of course,” Tilda said softly.

Maxwell exhaled. “Very good. Ravenhurst, you aren’t going to be compensated as Miss Wren is—not that you need it.”

“I’m perfectly content to not receive compensation,” Hadrian said. “Particularly since I involved myself in your investigation without your consent. I am grateful you are allowing me to continue.”

“Thank you for saying so, my lord,” Maxwell said.

Hadrian gave his head a shake. “Ravenhurst is fine, or Raven, if you’d like. That is how my colleagues address me.”

“I think I’d best get in the habit of calling you Beck.” Maxwell turned his head toward Tilda. “How did you know his name was Nigel Beck when you introduced us at the pub? Did you know that he was going to come?”