Page 19 of A Whisper in the Shadows

Hadrian nodded. “I was careful not to be seen.”

They started toward Gresham Street.

She cast him a sideways glance. “How did you know I was going to caution you about that?”

Hadrian chuckled. “I know you. That’s how.”

Tilda smiled. “I am glad you’re involved in the investigation. I am eager to hear what you saw during the meeting. I know you shook someone’s hand to learn that handshake.” She looked over at him as they walked. “Youdidsee something?”

He cast a glance toward her and nodded. “I only shook Phelps’s hand because he demonstrated the handshake. It was a quick vision. I only saw Phelps take money from a purse and place it into a metal box. I also felt that Phelps was anxious. I can tell you the box he deposited the money into was not the same as the box at the society meeting. That one was made of wood, and the lid was carved with a cock and a snake.”

“That is an excellent observation,” Tilda said. “Do you think Phelps was putting some of the society’s money into his own personal box?”

“I can’t say, but it wasn’t the same box I saw at the meeting, so I have questions.”

“As do I.” Tilda was once again very grateful for his strange ability.

They’d arrived at Gresham Street. “This way,” Hadrian said, guiding her to the right.

There was a pair of rather fierce-looking men up ahead on the pavement. Tilda slipped her arm through Hadrian’s.

He looked over at her and put his hand over her arm with a faint smile and the barest nod. “The coach is just there.” He gestured across the street with his head.

The traffic was light at this hour, and Hadrian guided her across the street. They arrived at the coach as Leach jumped down to greet them.

The coachman grinned broadly at Tilda. “Good evening, Miss Wren. Always a pleasure to see you.”

“And you, Leach,” Tilda replied with a smile. “Particularly this evening, as I was not looking forward to taking the omnibus.”

“Glad I can be of service.” Leach moved to open the door of the coach.

Tilda climbed inside and immediately felt a sense of comfort. She’d spent more time in this coach than any other in her life. Her family had never owned a vehicle.

Hesitating the barest moment, she took the forward-facing seat and left plenty of room for Hadrian to sit beside her. They didn’t always share the same seat, and she couldn’t help thinking of the one time they had when it had resulted in a kiss.

Best not to think of that now. Or ever, really.

Hadrian sat beside her, and she had to admit it was nice to have his warmth nearby. The night was cool.

“What does your grandmother think of you residing with Inspector Maxwell?” Hadrian asked.

“She doesn’t know yet. We only came up with the plan today.” Tilda exhaled. “She won’t like it, but the presence of a married chaperone will make her feel better.” She slid a glance at him. “I sense you don’t care for the arrangement either.”

“Not particularly, but the chaperone is good. And I will be there much of the time.”

“Your presence is somehow beneficial to my reputation?” Tilda laughed. “The situation would not be improved if you were in Maxwell’s place.” Her gaze met his, and for the barest moment, she felt a flash of heat. More alarming, she had the sense he felt it too. She quickly looked away.

“I only meant that we already spend a great deal of time together and with good, practical reason,” Hadrian clarified.

Tilda could not argue with that, and yet she began to wonder if they, in fact, spenttoomuch time together. Preferring not to think about that, she turned her thoughts to the investigation. “When we visit the boarding house tomorrow, we should try to see Eaton’s room.”

“So I can touch some things in the hope I’ll see one of his memories?” Hadrian asked.

“If you are amenable.”

“Of course,” he said without hesitation. “I inserted myself into this investigation so I could do exactly that.”

“Must I remind you that you provide value beyond your visions?” Tilda had assured him of this before. “Indeed, your investigative skills have grown immensely. You were most helpful this evening. It’s too bad you’re an earl. We might have formed a true professional partnership.”