Page 20 of A Whisper in the Shadows

Hadrian angled himself toward her, his features faintly lined with consternation. “We can’t because I’m an earl?”

Tilda lifted a shoulder. “I wouldn’t think so. You’ve loftier responsibilities, and you certainly don’t need the income.”

“I can think of little more important than what you do, Tilda,” he said softly. “You help people, and you are keeping London safer.”

His words were earnest, and she felt them most keenly. “Thank you. And you are a part of what I do.”

“I consider it an honor to be aligned with you.” Their eyes met, and the connection between them seemed to strengthen. “Professionally, I mean.”

Yes, professionally. And as friends.

Nothing more.

CHAPTER 5

The following morning, Hadrian arrived at Tilda’s just as the sun was rising over London. He wasn’t surprised when Vaughn answered the door. The butler was incredibly dedicated, and he would not allow Tilda to leave without being present in the entrance hall.

They exchanged brief pleasantries as Hadrian picked up Tilda’s somewhat small valise. “Is this everything?” he asked.

“I am playing the role of a working-class wife in the City,” Tilda said wryly. “That is all I will need.”

Vaughn held the door as Tilda preceded Hadrian from the house. She wore one of her older gowns, and Hadrian realized he’d become used to her newer wardrobe that was far more fashionable. He also realized it didn’t really matter what she wore because she was lovely at all times.

“You are not only playing a working-class wife, however,” Hadrian noted as they walked toward the coach. “When we visit the boarding house, you said you would go as an investigator.”

“That is true. I did bring one of my newer costumes for just such occasions.”

Leach was waiting for them at the coach and took the bag from Hadrian whilst Tilda climbed inside. “Shall I carry this with me on the box?” the coachman asked.

“We can put it in here,” Tilda said.

Hadrian sat down beside her and grasped the valise. “Thank you, Leach.” He placed the bag on the opposite seat.

Leach closed the door, and they were shortly on their way.

Hadrian pivoted slightly toward her. “We were discussing your disguise. What about your hair when you transform from Mrs. Harwood to Miss Wren? I can simply remove my hairpieces before we call on the boarding house.”

“Since the darker color is powdered onto my hair, I shall need to hide it under my hat as much as possible.” Tilda had brought a hat with a brim for this purpose. It was out of fashion and would likely clash with her more current gown, but the discrepancy could not be helped. “It would be better if I had a wig, but I did not wish to incur the expense.”

“Mrs. Longbotham might have lent you one,” Hadrian suggested.

Tilda blew out a breath. “I should have thought of that, although I’m not sure when I would have had time to fetch it. The hat will have to do. We’ll need to change our appearance at the house in White Alley, then steal from the back into that small corridor to Coleman Street as we did last night.”

“That was the plan I also devised,” Hadrian said, settling back against the squab.

“There isn’t any other way. We’ll simply need to be careful.” Tilda stifled a yawn.

“Is this early for you?” Hadrian asked.

“Yes.” She gave him a sheepish look. “I confess, it’s rather difficult to rise before the sun this time of year.”

“I agree. I generally only wake at this hour if I’m taking an early morning ride,” he said. “But this is even early for that. Do you ride at all?”

Tilda shook her head. “I have not had occasion to.”

“Would you like to?” he asked. “I could teach you.”

“No, thank you,” she replied firmly.