Page 21 of A Whisper in the Shadows

“I’m surprised you aren’t interested.” And perhaps a trifle disappointed. He would have enjoyed teaching her to ride. “You’re so curious about everything. But not about riding horses?”

“No, I don’t have any curiosity about that. I don’t see a need for it. If I did, I would learn.”

“I suppose that makes sense. You are efficient in all things.” He smiled at her.

She lifted a shoulder. “I try to be.”

“How did your grandmother take the news that you would be staying in the City?”

“As I expected, she was not enthusiastic. However, she was pleased there will be a chaperone.” Tilda met Hadrian’s gaze. “She was also happy to hear that you are now involved in the investigation.”

“Was she?” Hadrian asked.

“She likes you very much,” Tilda said. “And she knows that you and I have been in dangerous situations together before—not that this case is dangerous. Still, it makes her feel better knowing you’re there.”

Hadrian couldn’t help feeling flattered. He liked her grandmother too. “She didn’t think Inspector Maxwell would keep you safe?”

Tilda narrowed her eyes slightly. “I can keepmyselfsafe. I think it’s more that she knows you, whereas she is not acquainted with Maxwell.”

“I’ve asked Leach to drop us off in a different location today,” Hadrian said. “I thought it would be better if we didn’t arrive in the same place we left from last night.”

“That makes sense,” Tilda said with a nod.

“He’s taking us to Fore Street,” Hadrian said. “Do you plan to return to your grandmother’s house at all, or will you remain in the City for the duration of the investigation?”

“I will stay in the City. The investigation is supposed to take no more than a fortnight, and I do hope it may be less than that, as I’ve other investigative inquiries I must attend to.”

A short time later, they arrived at the intersection of Basinghall and Fore Streets. Leach opened the door for them.

“Let me carry your bag,” Hadrian said as he plucked up her valise. “It’s what brothers do.” He flashed her a smile before turning his attention to Leach. “Pick me up down at Moorgate later this afternoon.”

The coachman inclined his head, then climbed back into his seat.

Hadrian and Tilda started walking toward Coleman Street. Despite the early hour, people were moving about. They came abreast of an alley that cut down to London Wall, and Tilda paused.

She touched his arm. “There’s a police constable in front of that house.”

“I see them,” Hadrian said. “Shall we walk by? It will not take us out of our way.”

“Let’s. I can’t imagine it’s anything to do with our investigation, but I’m curious, which will be of no surprise to you.”

Hadrian chuckled. “Absolutely not. I would wonder what was amiss if you did not want to walk that way.”

As they neared the house, a woman came out the front door. She passed the constable on her way to the pavement.

“That’s Mrs. Burley,” Tilda whispered. “I met her at the meeting last night.”

“You mentioned her,” Hadrian said. “She was the one who talked a great deal.”

Mrs. Burley’s gaze fell on Tilda and Hadrian, and she made her way toward them. She appeared to be in her early forties with blonde hair pinned atop her head and a turned-up nose that gave her a rather inquisitive look. “Good morning, Mrs. Harwood.” Her gaze flicked over Hadrian.

“This is my brother, Nigel Beck,” Tilda said. “Nigel, this is Mrs. Burley. We met at the society meeting last night. Well, outside the meeting, since we are not permitted inside. Perhaps you met Mr. Burley?”

“I did not,” Hadrian said. “I’m sure I will next week. Pleased to meet you, Mrs. Burley.” He tried not to sound too much like a peer from the West End.

“You won’t believe what’s happened!” Mrs. Burley’s brown eyes were bright with excitement. She glanced back at the house and lowered her voice. “Mr. Phelps has been murdered.”

Hadrian swept his gaze toward Tilda at the same moment she looked at him. She appeared just as shocked as he was by this development. Was she also thinking the same thing? Namely, why were people always murdered during their investigations?