Page 38 of A Whisper in the Shadows

“Thank you, but I’ve eaten already. There are kippers in the basket if you’d like to make those as well.”

“You brought food that isn’t for you?” She appeared perplexed.

“It’s for everyone, including you,” Hadrian said with a smile.

“Thank you, my lord,” she said, still seeming slightly baffled. “I did think that was a great deal of food. It’s unexpected, but very kind. Now, off with you. I’ll bring breakfast to the dining room shortly. Inspector Maxwell and Miss Wren will be there soon, I expect.”

“Thankyou, Mrs. Kilgore.”

Hadrian went back upstairs and found that Maxwell was already in the dining room.

“I assumed that was your valise in the entrance hall,” Maxwell said in lieu of a greeting.

“Good morning,” Hadrian said. “Yes, it’s mine. I appreciate you leaving the door unlocked for me, but perhaps it’s best if I can let myself in.”

“I was thinking the same thing.” Maxwell fished a key from his pocket and handed it to Hadrian.

“Thank you.” Hadrian pocketed the key.

“Inspector Chisholm called last night.” Maxwell gestured toward one of the four chairs at the square table. “Sit and I’ll tell you about it.”

Hadrian eagerly sat and listened to Maxwell recount the meeting. After hearing everything, Hadrian could well imagine all the new lines of inquiry Tilda would wish to follow. He looked forward to discussing it with her.

She came into the dining room then, her gaze falling on Hadrian with a gleam of warmth. “Good morning, my lord.”

Hadrian didn’t like her calling him that—it felt stiff and unfriendly. He considered asking both her and Maxwell to call him by his given name, just so he and Tilda could return to addressing themselves as they’d become accustomed to. But he wasn’t sure Maxwell would feel comfortable with the familiarity, at least not yet. Perhaps if Hadrian were to live here full time, that might change. He hoped Tilda had been able to persuade Maxwell to allow Hadrian to try to obtain the canvasser position.

Mrs. Kilgore brought the breakfast and served it on the table. “I’ll fetch the tea in a moment,” she said. “His lordship brought a fancy tea. It’s steeping.”

Maxwell’s brow arched. “Did you?”

“I brought several things for the pantry,” Hadrian said. “I wanted to contribute to the household.”

“There are even kippers,” Mrs. Kilgore said. “But I’ll make those tomorrow.” She looked to Maxwell. “Unless you’d like them now?”

“Tomorrow will be fine,” Maxwell replied. “Thank you, Mrs. Kilgore.”

“I’ll just fetch the tea.” She took herself off.

Hadrian waited while Tilda and Maxwell ate for a few minutes.

After swallowing a bite of toast, Tilda turned her attention to Hadrian. “Inspector Maxwell liked your idea of trying to become the new canvasser for the Amicable Society. The inquest is this afternoon, and I expect Mr. Nevill and Mr. Furnier will attend. Perhaps you can speak with them about the position.”

“I’ll do that,” Hadrian said, delighted Maxwell had agreed to their plan. He looked toward the inspector. “Thank you for endorsing this idea. I think it will be helpful.”

“Miss Wren has assured me that you possess the necessary skill to conduct this aspect of the investigation. You must keep Miss Wren and me apprised of what you learn as soon as possible.”

“Of course.” Hadrian worked to keep himself from feeling defensive. Maxwell’s tone seemed to carry a hint of skepticism as to Hadrian’s abilities.

Tilda sent a smile toward her fake husband. “Inspector Maxwell has also agreed to allow us to ask Mr. Clement to interview Mr. Rippon at the Prudential Assurance Company.”

Hadrian was pleased to hear that Tilda had been successful in her endeavors with Maxwell. Hadrian had never doubted her persuasive ability, but he didn’t know the inspector well enough to assume he would agree.

“I don’t typically like to work with reporters,” Maxwell said with a hint of disdain. “I find some of them to be unscrupulous.”

“I agree.” At least here was something Hadrian and Maxwell could agree upon. Not that they disagreed, but Hadrian sensed a…divide between them. “Clement rather put me off at first, but he redeemed himself by assisting us on our last investigation. I’m optimistic he’ll also be helpful with this investigation, particularly since we are trying to be careful about how and with whom we make inquiries.”

“It’s a clever plan.” Maxwell looked at Tilda with a warm smile. “But then, I expect nothing less from Miss Wren. She has proven herself to be a most competent investigative partner.”