Page 76 of A Whisper in the Shadows

Maxwell’s eyes widened. “Chisholm and the constables missed something?”

“So it seems.”

The inspector chuckled. “Chisholm won’t like that. Did you take the ledger?”

“We did.” Hadrian stood and fetched it from the dining room table where he’d set it earlier. He handed the diary to Maxwell, who first set his wineglass on the floor.

“It seems to be Eaton’s membership record with names of members, the entrance fee they paid, and the dates andpayments of their weekly dues,” Tilda said as Maxwell thumbed through the book. “Cardy is included.” She looked to Hadrian.

“I’m going to use the ledger to hunt down those who were admitted to the society fraudulently,” Hadrian said. “I hope Dr. Giles might accompany me.”

“You could ask him tomorrow at the inquest, as he should be there.” Maxwell cocked his head. “What is your goal in identifying all the fraudulent members?”

“They will give us a full picture of the fraud that was perpetrated by Eaton—and likely directed by Phelps,” Hadrian replied. “I also want a complete record of who will need to be reimbursed. Furnier argued that the society’s coffers couldn’t afford that, which is understandable since the overcharged amount seems to have gone directly to Eaton and, given the money found at Phelps’s house, to Phelps. I want to ensure the money these people paid to the society is refunded with due haste.”

Maxwell looked at him with something akin to admiration. “That is commendable of you to care about that.”

Hadrian lifted a shoulder. “It’s the right thing to do.”

“You’ll find Lord Ravenhurst is incredibly kind and generous,” Tilda said to Maxwell, then sent Hadrian a warm glance.

After taking another small sip of port, Maxwell sat forward on the settle. “Tomorrow morning, I must go to the mercantile house, but I will meet you both at the inquest. You’ll interview Jarret before that?”

Tilda nodded. “We will call on him at the bank where he works. I’ve been thinking how to approach him in our disguises, and I think it makes sense for Ravenhurst to want to speak with him about the society before he accepts a position working as the canvasser.”

Maxwell grinned. “Excellent idea.”

Everyone finished their port, and Tilda stood. “I believe I’ll retire.”

Maxwell and Hadrian also rose.

“Good night,” Maxwell said.

Hadrian met her gaze. “Sleep well.”

He watched Tilda depart the parlor and move into the entrance hall. He did not look away until she turned to ascend the stairs and disappeared from sight.

It was strange to be sleeping in this house with her, feeling the way that he did about her, wanting a different relationship than the one they had. Hadrian shifted his gaze to Maxwell and noticed the inspector had been watching her too. Indeed, the expression on his face seemed almost wistful.

Hadrian’s chest tightened.

Maxwell turned to face him. “You’ve known Miss Wren for some time now?”

“Several months,” Hadrian replied.

“She’s very dedicated to her work.”

“She is,” Hadrian confirmed. “She’s also dedicated to her grandmother and taking care of her household. She’s an exceptionally independent woman.”

“I can see that,” Maxwell said. “I imagine you must find that odd, but I quite like it. Indeed, I find the quality most attractive.”

Hadrian bristled at the man’s assumption about him and at him calling Tilda attractive. Which was silly. Tilda was incredibly attractive in a myriad of ways. Maxwell would be a fool not to think so.

“Actually, I admire her independence,” Hadrian said, hoping he didn’t sound defensive whilst also acknowledging that he absolutely was. “It is one of many fine attributes she possesses.”

“Indeed, it is.” Maxwell glanced toward the base of the stairs where they’d last seen her. “I do wonder why she’s not married—precisely because of all those fine attributes. I have to think she’s refused many marriage proposals.”

“I think you know the answer as to why she remains unwed,” Hadrian said flatly. “It lies in her independence. She doesn’t see a need to marry.”