Page 10 of A Whisper in the Shadows (Raven & Wren #4)

Maxwell pivoted toward him. “I imagine you’ll be sleeping at your home, since your position at the club would likely require you to work well into the night or even until morning.”

“I suppose that makes sense,” Hadrian said, flicking a glance toward Tilda. She didn’t think he liked that, because that left her here alone with Maxwell and the chaperone, but would Hadrian’s presence make it any better? He wasn’t a chaperone.

“When you are here, you will share the garret on the top floor with me,” Maxwell said. “Miss Wren and Mrs. Kilgore will take the bedchambers on the first floor.”

“I will be sure to arrive here around sunrise after my work at the club is completed.” Hadrian glanced toward Tilda. “We should probably be going.”

“Will you ride back to the West End together?” Maxwell asked. “I was going to offer to escort Miss Wren, since it’s getting late.”

“That is most kind of you,” Tilda said. “However, since Lord Ravenhurst is here and going in that direction, I’ll accompany him. I’ll return in the morning before you leave for work.”

“As will I,” Hadrian said. “We can come together.”

Tilda nodded. She rose and bid Maxwell good evening. Hadrian did the same, and they started toward the entrance hall.

“You should leave through the scullery,” Maxwell said. “You can make your way to Coleman Street and avoid detection, in case any of the neighbors happen to be looking out.”

“Smart,” Tilda said, before leading Hadrian down to the kitchen.

“This place is rather dirty,” Hadrian noted.

“And that’s after I spent the day cleaning it—or starting to, anyway.” Tilda couldn’t keep the bitterness from her tone. “I did not realize this assignment would require me to clean.”

“Perhaps the chaperone will help?” Hadrian suggested.

“That is my hope.” Tilda led him through the scullery to the rear door. They ascended a short flight of stairs to a small rear yard where there was a privy.

“How clean is that?” Hadrian asked.

“Cleaner than when I arrived this morning,” Tilda replied.

“You must be exhausted.” Faint lines creased his forehead.

Was he concerned?

Tilda wasn’t sure what Hadrian might think of her cleaning.

While it wasn’t a typical chore for her, she knew she had more experience with it than he did.

She wondered if he’d ever actually cleaned something.

She returned her thoughts to his query. “Somewhat, but I’m invigorated by the investigation. ”

They found their way through a narrow alley. It wasn’t much more than a path to Coleman Street.

Tilda glanced at him as they emerged onto the thoroughfare. “I hope we can find a hack.”

“No need,” Hadrian said. “We only need to walk down to Gresham Street. Leach is waiting there.”

“Is he?” Tilda asked. “He dropped you off there, I presume?”

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. “You did see 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, spent too much 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.”

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.