Page 57 of A Whisper in the Shadows (Raven & Wren #4)

“Mrs. Harwood, perhaps I should stay with you,” Dr. Giles said. “Mrs. Draper may be overcome when she hears the news of her husband’s arrest. She may require a physician.”

Tilda appreciated the doctor’s concern. “Thank you, Dr. Giles.”

“I don’t mind walking you, my lord,” Furnier said to Hadrian.

“It’s the least I can do. I feel horrible about all that’s happened.

I just wanted to help others during difficult times.

Mrs. Furnier and I have lost four children, and it’s devastating, especially if you can’t care for them in death the way they deserve to be.

I don’t want anyone to have to feel they are failing their family—in life or death. ”

“That is precisely why you should consider maintaining the society,” Hadrian said. “I do appreciate your offer to accompany me, but I’ll wait for Mrs. Harwood. You’re still planning to have the weekly meeting tomorrow night?”

Furnier nodded. “We must. Many members are demanding at least an explanation of what’s happened and what the future of the society will be. Others want their money refunded.”

“Perhaps we can find a way forward,” Dr. Giles said, surprising Tilda.

“I thought you planned to resign.” She met the doctor’s gaze.

“I did, but Furnier has reminded me of why I agreed to help in the first place.” The doctor sent Furnier a brief smile.

“It wasn’t to improve your position?” Hadrian asked.

A bit of pink stained Dr. Giles’s cheeks.

“I genuinely wanted to help, just as I hoped my association with the society would boost my prospects. Is that so terrible? When I learned of Phelps’s corruption, I became concerned about my future.

I will shortly have a wife to care for.” He took a deep breath.

“I am still committed to the society and what we originally set out to do. If we can persuade Mrs. Atkins to be a true benefactress, we may be able to find a way forward.”

“If she won’t support you, I will,” Hadrian said, looking from the doctor to Furnier.

Tilda’s heart swelled. She knew he would help, but hearing his pledge made her happy, nonetheless.

Furnier gaped at him. “You’d just give us money?”

“The police recovered money from Phelps’s house—his wife found it under the floorboards in his bedchamber,” Hadrian explained.

“We’ll find out how much and whether it can cover what the society owes to those who were swindled.

I’ll make up any difference, and I’ll set up a small fund to help you restart the society as you intend it to be.

” He gave them a brief smile. “I have faith the two of you can do right by the denizens of the Coleman Street Ward.”

Furnier put his hand to his chest. “I don’t know what to say, my lord. Your generosity overwhelms me.”

“I would appreciate it if you said nothing. No one else needs to know who your benefactor is. And it is still my hope that Mrs. Atkins will also provide her financial support.”

“We may have to invite her into the administration,” Furnier said with a touch of disdain.

Dr. Giles sighed. “I suppose there are worse things.”

“With a woman in the leadership, you might consider allowing women to join the society.” Tilda couldn’t stop herself from making the suggestion.

Furnier appeared skeptical whilst Giles nodded. “We can certainly discuss that,” the doctor said.

A while later, after speaking with a very distraught Mrs. Draper, Tilda and Hadrian made their way toward Old Jewry. Hadrian explained the vision he’d seen when he’d picked up the candle and how he’d managed to provoke a near-confession from Draper.

“Rather than completely confess, he tried to kill you instead,” Tilda said, looking over at Hadrian.

“I suppose he did.” Hadrian wobbled, and Tilda threaded her arm through his and pressed herself to his side.

“Careful,” she murmured.

Hadrian stopped and pivoted toward her slightly so they were almost facing one another. “Thank you.”

Tilda met his gaze and allowed herself to just stand here with him in this moment. “I was very worried. You’re sure you’re all right?”

“I am. It’s nice to know you care so much.”

“I do.” It sounded like a confession, and she supposed it was. She’d been trying so hard to maintain a strictly professional friendship, but their connection was much deeper than that. It was time she embraced it.

Tilda slipped her other arm around him and pressed herself against him. Hadrian’s arms encircled her, and they stood together like that for several moments.

Heat rose up from Tilda’s chest into her face. She pulled back and looked up at him. Then she laughed.

Hadrian arched a brow. “What do you find amusing?”

“Your dark hair and your blond side whiskers—one of which is starting to peel away.” Tilda giggled.

He touched the side of his face and felt the hair piece where it was coming off. “I’m glad to not have to wear these again.”

“And I will be most relieved not to have to powder my hair anymore.”

“Will you go home tonight?” he asked as they continued walking.

“I suppose I could, but I’m concerned about Maxwell.

I think I’d like to stay and make sure he recovers.

And I do wonder if we ought to attend the Amicable Society meeting tomorrow night.

” She glanced over at Hadrian and felt another rush of admiration for him.

“Your offer to support the society was incredibly generous. Why do you want to do it anonymously?”

Hadrian shrugged. “This is not my home. Once they learn who I am, they’ll see me as an outsider.” He met her gaze briefly. “Which I am. I wasn’t even supposed to help with this investigation,” he added with a smile.

“I’m very glad you did. This was particularly complicated, and I’m not sure we could have solved these murders without your help—and not just because of your visions. You were able to provoke Draper into admitting his guilt.”

“I just found myself wondering what Tilda would do,” Hadrian said, his eyes glowing with respect.

Tilda laughed. Then she felt humbled. She’d never intended to train Hadrian to become an investigator, but that had just…happened. “I imagine you’re anxious to return to your responsibilities. I feel bad that you’ve lost a week. Won’t they have missed you in the Lords?”

Hadrian waved his hand. “Not for a week. But I do have matters I must attend. I may go to Westminster tomorrow and return for the Amicable Society meeting.”

They were nearing the police station. “I hope this won’t take too long. I’m concerned about Maxwell and want to make sure he’s improving.”

“I hope so,” Hadrian said. “If not, Draper’s situation will become much worse.”