Page 84 of Murder at the Debutante Ballby

Now I felt even worse. She was being so understanding and forgiving, and I wasn’t sure I deserved it. “I’m no expert. If I were, I’d have more evidence and wouldn’t have to rely on one witness.” I turned to go, only to turn back again at the door. She offered me a peace offering in the form of a tentative smile. “Harry’s a good man. He’s also free…if you’re interested.”

I raced down the stairs, my heart thundering so loudly in my chest I couldn’t hear the sound of the midday traffic. Nor could I hear Harry. He was speaking to me, but the pounding of blood between my ears drowned out his voice. I nodded numbly, not sure what I agreed to, and followed him through the throng of pedestrians crowding the pavement.

By the time my heart calmed and all my senses returned, I realized we were heading to the Mayfair. He was escorting me home. Was my behavior that bad that I required an escort all the way?

As we drew closer, Harry looked around, checking the vicinity. He didn’t depart at the door, but approached Frank. “Are any Bainbridges in the foyer?”

Frank crossed his arms over his chest.

“Please go and see,” I said on a sigh.

Frank lowered his arms and disappeared inside.

“You’re coming in?” I asked Harry.

He frowned at me. “Did you hear anything I said back there?”

“Actually, no. Tight corset,” I added when his frown deepened.

“I have no idea why that would affect your hearing, but I’m a gentleman and I never discuss a ladies’ underthings.” He smiled that disarming, charming smile of his.

I stared back, trying to anchor myself in the moment and the conversation. I drew in a deep breath and let it out slowly. It helped me re-focus. “Why are we here?”

Frank returned and announced that no Bainbridges were in the foyer. He opened the door for us, all the while scowling at Harry. Frank was a Bainbridge man through and through, and if my uncle didn’t like Harry then Frank wouldn’t like him either. I knew it cost him to bow to my wishes while disobeying my uncle’s.

I patted his arm as I passed and thanked him.

Harry strode up to Peter in the foyer. “Have you seen my uncle?”

“Mr. Armitage! Um, Mr. Hobart is in a meeting with Sir Ronald.” He glanced at me. “Everything all right, Miss Fox?”

“I think so. Harry, perhaps you can repeat what you said to me outside the Searcys office.”

He glanced at Peter.

“Peter knows about the investigation.”

The lift door opened and Flossy emerged with two friends. They headed towards the sitting room and didn’t see us.

“We can’t talk here,” Harry said. “We’ll go to my uncle’s office.”

Peter blocked Harry’s path. “I can’t let you do that, sir. No one should be in Mr. Hobart’s office without his permission.”

Harry drew himself up to his full height and looked down at the man who’d replaced him as assistant manager. Peter swallowed.

“We’ll talk in the staff parlor,” I said. “You should come too, Peter, if you have the time.”

“I shouldn’t leave my position on the floor if Mr. Hobart is absent.”

“You might be able to help,” Harry said. “I’m trying to recall a former employee, one of the maids. Red hair, has a slight limp.”

“You recognized her!” I blurted out.

“I think so.”

“Why didn’t you say?”

“I did, but you weren’t listening.”