Page 27 of Murder in Disguise (Mary and Bright #5)

“Not that I can recall immediately. We’ve all been on edge due to the deaths recently.

” A veil of sadness came over her face. “I miss them, you know?” When she met Mary’s gaze, tears welled in her eyes.

“Though I didn’t know those three girls all that well, I felt I could have been good friends given some extra time, and now that’s not possible.

” A soft sigh escaped her. “That makes me so sad; we could have begun the next phase of our lives together.”

“I know.” Mary leaned over and clasped Adelaide’s hand. She squeezed her fingers. “Life will give you both good memories and bad, and if you’re mature enough, you’ll realize both help in growth.”

After a few moments of silence, Adelaide frowned. “Do you think one of my friends is behind the murders?”

A difficult question to answer. “I’m not sure. I need to go over my notes, but your ball takes precedence after tonight.”

“Does it make me seem horrid to go ahead with the ball when three girls lost their lives? Is that being insensitive?”

“No, dearest. You’re allowed to look forward to things, enjoy them, no matter if there is despair or misfortune in other people’s lives.” Mary gave an encouraging nod. “The fact you’re worried about this speaks volumes for your character.”

“Thank you, Auntie.”

Just when she would have responded, Bright came into the room looking harried and haggard, yet oddly elated, and his hair was a bit wet and curling at his collar due to the rain.

“Gabriel? What has occurred? Did you solve the case?” Mary asked as she sprang to her feet the same time Adelaide stood.

Hope and agony mixed in his brown eyes. “The fourth girl…”

Oh, dear. Mary’s heartbeat accelerated. “Is she dead?”

“No.” Bright shook his head while an expression of amazement crossed his face. “Miss Hopewell is very much alive.”

“What?”

Adelaide gasped. “How do you know that?”

He bounced his gaze between them with a ghost of a grin.

“She stumbled into the street just as my carriage was passing. Completely shaken up and frightened. Though she spoke to me, some of her words didn’t make sense.

No doubt she was hungry and dehydrated.” As he shook his head, he came further into the room.

“Miss Hopewell must have been slightly deranged after what had to be a terrible time these past two weeks. Immediately, I took her to her parent’s house.

Her father was exceedingly grateful, of course.

I told him to have a physician check her over, but to otherwise keep her indoors and under sedation so she could rest.”

Mary laid a hand on his arm. “Was she harmed? Had she been physically beaten?” It might sound ill-mannered to speak of such in front of Adelaide, but the girl was also aware of the danger and the murders.

“Not that I could see, but she was dirty and unkempt. I instructed her father to have someone guard her door. I don’t know if the killer will come after her once they realize she escaped.”

“Oh, thank goodness.” As a feeling of relief flooded her being, Mary went into his arms despite Adelaide looking on with interest, and when he hugged her, the sensation of safety enveloped her.

“I’m so glad you were able to be there for her and essentially rescue her and restore her back to her family. ”

“So am I. Seeing that reunion reminded me of why I continue to work this position despite the dreck that’s said about me in the papers.” Nothing but honestly reflected in his eyes. Then he glanced at Adelaide as he released Mary. “Come here, child. I need to reassure myself that you are well.”

The young woman gave him a hug and even bussed his cheek. “You are the best of the best, Uncle Gabriel. Never let anyone make you feel otherwise.”

“I appreciate that.” He nodded then pulled back so he could peer down into her face.

“I know you’re looking forward to the ball, and I won’t call it off, but I need you to be safe.

Miss Hopewell spoke of other girls who were in danger, who might be targeted next.

” Worry lined his face. “Unfortunately, she named you specifically.”

Mary gasped. “Good heavens. What should we do?” She couldn’t bear the thought of her niece being put into peril.

Though Adelaide appeared a bit pale, she nodded. “I’ll be vigilant, Inspector. I know how to fight. If someone comes after me, there will certainly be a fight involved.”

“That’s what I’m afraid of, but I’ll support you in that if it comes to it.” The look he bestowed on her brimmed with affection. “And you know how to make a lot of noise to call attention to yourself if you are in trouble?”

“Yes, of course. I paid attention to all your lessons.”

“Good.” Only then did he allow a more relaxed grin. “You’re a real gem of a girl, Adelaide. I can’t wait to see you in the midst of your ball tomorrow night.”

She beamed. “I’m so excited!” Then she hugged Mary. “I’m going to take my boxes upstairs and hang the gown so it won’t wrinkle.”

“Good idea.” Mary battled confusing emotions as her niece gathered her things and then quit the room.

When she glanced at her husband, the concern on his face fed into her own.

“I suddenly feel frightened, for everything is quite real now.” She briefly held her bottom lip between her teeth.

“Is it true that Adelaide is in danger?”

“I can’t be certain, but I’ll lay down my life to protect her.

You know that.” When she frowned, he tugged her back into his arms and simply held her against the hard wall of his body.

“Major Kourier will be there tomorrow night, and I’m going to instruct our footmen to act as more than mere footmen while the ball is going on. ”

For long moments, she leaned on his strength—both physically and mentally—and she took comfort in the familiarity of the scent of his cologne and the smell of lingering rain on his person.

“I’m glad you’re here, Gabriel. I don’t know if my nerves can take much more, and if something happens to Adelaide… ”

“That is not going to happen, sweeting. Not while I’m alive,” he whispered into her ear as he tightened his hold on her.

She couldn’t help but be broken up about those words. “I don’t want to lose you either,” she confessed in a soft voice.

“You aren’t going to lose either of us.” When he pressed his lips to her temple, warmth moved through her chest. “I feel this case will break soon. We just need to keep our eyes open.”

For long moments, they remained in their tight embrace, and she borrowed from his strength. Eventually, she stirred. “My ballgown was delivered not long ago. Do you want to see it?”

“Yes, but only because I wish to have you out of it.”

She couldn’t help her grin. “In that case, perhaps we should adjourn upstairs. Unless you intend to go back out for more interviews?”

“Even if I had any on my schedule, I just don’t have it in me currently to do so. Knowing Miss Hopewell is safe but also needing to keep Adelaide safe as well has sapped at my optimism.”

“I understand.” She patted his arm. “That being said, we have a couple of hours free before dinner but make certain you’re quiet.

Adelaide is in her room.” Then she gestured to the remaining boxes.

“And bring those with you, please.” A quick tryst would lift her spirits and perhaps reassure her that Bright had everything well in hand.

“As if I could ever deny an order from you,” he said in a low voice as he moved to collect the boxes and bags.

A low giggle left her throat. For the moment, she would try to put her worries to the back of her mind.