Page 77 of The Paid Companion

Bennett tightened his grip on the handle of his walking stick. “Yes, of course.”

Margaret frowned, looking distinctly uneasy. “Arthur, why do you want to be private with Bennett? You are not going to embarrass me by asking him to declare his intentions, are you? If so, I would remind you that I am a widow, not a green girl. My personal life is my own.”

Arthur sighed. “Yet another female who thinks she should be allowed to make all her own decisions. What the devil is the world coming to, Fleming? At this rate the ladies will soon have no more need of us poor males.”

“I am serious, Arthur,” Margaret said forcefully.

“It’s all right, my dear.” Bennett kissed her hand. “St. Merryn and I are old friends, remember? I have no objection whatsoever to joining him for a brandy in his library.”

Margaret did not look happy about the situation, but her eyes softened. “Very well. But promise me that you will not allow him to coerce you into making any statements or promises that you do not wish to make.”

Bennett patted her hand reassuringly. “Do not worry about me, my dear. I am quite capable of dealing with this matter.”

“Yes, of course.” Margaret shot Arthur one last warning glance, picked up her skirts and went swiftly up the stairs.

Arthur motioned Bennett down the hall toward the library. “I think you will find that my new brandy is excellent.”

Bennett chuckled. “I do not doubt that. You only purchase the best.”

Arthur followed him into the library, closed the door and walked to the table that held the decanter and glasses. “Please be seated. I asked you in here this evening because I have something of great importance to discuss with you.”

“I understand.” Bennett sat down in one of the chairs that faced the hearth and stretched out his legs. “You wish to inquire into the nature of my intentions toward Margaret. I assure you, they are entirely honorable.”

“Of course they are. Good lord, man, that is the least of my concerns. You are one of the most honorable men I have ever known in my entire life.”

Bennett seemed oddly embarrassed but quite gratified by that remark. “Why, thank you. The sentiment is entirely reciprocated, as I’m sure you know.”

Arthur nodded brusquely and picked up the two glasses he had just filled. He handed one to Bennett. “I am pleased to see Margaret looking so happy, and I comprehend that you are the reason.”

Bennett relaxed and took a sip. “I consider myself a very fortunate man. I did not think that I would ever meet another woman I could love after I lost Elizabeth. It is not often that life gives us a second chance, is it?”

“No.” Arthur reflected briefly. “You two make an excellent match, do you not? You read novels and Margaret writes them. What could be more ideal?”

Bennett choked and sputtered on his brandy. “Youknowabout her career as an author?”

“Certainly.” Arthur sat down across from him.

“She thinks that you are unaware that she writes for the Minerva Press under the name of Mrs. Margaret Mallory.”

“Why is it that everyone assumes that I do not know what is going on in my own family?” Arthur began. He broke off at the sight of a narrow strip of pale blue ribbon lying on the carpet near the sofa.

It was one of the blue satin garters Elenora had used to secure her stockings.

He stood quickly Bennett frowned. “Something wrong?”

“Not at all. Just thought I’d prod the fire a bit.”

He grabbed the poker, made a couple of desultory stabs at the crumbling embers and then moved leisurely back to his chair, taking a path that brought the toe of his boot very near the garter.

“I did not ask you in here to discuss Margaret. What I wish to discuss with you is the status of my inquiries. There has been another murder.”

“Never say so.” Bennett paused in the acting of taking a swallow of brandy. His heavy brows came together in a bushy line above his nose. “What the devil are you talking about, sir?”

Arthur took advantage of the moment of acute distraction. Using the toe of his boot, he nudged the garter out of sight under the sofa. It was still visible if one knew where to look, but it was unlikely that Bennett would get down on his hands and knees to survey the carpet for signs of recent debauchery.

Satisfied that he had done all he could to conceal the evidence, Arthur continued back to his chair.

“I found Ibbitts shot to death this evening.”