Page 83 of Lady Edith and the Registry Office
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Edith smiled all theway home to Hanover Square.
“You looked pleased with yourself.” Louisa settled back against the squabs with a yawn.
“It is nice to be taken seriously.” She sobered. “My father must have read about the murder, and that is why the papers are locked away in his study.”
“I’m sure he is merely trying to protect you.”
“I was going to hear about the murder eventually.” She shook her head.
“True.”
When they reached the townhouse, the butler informed Edith her father was in his study.
“I’ll take myself off upstairs.” Louisa proceeded to do just that.
Edith knocked at the door of the study.
“Come!”
She entered the room and shut the door behind her. Her father was seated at his desk, an open book in front of him.
“Edith! How has your day been?” He closed his book.
She took a seat and said, “Despite your hiding the newspapers, I heard about the murder.”
Her father let out a long breath. “I didn’t want to worry you.”
“I worry foryou. It was Lady Sandhurst’s maid who was killed. Lord Wycliffe told me one of the lady’s footmen was found dead in the Thames.”
“The runners are calling the servant’s death a suicide.” Her father paused. “Lord Wycliffe felt the need to speak about such unsavory topics in front of a lady?”
“As did Lord Harbury. The murder might be related to our missing veterans.”
Her father lowered his brows. “I don’t see how. Neither Lady Sandhurst nor anyone in her household has a connection to the registry office.”
Edith would not argue with her father. Other than the scullery maid and footman, there was no way to know if any of the other members of the lady’s household were involved in recent events. Or with the RA.
She would try a different tack. “How is Lady Sandhurst? Have you spoken with her?”
He nodded. “She is quite shaken up by recent events and may leave for the countryside with her daughter’s family.”
“I’m sorry, Father.” And she was. The poor woman had been exposed to some dreadful circumstances recently.
“Lady Sandhurst must do what she feels is right. Her daughter has two young children, and the murder has upset the family.”
She didn’t believe Lady Sandhurst was involved in the disappearance of their veterans. The lady would not be a party to recent events willingly. The tainted supper, murder of her maid, and untimely death of her footman had brought scandal to her door.
Louisa was right when she said everything was getting too convoluted. The thought gave her pause.
“Father, will you be in this evening?”
“I will,” he replied gloomily.
She supposed he was not pleased to leave Lady Sandhurst to her own devices. The fact that he was at home led Edith to believe the lady might be trying to protect his reputation.
Edith thought of something that might make her father smile. “Did I tell you that Charlotte is with child? She and Ashford are departing for the country tomorrow morning for her confinement.”
