Page 29 of A Murder in Mayfair
His sudden appearance startled us both. He entered hastily, his dark hair disheveled and his expression tense with worry. His eyes immediately found Julia, and without hesitation, he crossed the room to kneel beside her settee. “Julia, my God,”he murmured urgently, his gaze searching her face. "Are you all right?”
Julia’s breath hitched softly, and her eyes welled with tears at his evident concern.
“Lord Nicholas, you shouldn't be here," I said in a no-nonsense tone.
He glanced apologetically at me. "Forgive me, Lady Rosalynd. I realize I'm intruding, but I couldn’t stay away. The rumors … Julia’s distress. I had to know she was safe."
My voice grew stern. "Did Inspector Dodson see you?"
"Regrettably, yes," Nicky admitted. “I was just arriving when he was descending the front steps.”
I slowly shook my head. Nothing worse than a fool in love. Did he even begin to realize what he’d done? “Your presence here will only fuel his suspicions. He already believes that you and Julia planned Lord Walsh’s murder."
"That's absurd!" Lord Nicholas exclaimed, rushing to his feet, anguish plain in his voice. His fingers tightened on Julia’s hand. "I could never ... Julia would never?—"
"Nevertheless," I interrupted gently, "perception matters, Lord Nicholas. You must go."
Julia's eyes widened in alarm. "No! Rosalynd, please?—"
"Julia," Lord Nicholas whispered tenderly, his thumb brushing gently over her knuckles, "Lady Rosalynd is right. I mustn't place you at further risk."
Julia turned pleading eyes toward him. "But if you leave now, they’ll think?—”
"They already think," I interjected. "Your innocence will speak louder if you remain apart."
Lord Nicholas drew a deep breath, torn by his conflicting emotions. "If there’s anything I can do?—"
"There isn’t," I said, a note of finality in my voice. "Julia’s safety and yours depends on discretion. Please, do as I say."
Julia, at last, lowered her eyes in reluctant acceptance. "Go," she whispered hoarsely, withdrawing her hand slowly from his. "For now."
He rose stiffly, his eyes lingering on Julia with undisguised anguish. "If you need me, send word immediately."
Once he had departed, an uncomfortable silence settled over the room. Julia's expression had hardened slightly, a quiet resentment flickering in her eyes. "You should leave too, Rosalynd," she said abruptly. "I can handle things from here."
She was lashing out at me because I’d banished Lord Nicholas. But it was something that needed to be done for her own good. “Very well. I shall do as you wish. At least allow me to contact Steele about arranging a solicitor."
Julia sighed heavily, her shoulders slumping with fatigue. "Yes. I would appreciate it if he could do that.”
“I’ll send him a note as soon as I arrive home.”
“Thank you, Rosalynd.” Her voice hadn’t entirely thawed, but it had warmed. “I really do appreciate your kindness.”
“You’re welcome. If you need anything,” I said, my words almost an echo of Lord Nicholas’s.
“I’ll send for you.”
I stood slowly, my gaze lingering on Julia’s weary face. Our bond, so strong only yesterday, now hung by a thread of wary distance. As the drawing room door closed softly behind me, I paused, uncertain and anxious about what the future would hold—for Julia, for Lord Nicholas, indeed, for all of us.
Chapter
Twelve
STEELE VISITS HIS BROTHER
The note arrived with all the urgency of a war dispatch. Brought by one of Lady Walsh’s footmen, according to Milford. I wasn’t expecting it, not when I’d talked to Lady Rosalynd a bare hour ago. Something must have occurred at Walsh House. I tore open the envelope to find two paragraphs filling the space in a handwriting I recognized.
Upon my arrival at Walsh House, I found Dodson questioning Julia. I gave him his walking papers before too much damage was done. He wants to question her at Scotland Yard, so she’ll need a solicitor. Can you please arrange for one?
