Page 24 of A Murder in Mayfair
I inclined my head, grateful for the reassurance. If only I could banish the other threat lingering at the end of the corridor.
Dodson had sidled closer, drawn by our whispers. His presence slithered across my skin like a cold draft.
“Chief Inspector,” I said, polite but firm, “the doctor has made it clear Lady Walsh must rest. Whatever questions you have must wait.”
Dodson’s smile didn’t reach his eyes. “I understand, Lady Rosalynd. But I have a duty to fulfill. Lord Walsh was found murdered in Spitalfields. I intend to discover why. With your permission, I shall inspect his study, speak to the staff. Perhaps by then Lady Walsh will feel strong enough to assist us.”
“You may search his study and question the servants,” I said crisply. “But Julia is not to be disturbed. Doctor’s orders.”
Before Dodson could press further, Steele stepped forward, a wall of black evening clothes and iron will. “Lady Walsh will not be distressed any further tonight,” he said, voice brooking no argument. “You may return tomorrow, Inspector.”
Dodson’s jaw tightened, but he tipped his hat in grudging concession. “Very well. But I will return at first light.”
I didn’t doubt it. Men like Dodson thrived on blood in the water.
Once he disappeared down the staircase, silence reclaimed the corridor. I let out the breath I didn’t realize I’d been holding.
Steele turned to me, weariness etched into his handsome features. “I’m sorry you had to witness this.”
I managed a smile. Wan, but sincere. “We came expecting music and dancing. Not …” I faltered, unwilling to finish the thought.
He nodded grimly. “No one could have foreseen this.”
For a moment, we simply stood there, two reluctant soldiers thrown into the chaos of someone else's war.
“I’m concerned for your cousin,” he added, then hesitated. “And for you.”
“For me?” I blinked, startled.
“You’re remarkably composed, considering the circumstances.”
I flushed, recalling our prior, less-than-civil exchange on the dance floor. “One has little choice but to remain calm. Julia needs me more than I need indulgence in my own emotions.”
Something like approval flickered in his gaze. “She’s fortunate to have you.”
The words warmed me, despite the grimness of the hour.
Still, my thoughts twisted back to the rumors. If Dodson caught the scent of anything untoward between Julia and Lord Nicholas, he would pursue it without mercy. I stole a glance at Julia’s door, closed tight against a merciless world.
Poor Julia. She had tried so hard to do everything right—to be a good wife, a proper lady. Now she stood on the edge of scandal, teetering on a precipice she might never escape.
I drew a slow breath. “I should stay the night.”
Steele didn’t hesitate. “Of course.”
“I must write a note to my brother. Would you deliver it to him?”
He simply nodded.
I quickly penned the missive in Julia’s morning room, informing Cosmos where I would be and requesting that my maid, Tilly, arrive with fresh clothes in the morning. I couldn’t very well remain in my ball gown. After handing it to Steele, I said, “Please impress upon Cosmos that this is urgent. He can be somewhat preoccupied.”
That earned the ghost of a real smile from him, something that lightened the heavy gloom.
The physician emerged then, reporting that Julia was sleeping and should not be disturbed. After a few murmured reassurances, he, too, departed, leaving the house to its uneasy silence.
We descended the grand staircase together, Steele and I. The butler waited by the door, Steele’s cape and hat in hand.
“Is Inspector Dodson still here?” Steele asked.
