Page 28 of A Murder in Mayfair
“Find out what she knows about Walsh’s dealings. What acquaintances did he have? Did she hear anything that would provide a clue? Once you’ve talked to her, we can arrange a meeting.”
A thought occurred to me. “How do we do that without attracting attention? We’ll open ourselves to gossip if we spend any time alone. We have enough trouble with the rumors swirling around Julia and Lord Nicholas.”
A faint smile curved Steele’s lips. “This is London society, Lady Rosalynd. People talk if a lady takes a stroll without her chaperone. But don’t worry. I’ll arrange for a private meeting place. You won’t be caught out.”
“It’s not me I worry about, but Chrissie. This is her debut season. It would be ruined if I embroiled myself in a scandal.”
“It’ll be a place no one knows in an area no one is likely to visit. I’ll send a note to Rosehaven House as soon as I’ve made the arrangements. Is that agreeable to you?”
“It has to be. There really is no other choice. Julia and I grew up together. If there is any chance that she is innocent, I must do all in my power to prove it.”
“I feel the same way about Nicky. He may be a fool at times, but he is still my family.” Taking a deep breath, he said, “We shall work together, in secret, and unravel this to the best of our abilities.”
“Agreed,” I said.
As I rose to leave, I met Steele’s eyes. For the first time, I felt no distrust or wariness between us, but a shared and solemn vow.
We would find the truth.
No matter the cost.
Chapter
Eleven
AN UNPLEASANT SURPRISE
Having spent longer with Steele than I intended, I rushed back to Walsh House, all the time praying nothing alarming had occurred. I stepped out of the hackney with an air of weary determination, brushing off the chill that clung to my traveling cloak.
The grand façade of Walsh House loomed before me, its stately windows glinting under the overcast afternoon sky. I had scarcely crossed the threshold when the butler, a usually unflappable man, approached me with an urgency that sent a ripple of unease down my spine.
“Milady,” he murmured. "Inspector Dodson is here. He is speaking with Lady Julia in the drawing room."
My breath hitched. Unfortunately, my prayers had not been answered.
Without waiting for another word, I strode through the halls, my heels clicking against the polished marble. As I reached the drawing room, my grip tightened around the folds of my skirts.The deep timbre of Inspector Dodson’s voice carried through the heavy doors.
"Are you expecting a child, Lady Walsh?"
My pulse quickened with indignation. How dare he ask such a personal question? I threw open the doors, my voice cutting through the tense silence. "Lady Walsh will not answer that."
Inspector Dodson turned, a slow, amused smirk curling at the corners of his mouth. He was a tall, hawkish man with an unsettling gaze that belied his polite demeanor.
"Lady Rosalynd," he drawled, inclining his head. "A pleasure."
I ignored his false pleasantries and stepped protectively toward my cousin. Julia sat stiff-backed on the settee, her gloved hands knotted together in her lap. Her pallor was even more pronounced than the last time I saw her.
“I am entitled to ask questions of her,” Dodson said.
“Not without her solicitor present,” I declared firmly.
Dodson’s smirk widened. "Then I will expect to see her at Scotland Yard. Do let me know when she’s ready to be brought in for formal questioning."
Julia let out a strangled gasp, her composure crumbling. The moment the inspector strode from the room, she dissolved into tears.
I was at my cousin’s side in an instant, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. "Do not distress yourself, dearest. We will handle this."
Before Julia could respond, voices echoed from the entryway. A footman’s muffled protest preceded the arrival of an unwished-for visitor—Lord Nicholas, Steele’s brother.
