Page 24 of A Murder in Trinity Lane
“Lady Broadbottom heardeverything,” I said flatly.
Steele let out a low chuckle. “I believe half of St. George’s did.”
Chapter
Ten
A BROTHER’S RECKONING
“You find what just happened amusing?” Rosalynd’s face was flushed with outrage.
I fought back a smile. “You have to admit it was rather.”
Lady Rosalynd and I had just stepped out of the church into the crisp morning air, the chapel doors thudding shut behind us.
“I do not, Your Grace. By teatime, half of Mayfair will know we were seen arguing at St. George’s.”
“And that’s a problem for you.” I hadn’t meant it to sound quite so glib—but there it was.
Her furious gaze landed on me. “Of course, it’s a problem. We’ve just barely weathered the tittle tattle surrounding Walsh’s murder. Last thing I wish is to start that again.”
“Then, let’s see you home.” Spotting a passing hackney, I stepped off the curb and raised my arm. After the driver pulled to a halt, I opened the door and held out my hand to her.
But she refused to take it. “I’d prefer to go alone. We’ve attracted quite enough notice already.”
“I’m afraid I must disappoint you. We need to speak privately.”
She pressed her lips together. After a pause, she relented with a sigh. “Very well. I suppose the damage is already done.”
As we settled into the carriage, I leaned back. “You didn’t bring your maid.”
“I didn’t expect an audience. St. George’s is usually empty at this hour. A miscalculation, clearly. Now, what is it you wished to discuss?”
I turned my head to look out the window. “Your visit to the mortuary.”
That earned me a sharp glance. “You expressly forbade me from going.”
“You’ll go regardless. As you so clearly stated, you don’t need my permission.” I met her gaze. “So the only reasonable course is for me to arrange it. At two o’clock this afternoon. That gives me time to keep an appointment.”
She tilted her head, studying me. “This isn’t a convenient excuse, is it? A way to keep me safely tucked away while you investigate alone?”
“You have a suspicious nature, Lady Rosalynd.”
“Only when I’m being managed.”
“I prefer protected.”
She arched a brow. “Semantics. Now then—what’s your plan?”
“I’ll send my unmarked carriage to collect you at two. It will take you to St. James’s, where I’ll be waiting. You will remain in the carriage while I retrieve Elsie’s things. Under no circumstance are you to enter the mortuary.”
Her eyes narrowed, but she gave a terse nod.
“Afterward, I suggest a return visit to St. Agnes.”
“That was already my intention. Last night I only spoke with Sister Margaret. The girls were grieving, as one might expect. I hope today they’ll be in a better state to talk.”
I hesitated. “Dodson will frown upon your actions if he were to find out. You’ll need to plan what you will say if you do.”
