Page 16 of Murder in Matrimony
“Goodness, Grady.” She shut the door. “We’ve dealt with our fair share of thieves, murderers, and thugs. No need for you to pull that face on me now.”
“This arrived today.” He wordlessly retrieved a letter from his inside coat pocket. “I brought it over directly.”
Amelia met him in the middle of the room, glancing at the paper. “The blackmailer.”
“Yes.”
She perused the block letters, so familiar to her eyes now. The handwriting was indistinguishable. The author could be a man a woman or a child. The person had gone to great lengths to disguise his or her penmanship, writing in uppercase letters.
Dear Lady Agony,
You were foolish to publish my letter. If you repeat the mistake, I will make sure you pay the ultimate price. I know your schedule, I know your identity, and I will upset both if you do not act.
Print the name of the Mayfair Marauder without delay. This is the last time I will ask nicely.
Sincerely,
A Concerned Citizen
“It isn’t good, Amelia.” Grady returned the letter to his coat pocket.
Amelia took a seat on the green leather couch and gestured for him to join her.
He took the chair across from her. “You won’t want to hear this, but I think it’s time to reveal the name of the Mayfair Marauder.”
“I cannot do that.”
“What other choice to you have?” he continued steadily. “It’s his name or yours, and quite frankly, he did commit a crime. If anyone should pay, it is he.”
“You cannot be serious.” Amelia shook her head in disbelief. “We’ve never cowed to readers’ outbursts before. Why would we now?”
“This is different.” His Adam’s apple bobbed in a nervous swallow. “The blackmailer seeks revenge. People like that will not quit until they have it.” He leaned closer. “You must protect what is yours, Amelia. Your home, your livelihood. Winifred.”
Of the three, the last gave her chills. Winifred and her future must be cared for. Amelia had promised Edgar, and even if she hadn’t, Winifred was the person she loved most in this world. She could not have any harm brought to her. But did the blackmailer actually know who she was? To date, she had no evidence to confirm it. The letters were not sent to her home. They were sent to the journal. The person might be vindictive but also harmless.
“I made a promise—”
“I know, and I also know how seriously you take your promises.” His brown eyes searched hers with desperation. “But you cannot take a chance.Wecannot take a chance. I won’t allow you to.”
Grady did not know the name of the thief. Only she and Simon knew it was Lord Drake. But from the look in his eye, if it was up to him, he would reveal the name straightaway.
“Lord Bainbridge, my lady.” Jones barely had the name out of his mouth before Simon joined them in the room. Amelia expected him this afternoon, and his early arrival was not ideal.
“Mr. Armstrong.” Simon took a seat next to Amelia on the couch, the leather squeaking as he sat down. “How good to see you—again.”
“Lord Bainbridge. Always a pleasure.”
“The tea, Jones?” Amelia inquired.
“Will be right in.” Jones shut the door behind him.
Simon seemed ready to make another quip about Grady’s frequent visits when Grady preempted him with an unlikely remark. “I’m glad you’re here.” He reached again for his inner coat pocket. “We’ve just received another letter from the blackmailer.”
Amelia stared open-mouthed at Grady.Of all the churlishbehaviors. He was trying to force her hand by including Simon in what was effectively their business. Her business, if she was to be completely accurate.
“May I have a look?” asked Simon in a conciliatory tone.
Amelia continued to stare as he read the letter, watching for any reaction.
