Page 13 of A Duke's Unwanted Bride
For some reason, the coroner’s words made Warner’s jaw clench. “We cannot rule anyone out. But I find myself less and less convinced of her guilt. She is far too… innocent to mastermind such a thing. Innocent or careless, and neither of these things would suggest the kind of person who could execute this scheme and not be caught before now.”
“Perhaps it is an affectation,” Mr. Porter suggested.
“You do not take the risks she is taking unless you are unaware of just how much danger you are in — or if you care very little for your own life.” That fire in her eyes when he’d accused her: was it false indignation or the despair of a woman with nothing left to lose? Warner was not sure which was the more worrying prospect and massaged his temples with his thumb and forefinger.This is the last thing I needed — a foolish woman that I need to look after.
The coroner arched an eyebrow at him but said nothing more. Warner knew the man would not ask for more details and was grateful for it.
“Regardless, I am not sure when she would have had a chance to administer the poison. She almost always had her hands around her own drink, at least from when I arrived.”
“You were watching her rather closely.” The coroner’s face was a masterclass in blankness.
“No more closely than I watched anyone else. I make it my business to notice things others miss.” Warner made a dismissive gesture. “How long would the poison have taken to affect him?”
“It is hard to say. Not everyone reacts to these things in the same way.” The coroner shrugged. “It may have been mere moments, perhaps closer to an hour. I think the latter is unlikely though.”
Warner nodded.Whatever poison he ate or drank, it would have happened during the time I was there.“Very well. Please,share this with the Bow Street Runners. You have my gratitude for being so thorough.”
“Of course, Your Grace.” The coroner bowed and made his way towards the door. “May his killer be brought to justice.”
After the coroner left, Warner turned to Mr. Porter. “Everything in your report, you will keep to yourself.”
“Of course.” Mr. Porter inclined his head.
“And you will continue to follow her, preferably without her knowing.” Warner’s eyes drifted to the list, re-reading the words ‘the King’s Arms’.
“I thought you said you did not suspect her.” Mr. Porter’s brow furrowed.
“I said my suspicion was dwindling though I find it hard to suspect her given what we know. You will still report her activity to me; I am asking you to follow her for her own protection.” Warner gave Mr. Porter a dismissive wave of his hand, but to his surprise, the other man did not leave.
“You wish to protect her?” The surprise was clear in his voice.
“It is nothing to do with her. She is my cousin’s widow; I owe it to him to keep her safe, especially as the woman seems determined to get herself killed chasing idle gossip.”
He let out a frustrated growl. “Besides, I am sure there is more to this whole business, and I suspect she holds the key. If she dies, I might never discover it.”
“Of course, Your Grace.” Mr. Porter swallowed. “I understand.”
“Good. Oh, and Mr. Porter, see to it that knowledge of her escapades is kept to a minimum. If you think she may have been discovered, you will let me know immediately. Those rats at the Post love nothing more than a scandal.”
“But surely it does not matter if she is discovered?”
“You forget yourself, Mr. Porter. It is not for you to question my orders.” Warner’s voice was cold as ice.
Mr. Porter flinched. “I meant no offence, Your Grace. I did not mean to imply I was questioning your judgement. I was just… I was a little taken aback — that is all — that you would expend such resources on this woman.”
Warner nodded and sighed.I do not want him getting the wrong idea.“It is not for her sake but my uncle’s. The last thing he needs is a scandal to distract him from his grief. And there is every chance that it might compromise the investigation.”
“I see.” Mr. Porter twirled his hat one more time and then swept into a bow. “I shall take my leave of you, Your Grace, and ensure my men know what is expected of them.”
“Thank you.” Warner turned from the man and stared out of the window.
The sky was grey, and in the distance, lightning crackled followed by a boom of thunder. Warner took a sip of his whiskey. What he had asked Mr. Porter to do would be a lot of work, but he had not lied. It was necessary.
He let out a sigh as he rested his head against the cool glass. “I thought I was trouble, but Lady Adelaide may have given the word a whole new meaning.”
Five
“Iam surprised you did not buy that top hat, it would have been perfect for your latest persona,” Adele teased Rowen as they left the hat store together.
