Page 54 of The Counterfeit Scoundrel
“The front.”
Daisy frowned. “It didn’t appear to be damaged.”
“The butler carelessly left the door unlocked.”
“Convenient that, to have neglected so important a duty on a night when someone was planning to do your husband in.”
“I hadn’t even considered the coincidence. How clever of you to notice when Scotland Yard didn’t. Whomever it was must have picked the lock, then. The city is rife with criminals for whom locks are no deterrent. Why am I being interrogated? I’ve already told the police everything there is to tell.”
“Did you mention your association with me?” Bishop asked.
“Only that we were friends. Not the particulars of our association. I didn’t think it would do either of us any favors if they thought we were involved or that I wished to be rid of my husband. I did mention the comfort you provided the night Bertram struck me. It was bound to come out at some point. Best to be up-front. Again, why all the questions?”
“Because Scotland Yard suspects I might have done him in.”
“Wherever would they get such a notion? It’s absolutely ridiculous. I shall so inform them. Forthwith.”
“It would probably be best not to say anything atall,” Daisy stated. “As Shakespeare says, when one protests too much, well, one is not likely to be believed.”
Reaching out, Mrs. Mallard squeezed Bishop’s arm, her eyes widening almost in alarm. “My, but you are strong, aren’t you?” Quickly she released her hold. “My apologies for touching you. I wanted only to reassure you that I won’t say anything if you don’t wish it.”
“As Miss Townsend alludes, it’s probably best if you don’t elaborate regarding our relationship, at least for the time being.”
“Yes, I’m sure you’re quite right. It goes without saying that I shan’t be visiting you any longer.”
“If, however, you need anything of me, don’t hesitate to send word.”
“You’re very kind, Mr. Blackwood. I do hope Scotland Yard won’t trouble you any further. Now, if you’ll be so kind as to excuse me, much remains to be done.”
“Of course, Mrs. Mallard. We’ll see ourselves out.”
Neither Daisy nor Bishop spoke until his carriage was on its way back to her office.
“The few times I saw her in your residence, she was prone to cowering,” Daisy mused.
“She lived in fear.”
No longer. That much was obvious, but something more than that seemed very different about the woman. Daisy couldn’t quite identify what it was. She looked out the window, searching for the answer there. “Did she ever touch you before?”
“Jealous?”
She cast a scathing glance his way. “That would be like an eagle being jealous of a duckling.”
He arched a brow. “You see yourself as an eagle?”
“More a lioness, but the comparison seemed to call for fowls, considering her name. Still, I can’t imagine her grasping at any man.”
“She was much more timid in our previous encounters, but again she had the shadow of her husband looming over her.”
“I suppose. Still, the loss of a life, the loss of someone with whom you’ve shared a life should elicit some sorrow. I saw no evidence of true mourning in her mien.”
“People grieve differently. Perhaps she grieves in private. To be honest, I can’t blame her for any gladness she might feel at being rid of him.”
“I suppose you have a point. But if my husband was murdered because the butler forgot to secure the door, the butler would be let go. Immediately. Without a reference. Could the butler have done it, do you think? If Mallard was unkind to her, he might have been cruel to the staff as well. A tyrant. Perhaps she wasn’t the only one to fear him or want to be done with him. I’m very interested to know what Swindler thinks happened that night. I also need to review the newspaper accounts. After I’m delivered to my office, I’ll be in touch when I have more to share.”
“I’ll be leaving the carriage with you. I’ll take a cab back to my residence.”
“That’s not necessary. I’m perfectly capable of making my way around London.”
