Page 19 of Solving Sophronia

“Wasn’t it?” The dowager countess laughed, breaking off a piece of biscuit to feed to her dog. “A bird that begs for money, if you can believe it.”

“And just last week Mother insisted I take her to purchase a round-brimmed hat, per your recommendation,” the sergeant continued.

“A round-brimmed hat is very fashionable this year,” the older woman agreed.

“And wouldn’t you know, while we were out, I found a cerulean blue necktie that quite brought out the color of my eyes—”

Jonathan cleared his throat, interrupting the sergeant. He had no desire to discover where this conversation might lead. He shot a look at Sergeant Lester, telling him silently to hold his tongue and keep to the topic at hand.We are trying to solve a murder here.“Lady Sophronia? Please continue.”

The young woman nodded. “I hoped that by discovering and reporting a story—a real story, not simply a commentary about fashion or gossip—the editor would take my writing more seriously. I wish to work as a news reporter.”

She glanced at her grandmother, and the dowager countess smiled and nodded.

“So in return for providing me with the name of the victim, you want the exclusive story on this murder,” Jonathan said.

“Not only on the murder. I hope to see firsthand the solving of the crime and the arrest of the person responsible. I wish to assist in the investigation.”

Jonathan shook his head.Absolutely not.A murder investigation was often dangerous. The very idea was ridiculous, and he would not entertain it for a moment. They had wasted enough time drinking tea and chatting about hats and parrots as it was.

Lady Sophronia’s eyes tightened, as did her lips.

Stubborn.

Compelling her to give the victim’s name would not be difficult. With-holding information in a criminal investigation was in itself a punishable offense. If she refused to reveal it, Lady Sophronia would, at the very least, be taken into custody. Perhaps a bit of time in the cells at H Division would loosen her lips. And if it came down to it, he and Sergeant Lester could find the information themselves. She’d given them enough to go on.

Jonathan steeled himself for her reaction and opened his mouth to refuse her proposal, but something in her expression made him pause. Beneath the self-assuredness and defiance, she held herself tightly, as if bracing against a rejection she was certain would come. A flicker of doubt moved in her eyes, and something else Jonathan knew she hadn’t intended to show. He recognized the glimmer of hope that if she was just given a chance... A memory surfaced in his mind of a young man, an orphan from Wapping, submitting his application to join the police force. Out of habit, he rubbed the fob on his pocket watch chain.

Lifting the picture of the dress, he studied it as he contemplated. Truth be told, Lady Sophronia had done a fine job pursuing her lead, and her knowledge on the subject of ladies’ fashion had saved him hours of footwork and interviews—in dress shops, of all places. And she was intuitive. She’d pointed out things he did not think a typical civilian would have noticed.

If he refused Lady Sophronia, she would most likely make inquiries on her own, and a young noblewoman investigating a murder in Spitalfields was hardly an ideal situation.

He set the picture back on the low table in front of him and glanced at the others.

Lady Sophronia, the dowager countess, the dog, and Sergeant Lester watched him silently, awaiting his answer.

“My lady,” he began slowly. “As you are no doubt aware, law enforcement and the press are often at odds. A reporter seeks a compelling story in order to sell newspapers, while the police, on the other hand, are working to apprehend a criminal. You understand my reluctance to reveal the progress of the investigation to a person who intends to make it public.”

Lady Sophronia nodded. “Yes, I understand. I won’t write the story until the case is solved and the criminal apprehended. I wouldn’t want to tip off a murderer to any specifics of your hunt for him.”

Jonathan nodded. “I have your word on that?”

“You do.”

“In that case, my lady, you have a deal. Information about this case will be given to you alone.”

Lady Sophronia extended her hand but stopped before taking his. She pulled back. “And I will be allowed to help with the investigation?”

She wasn’t to be easily dissuaded, that was for certain. “Insofar as I determine it to be safe. We search for a murderer, a person who has killed and may kill again. You are not a police officer, my lady, and I will not allow you to expose yourself to potential harm. Nor will I put the investigation at risk. If I feel you are in danger, I will forbid you to continue, and you must comply. Do you understand?”

“Yes, I understand.” She shook his hand, looking very serious, even as excitement sparked in her eyes.

Jonathan studied her expression for any sign of deception. “And you’ll not go off investigating on your own?”

“I will defer to your expertise, Detective.” She gave a nod.

“Very well, then.” He released her hand and sat back, satisfied. Now that he’d made the decision, he considered how to best use the young lady’s talents.

Lady Sophronia handed the other two papers across the table.

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