Page 42 of Solving Sophronia

“So this man tells you to remain silent?” Elizabeth snorted. “Typical.”

Sophie shook her head, a burst of defensiveness prickling under her skin, even though she knew her friend’s words were spoken partially in jest. She’d come to realize over the past weeks that Elizabeth was not always as angry toward the opposite sex as she acted, though the young lady did not tolerate injustice in any form and did not hesitate to speak up in the face of discrimination. “No, it’s not like that at all,” Sophie said. “He’snot like that. In fact, the detective often asks for my opinion about the case. And he listens when I give it.”

Elizabeth didn’t look completely convinced.

“He simply doesn’t want any part of the investigation revealed while we still search for the killer,” Sophie explained further. “Tipping the murderer off to the police’s plans to apprehend him would hardly do.”

“That seems wise,” Dahlia said.

“Or controlling,” Elizabeth muttered. She gave an impertinent smile as her gaze, holding a tease, darted to Sophie.

Sophie smirked and was about to tease back when they were interrupted by the approach of Lord Meredith, Lord Ruben’s closest friend.

“Good morning, ladies.” He pulled on his hat brim and inclined his head in a slight bow. The ruby pin in his necktie glinted in the sunlight.

The women greeted him in return.

Lord Meredith wore his tailored coat with an easy elegance that gave the impression that he hadn’t given more than the briefest thought to his presentation, though Sophie did not think it likely. Not when the cut of his trousers and his waistcoat were the very height of style. Unlike the other members of the West End Casanovas, Lord Meredith wore no mustache but grew his side-whiskers down past his ears.

“How do you do today, Miss Lancaster?” he asked Dahlia.

“Very well, sir. Thank you.”

Dahlia’s voice was soft, and she appeared to be uncertain—a trait Sophie did not realize the young lady possessed. Her wound at the hands of Lord Ruben was still raw.

Lord Meredith cleared his throat, clasping his hands behind his back. “I thought to inquire... perhaps call on you sooner, but—”

“Meredith, there you are.” Lord Ruben pushed through a group of people, emerging with Lady Lorene Stanhope on his arm. His eyes widened when he saw Dahlia, and his brows wrinkled. The expression was gone just as quickly, replaced by his typical bored arrogance.

Lady Lorene gave Dahlia a haughty sneer. She pulled on her fiancé’s elbow. “Come along, Ruben, darling. Lord Everleigh has claimed an ideal viewing location for us on that hill.”

Sophie and Elizabeth looked at Dahlia and then at each other.

Dahlia’s cheeks were dark, and her chin quivered.

“It’s a balloon, my lady,” Elizabeth said in an irritated voice. “When it rises, anywhere in the city is an ideal viewing location.”

Lady Lorene ignored Elizabeth. “You’ll join us as well, Lord Meredith?”

Lord Meredith looked between the two groups, his gaze lingering on Dahlia with something very like concern in his eyes. “Ah yes. I’ll be along in a moment.”

Elizabeth watched Dahlia as well, but instead of concern, anger sparked in her eyes. “Please excuse us.” She pulled her cousin away without waiting for acknowledgment from the others.

“How very rude,” Lady Lorene said. She curled her lip, watching Dahlia’s retreating form, and pulled Lord Ruben away, inclining her head to Sophie as she passed. “Lady Sophronia.”

Lord Ruben touched his hat brim in the briefest acknowledgment.

Sophie muttered a farewell to the couple and turned to bid farewell to Lord Meredith as well but changed her mind when she realized she had the rare opportunity to speak with one of the Casanovas alone.

Lord Meredith glanced between the two departing pairs. “I suppose things must be... difficult between Miss Lancaster and myself now.” He grimaced. “I wish it were not so.”

“Perhaps,” Sophie said, not exactly certain what answer to give.

He cleared his throat and looked down at Sophie as if surprised she were still there. He must have been speaking to himself.

“Lord Meredith, I wonder if I might ask you some questions,” Sophie said before he could leave. “It will take just a moment.”

“Writing a story, are you?”

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