Page 61 of Inventing Vivian

“Not without evidence to prove a warrant is, well, warranted, my lord. As I said, he remains untouchable.”

“Instead of proving Lord Hargreave’s guilt, let us focus on confirming Zhang Wei’s innocence,” Miss Kirby said. “It should be simple enough to demonstrate that he did not discharge a firearm.”

The others turned toward her.

“And how would we do that, miss?” Inspector Graham asked.

“Test his sleeves for discharge residue. Bits of iron would be easily revealed with a solution of nitric acid.” She tapped her finger on the table as if thinking while she spoke. “Or potassium nitrate from the burned particles could be detected with a reagent containing diphenylamine and sulfuric acid.”

“Brilliant!” Benedict beamed at her. “Lack of gunfire discharge would prove he didn’t shoot the gun.” She really was ingenious.

“Fascinating,” Inspector Graham said, studying Miss Kirby with keen eyes. “Using science in such a way.” He sighed, shaking his head. “But even if that were to work—and I have no understanding of chemistry, so I cannot say—I’m afraid a jury wouldn’t be convinced.”

“It’s science,” Miss Kirby said. “There is nothing to believe or not believe. Science is truth.”

“You’d be surprised, miss. Many won’t accept it, no matter how clear the evidence. Prejudice runs deep, I’m afraid. Even with ironclad proof, it will be difficult to convince jurors that a noblewoman is lying and a Chinese immigrant is innocent.” He grimaced.

“That is simply unfair!” Lady Sophronia said.

“It is indeed,” the inspector said.

“So we’ll need unmistakable evidence. Something that none could possibly refute.” Vivian sat back in her chair, her brows knitting together.

Frustration made Benedict’s muscles tight. “Is there nothing we can do, Inspector?”

Inspector Graham scratched his cheek. “Your Lordship, I believe Mr. Li. I do. But it’s not me he has to convince. There will be an inquest, and then he will go to trial. I will do all I can, my lord, but—”

“What about a photograph?” Miss Kirby said.

“What was that?” Inspector Graham asked, turning toward her and blinking. He was apparently unused to the woman’s habit of interrupting.

“If you had a photograph of Mr. Hargreave with the stolen horses, would that convince a jury?”

“I hardly think he will pose for a photograph, miss,” the inspector said.

Miss Kirby stood, and the gentlemen followed suit.

“If you’ll excuse me,” she said, fidgeting with her handbag. “I need to... to check on something.” She turned to Benedict, and her face cleared as if she’d come to a conclusion. “Your Lordship, if I may, could I come visit you tomorrow morning? I have an idea, something that could help Mr. Li. You should come too, Inspector, and Sophie.” She was speaking so quickly, Benedict could hardly understand her words.

“Yes, of course,” he said.

“Come along, Sophie,” Vivian said, taking her friend’s hand.

“What are you young ladies plotting?” Inspector Graham groaned. “I cannot allow myself to get involved in another of your schemes. The last nearly cost me not only my job but Sophie’s life.”

“But it all ended well,” Lady Sophronia said, coming around the table and kissing her fiancé’s cheek. She looked positively thrilled at the idea of a scheme.

Vivian paused with her hand on the door handle. “Tomorrow at ten, my lord?”

Benedict nodded. “Yes. Thank you.”

“Inspector?”

“I’ll be there.”

“Very good, then.” Miss Kirby and Lady Sophronia hurried out the door.

Inspector Graham sat again and let his head fall back against the chair. “I don’t have a good feeling about this, my lord. When those women get an idea... there’s no telling what we’re getting into.”

But Benedict felt calmer than he had since word reached him about Zhang Wei’s arrest. The enormity of what had happened had threatened to overwhelm him, but knowing he had Miss Kirby’s support relieved the pressure, letting him breathe.

He rubbed his fingers against his palm, remembering the feel of her gloved hand in his, and leaned forward. “Inspector, I know you are unable to pursue a formal investigation against Lord Hargreave, but I am under no such restriction. Give me direction.”

Inspector Graham’s face broke into a grim smile. “I knew I liked you, my lord.”

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