Page 23 of Honor Unbound

Marcus nodded to his butler as he hurried to open the door. “Well, I could ask Summerset. He’s in town now.”

I took my walking stick from the butler and gripped its head. “Absolutely not. The last time I visited that friend of yours, hewas as nervous as a bluestocking in a country tavern. I know his wife is increasing with their first child, but he’s acting as though reproduction was a singular occurrence only known to the two of them.”

“Would you expect anything less from Summerset?” Marcus arched an eyebrow.

“Never.” I pulled my thin shawl about my shoulders. “Now, you are certain you never met the victim?”

“Positive.” Marcus inclined his head. “I am practiced at remembering faces and names.”

“Of course.” I rolled up on my toes and kissed his bristly jaw. “Keep Summerset home with his wife. You stay home with yours. I will get on just fine.”

Jane accepted a small box from the butler and extended her farewells.

We climbed into my carriage. Once settled, Jane opened the box and took out one of the pastries. “I like Cook, but she just doesn’t make sweets like the duke’s kitchen.”

“Which is the reason my visits to Marcus are the only ones you still accompany me on,” I said dryly.

She was too busy chewing to reply.

“Well, that was unproductive.” I sank back on my seat. The sway of the carriage eased the muscles in my back but my apprehension lingered. I’d spoken with Trent’s family and business associates and felt as though I’d learned nothing. I’d discovered reasons some might want Trent dead, but nothing to indicate anyone’s guilt.

But it was early yet in the investigation. I’d learned these endeavors had a rhythm all their own. Like a miner chipping at stone, if I kept at it, eventually I’d strike gold.

I watched as Jane pulled another pastry from the box. Perhaps today didn’t have to be a complete loss. Perhaps there was a mystery I could unravel.

I folded my hands over my lap. “So, Jane, how long have you had atendrefor our milkman?”

The explosion of dusted sugar that came from Jane’s mouth was most satisfying.

Chapter Ten

Lady Mary

“Isaw Montaguejust this morning. His daughter is improving,” I told Mrs. Bromwell.

I was seated in the Tea Room at The Minerva Club, a stack of invoices before me. The Tea Room was the central gathering spot of the club, and recently refurbished. The new windows, with their lotus-shaped lead-iron filigree embedded in them, gave a lovely view onto Jermyn Street. Several round tables rested atop the new plank flooring, a couple of settees and low tables scattered in between. A long bar ran the length of the side of the room where beverages stronger than tea were available. The ample lighting and proximity to a footman ready to refill my teapot whenever its contents got low made it an ideal place to get some work done.

Its proximity to the club’s members, however, made accomplishing said work more difficult. Every lady inside my walls seemed inclined to offer a greeting, question, or observation as they passed by, heedless of my ducked head and sour expression.

In addition, a corner table had been taken over by two women who were running bets on this year’s marriage mart, and a loud crowd frequently gathered about them as wagers were laid and gossip delivered about which eligible bachelor seemed taken with which young miss. The odds on a particularwallflower entering the matrimonial state tempted many a member to empty their reticule.

I sniffed. As the gambling was occurring under my roof, I should demand a cut of the profits.

It also didn’t help my productivity that Southey was at my feet. All the women loved to coo over the beast, sneaking him treats when they thought I wasn’t looking.

Mrs. Bromwell leaned forward, her opal necklace dipping inside her bodice. “And have you learned anything more about that poor soul who died at your house? Does Bow Street know who killed him?”

I bit back a sigh. I should make a public announcement instead of answering each member individually. I couldn’t blame them for their curiosity. I was curious, too. I was most likely annoyed because I had no answer. “No one has been arrested yet, but I’m sure it will come.”

I forced a smile. “If you want to hear the lecture on gunpowder, I believe it will begin shortly in the Great Room. The seats will fill up quickly.”

Mrs. Bromwell jumped up from her seat across the table from me. “Quite right. I don’t want to miss that. If you’ll excuse me.” And she scurried out the double doors and down the central hall to the back room.

Southey gazed after her, probably missing the little bits of scone the woman had snuck under the table. He licked crumbs from his muzzle.

I turned back to my invoices. I suspected the bakehouse I ordered from had double charged me last week. Either that, or Southey had been severely eating into my profits.

“Lady Mary!” Marie hurried in, waving a piece of paper in her hand. Mr. Burton was a step behind her. “I’ve discovered something you will want to know.”