Page 83 of Honor Unbound

Just like I wasn’t sure how this latest information fit into my investigation.

“His fortune had changed, the captain said?” I gave her another swatch and stood back. “Blackmail do you think?”

Marie rolled her shoulder. “You mean that Mr. Hicks discovered who’d killed Mr. Trent, and instead of telling Sir Kelsey, threatened the killer with exposure in exchange for money?”

I tapped my toe. “Yes, Marie, that is a nice summation of what I mean.”

She lowered her arms. “If that is the case, I would almost say that Mr. Hicks deserved his fate.”

“No one deserves being stabbed repeatedly.” The image of all the blood surrounding Hicks’s body, splashing the walls, remained printed on my mind.

Marie came to where I stood. “I did say almost.”

I gave her a tight smile. “Indeed you did. Now, is there anything else you wish to tell me? Anything at all?”

She shook her head, one of her red curls escaping its pins. “No, ma’am. That was all we learned.”

I stared at her another second, giving her time to reconsider her obstinance. When the moment started to become uncomfortable, I sighed. “Very well. Which do you like better?” I pointed between the two ornamental papers.

She held up the one with the little palm trees. “But this room was repainted after the fire. Why do you want to change the walls so soon?”

“It’s too dark. With the neighboring building so close next to ours, even with those high windows it doesn’t get enough light.”

Bobby, a footman at the club, shuffled into the room. “Excuse me, milady, but Mr. Ryder is here and would like to speak with you.”

My stomach tensed. “He hasn’t brought an angry mob with him this time, has he?”

Bobby’s lips twitched. “No, milady. Today he is alone.”

“Very well. Show him to my office. I’ll be there shortly.” I turned to Marie. “Will you go to Clementine’s Papier and tell them we’ve decided on the palm trees? They’ve already measured the room. Tell them to start work as soon as possible.”

Marie nodded and started from the waiting room.

“Take Bobby with you,” I called after her. I didn’t want her husband angered at me for sending her into the streets alone. I followed more slowly. The outright conflict between Mr. Ryder and I had long subsided into an uneasy truce, but his seeking me out still boded ill.

When I passed the open double doors to the Tea Room, a bark made me pause.

Southey sat amidst three women. One held a tea saucer to his mouth. Another picked a choice morsel from the tea tray to give to him.

I rolled my eyes. “Southey. Come here.”

He stood and shook and much to my pleasure trotted over to me. “You need to stop feeding him,” I called to the ladies. “He became ill last time he visited the club.”

One of the women flapped her hand at me. “It was just a little treat.”

Yes, one little treat every two minutes. “It isn’t you who will be cleaning his sick up.” It wouldn’t be me, either, but I did have some consideration for my servants. I continued on to my office.

Southey’s collar bell announced our arrival. Ryder unfolded his tall frame from one of the guest chairs and gave me a small bow. “Lady Mary.”

“Mr. Ryder.” I circled behind my desk. “How unexpected seeing you here. Are you ensuring no pagan rituals have developed inside these walls since your last visit?”

He sighed. “You are never going to let me live those words down, are you?” Southey trotted up to him, placing his paws on the knee of Ryder’s trousers.

I pursed my lips, considering. “Most likely not, no. Tea?”

“Please.” He bent to scratch the dog behind the ear.

I rang the servants’ bell and sat behind my desk. “What can I do for you, Mr. Ryder.”