“Gad, I forgot how irritating you can be,” he muttered.
The comment was said in jest, but was there not a kernel of truth to it? This was why he would never fall in love with her. She supposed Julius wanted a traditional wife who would not question him at every turn and who knew something about running a household. Gory was better at sewing up body parts than knowing how to darn a sock or stitch a hem.
She frowned at him. “The body first, then afterward a stop at the Easton townhouse so I can return to the scene of the crime. Hopefully, it will help me remember what happened. Depending on when we finish, we can stop for a bite to eat and then head to the Wallingford Arms to interrogate my aunt. If she asks me to postpone the wedding, I will refuse. This will keep the pressure on her and force her to make a move out of desperation.”
“No, Gory,” he said with a sharp rasp to his voice. “You are only tell her that you will think about it. Then you and I, along with Havers and Mr. Barrow can assess the situation.”
“There is nothing to assess. If she murdered my uncle, then she will have no choice but to murder me before I marry. We cannot give her time to plan another attack. I think Havers must also drop hints to her that he has ruled me out as a suspect.”
“Convinced of your innocence?”
“Yes, which will only make her more desperate to be rid of me.” She liked the idea and thought it was probably the best way to have her aunt tip her hand.
Of course, this assumed her aunt was guilty.
It would all come to naught if she were innocent.
But was this not worth pursuing?
Julius scowled at her.
She smiled back at him. “Of course, I will need you, the Bow Street runners, and the entire London constabulary to keep a very close watch over me if she does come after me.”
He reached over and gave her chin a light tweak. “You are not very demanding, are you?”
“Not at all. Have you not heard? I am a gem and a delight. A ton diamond. This is why gentlemen callers have been lining up outside my door all Season,” she teased.
“You are a diamond,” he said with surprising conviction. “You are also mine to look after. Do you feel up to having a little broth? Something else light for your stomach?”
“No, I’m fine.” She closed her eyes a moment and leaned back against her pillows, emitting a sigh. “Julius…”
“Yes, Gory?”
“My aunt is a detestable character, but what if she is innocent? That might point to Allendale as the next likely culprit. Where do you think he has been these past few days?”
He grunted. “I don’t know.”
“Perhaps he is innocent, too, and was merely having an assignation with another lady. It does not bode well for our marriage if he is already off…you know.”
“Havers is looking into his movements these past few days. So is Mr. Barrow. Your betrothed is being evasive, and I do not like this. But as you said, he could be innocent and his whereabouts have nothing to do with the murder.”
“But not innocent when it comes to being faithful to me. Well, we are merely betrothed at the moment, but is it not nearly the same thing as marriage? He was out all night, and yet denied it. He blatantly lied to us.”
“Perhaps he was feeling a need to sow the last of his wild oats because he means to be a faithful husband.”
“Do you really believe this?” She cast him a mirthless smile. “I do not. But I have brought this on myself, haven’t I? Making myself so unlikable, no other man could want me. I cannot blame them. Who wants a wife who works amid dead things all day?”
“That is only one small aspect of your forensic research,” he reminded her.
“True, but you are the only one who understands what I do.”
“Because of my involvement with the Huntsford Academy.”
She nodded. “Who outside of you or your brothers would ever care about my research work?”
“The London constabulary is grateful to you. So are the families of victims who see the evildoers brought to justice because of your efforts. Nor should you dismiss your importance within the scientific community.”
She wished more people felt the same as Julius, but he was a rare man. “When Allendale first showed interest in me, I assumed it was because of our mutual interest in science. Now, I simply do not know what to think. Should I not be able to tell if a suitor is merely courting me for my fortune?”
