Sneaking into the neighbors’ house under the cover of darkness to prove he is a killer—that is thrilling. But I do possess a modicum of decorum and a reasonable aversion to being discovered where I do not belong. Consequently, I settle on the sensible course of action, which is an interview with the culprit…er, that is, thesuspect.“Mr. Nutting will be shown the evidence and be provided with an opportunity to respond. I shall call on him in the morning.”
Sebastian takes my hand and with a reassuring squeeze says, “Weshall call on him in the morning.”
Mrs. Holcroft winces.
The prospect of her son joining the investigation displeases her.
But she makes no protest other than advising us not to make the call before eleven, as it is disquieting to one’s digestion to contend with a murder allegation immediately after breakfast.
“Speaking from personal experience, are you, Mother?” Mrs. Dowell says wryly.
Mrs. Holcroft sends her daughter a quelling look, then asks if our business is complete. “Are we in agreement? All questions raised and answered? All grievances aired and addressed?” she says, then curtly turns to her husband and adds with a terse nod, “Except you, George. Your objections are known and ignored. But is everyone else satisfied? Very good! Then let us proceed to dinner only”—a quick glance at the clock—“sixty-eight minutes late. I am sure Cook will not mind at all.”
As members of his family file out of the room, Sebastian asks me to remain behind, and in full charity with him, I assent. Following this morning’s hugely disheartening encounter, he has redeemed himself wonderfully by admitting he was wrong, praising my superior knowledge of fripperies, agreeing to joinmyinvestigation rather than trying to make it his own, and explaining that I was never on trial.
I am happy to linger in the study as long as he likes.
(Well, as long as “as long as he likes” does not stretch too long, as it is now sixty-nineminutes past dinnertime.)
Sebastian makes the same request of my parents, who are startled but nevertheless compliant as they sit down on the settee. Next, he gestures to the adjacent armchair, which I assume without comment, although I am also disconcerted. He lowers himself onto the bergère across from them, clasps his hands in his lap, and draws his features into a solemn expression.
Oh, no, solemn.
This is asolemnoccasion?
But I do not like solemnity.
Leaning forward slightly in his seat, he says, “Mr. and Mrs. Hyde-Clare, your daughter is the most remarkable woman I have ever met.”
Having tensed my shoulders in expectation of a somber announcement, I am not easily able to adjust my posture. Even though I hear the lovely tribute, I still stiffen as if absorbing a blow.
Mama and Papa are also disconcerted.
No, that is not accurate.
The poor dears are flummoxed.
They know how to respond to a critique.
If only Sebastian had had the decency to criticize, then they could extend their sympathies, offer their apologies, and swear to do better.
But a superlative?
The implication of peerless excellence?
It is dumbfounding.
Perhaps Sebastian meant to compliment someone else?
Continuing as though his audience is not stupefied, he says, “It is through my actions that your daughter was exposed to danger, and I will never forgive myself for putting my trust in the wrong individual. Please know that as troubled as you are to know Miss Hyde-Clare’s life was in peril, I am doubly so.”
My father recovers first from the shock, saying with earnest understanding, “He is your godfather. You cannot apologize for trusting your godfather. He violated his compact not only with you but God as well. There is nothing you can do about a man so lacking in fundamental decency.”
Lovely Papa!
It is a rare occasion when he manages to say the right thing at the right time.
“Thank you, Mr. Hyde-Clare, as you cannot know how much I appreciate that,” Sebastian replies gravely. “I agree that the shock of Grimston’s venality has yet to fully sink in because it runs counter to everything I thought I knew about him. But that does not excuse my own behavior. When I encountered yourdaughter in a potentially unsafe situation, I should have escorted her home immediately. It was a moral imperative that I failed to heed.”
