“Ogden’s a good man,” Constance replied. “And with Sophie, I believe he and the school will thrive. And you’ll still have her in the village with you.”
“That is a good point,” he allowed, and bowed over her hand. “And I do thank you. Goodbye, Mrs. Silver.”
Solomon handed her up onto the train and she walked forward. Through the window, she could see Solomon talkingquickly to the doctor before they shook hands and he climbed aboard.
“What was that about?” she asked when they were seated side by side and alone, and the train was puffing noisily out of the station.
“I suggested both he and the vicar make Miss Mortimer understand her nephew’s habits are unacceptable. She is the only one who can influence his behavior, since she holds the purse strings.”
“I should have thought of that…”
“I also mentioned Miss Fernie. I don’t want her pushing anyone else downstairs.”
“Well, making her return the stolen items, which she will inevitably do as secretly as she took them, should keep her occupied for a while. I do think I was a bit of an exception for her. She can tolerate fallen women like poor, remorseful Mavis, but she’s never encountered a brazen jezebel before.”
“Constance,” he said.
“What?”
“Shall we be married and go off on a wedding journey?”
“Haven’t we already agreed to that?”
“It’s a lady’s privilege to change her mind. Besides, I meant now. As soon as I receive the license. And find a house.”
“What if it needs work?”
“Then we’ll get someone to do the work while we’re away.”
She slid her hand into his. “That is a good idea.”
“I thought so.”
Weeks alone with Solomon, without anyone else’s problems and puzzles to think about… The idea was intoxicating. To enjoy his full, unadulterated attention—and to give him hers. Sheneededthat. But…
“There is still the small matter of David and the murder of Herbert Chase.”
“We are almost there,” Solomon said.
Chapter Twenty
It was lateby the time they reached Solomon’s house, but Jenks still appeared as soon as they entered. More interestingly, so did David, though from the top of the stairs.
“All quiet, Jenks?” Solomon said quietly.
“Apart from one visit from Inspector Omand, which went very well. I’m sure Mr. David will explain all.”
“Thanks, Jenks. Don’t wait up any longer.”
Constance thought Solomon would rush to his brother to be sure he was not badly affected by the police scare, and certainly he wasted no time, but he took Constance’s hand before striding to the stairs and hurrying up. That inclusion warmed her, erasing a concern she hadn’t even acknowledged.
For his part, David looked more alive than she had ever seen him. The fear had vanished from his face, and he looked even more like Solomon, his eyes blazing with excitement.
“I know where he is,” he blurted as soon they reached him.
Solomon led the way into the sitting room. “Drayman? Did Omand’s men find him?”
David grimaced. “And lost him again.” He dropped in the nearest chair, then, remembering his manners, sprang back up again and waited for Constance to sit first.
