“I imagine so. This was the first time I’ve specifically sought…interaction with God through a corpse.”
Mr. Lioncroft lifted a brow. “I should hope so. Hardly the favorite pastime of most young ladies.”
“How about the living, then?” Lady Stanton turned her glare from him to Evangeline. “Have you tried the obvious?”
“That’s right.” Susan’s eyes widened. “We could know right away.”
“Know what?” Mr. Lioncroft demanded.
Evangeline backed up a step.
“I’ll ensure your privacy so Mr. Teasdale doesn’t suspect anything,” Susan whispered excitedly. “As soon as I get him and Mother away, go touch Lioncroft.”
“I can’t,” Evangeline whispered back. “I—”
But Susan had skipped to her mother’s side. She tugged Lady Stanton from her seat. “Come, Mother, we’ve heard enough. Mr. Teasdale, would you be so kind as to accompany us?”
Mr. Teasdale’s forehead wrinkled. “Where?”
“Yes, Susan, where?” Lady Stanton stared down her nose at her daughter. “I’m not leaving Mr. Lioncroft alone with Miss Pemberton.Wedon’t wantherto becompromised, do we?”
Mr. Lioncroft crossed his arms over his broad chest. “Why does everyone think I’m going to compromise her? I haven’t had a rakehell reputation in years.”
Mr. Teasdale’s cane trembled. “I don’t think you’ll compromise her.”
“Thank you.”
“You might kill her. That’s your reputation now.”
“We’ll stay in the hallway.” Lady Stanton swept past Mr. Teasdale and into the corridor.
“With the door ajar,” Susan added. “Significantly ajar. No killing.”
Shaking his head, Mr. Teasdale allowed himself to be tugged from the room.
With that, the threesome pulled the door mostly shut and left Evangeline and Mr. Lioncroft quite alone.
Splendid. Abandoned in pursuit of visions from the one man who couldn’t provide her with them.
He did not look pleased.
“What the hell just happened?” Mr. Lioncroft demanded.
“I don’t know,” she hedged. “They’re mad as hatters?”
“Undoubtedly.” He prowled forward, until the meager candlelight tossed his shadow over her skin. “But something bizarre just took place beneath my nose. Why are the Stanton women lurking in the corridor? What do they expect you to do?”
Evangeline sighed. “Chat with God.”
“Now? About me?”
“Apparently.”
“Why?”
“They think God will confirm you killed Lord Heatherbrook.”
“Hmmm. Although I’m unconvinced heavenly hearsay will do much in a court of law, the lot of you have me all but convicted already. Well, except for my nieces.”
