“Nonsense.” Marissa looked at Benedict. “I couldn’t possibly take a nap, at least not until I hear all of the exciting news. You must tell us everything, Ben. What in the world is going on? Are you and Miss Doncaster involved in a scandalous affair?”
“You needn’t look so thrilled with the notion, Marissa. As I was explaining to Richard, there has been some confusion regarding the nature of my relationship with Miss Doncaster.” Benedict paused for emphasis. “I am engaged to marry her.”
“That is wonderful news.” Marissa smiled with approval. “Your mother will be thrilled.”
“So Richard says.”
“You know very well that your poor mother has been anxious to see you wed. As her firstborn son it is high time you gave the Rose Necklace to your bride-to-be.”
Benedict wondered somewhat glumly what Amity would say if he were to give her the Stanbridge family necklace. He tried to cheer himself with the thought that most women adore exquisite jewels. But Amity was unpredictable.
It was odd, he thought. As an engineer he abhorred unpredictability. Ever since the fiasco with Eleanor he had been searching for a predictable female, one who possessed all the qualities of a fine clock. She would be reliable and dependable. She would keep his household on schedule and remind him of his appointments. He would wind her up on a regular basis and she, in turn, would not surprise him by running off with a lover. Was that too much to ask?
“I have been reading the papers,” Marissa said. “I cannot begin to imagine what Miss Doncaster went through. She is lucky to be alive.”
Benedict propped himself on the edge of Richard’s desk and folded his arms. “Trust me when I tell you that there is no need to remind me of that fact.”
“You met on board ship?” Marissa asked.
“The story is somewhat more complicated,” Benedict said.
He gave Marissa and Richard a summary of events.
“Good heavens.” Marissa was horrified. “There wasn’t supposed to be any danger involved in that excursion to St. Clare. You were simply supposed to meet with that inventor and ascertain whether or not he had designed a truly revolutionary weapon.”
Richard’s jaw tightened. “You never informed us that you had been shot.”
“Why bother?” Benedict said. “There was nothing either of you could do, and as I survived the incident I saw no reason why the news could not wait until I got home.”
“So Miss Doncaster saved your life,” Marissa said. “That does explain some of the gossip about the two of you. Naturally she would have been seen coming and going from your cabin on board theNorthern Star.”
Benedict cleared his throat. “We also spent a great deal of time in each other’s company after I was back on my feet.”
“I see.” Marissa’s brows puckered. “I wonder why we never heard that you had been shot. One would have thought that fact would have made it back to London.”
“Good question,” Benedict said. “But you know how it is with gossip. People tend to focus on the scandalous aspects, not the facts.”
“Very true,” Marissa said. “I must say, her bold actions are precisely what I would have expected from the Miss Doncaster who has been writing the articles on travel that are published in theFlying Intelligencer.”
Benedict smiled. “I take it you are a fan of her essays?”
“Absolutely,” Marissa enthused. “I can certainly understand why you are engaged to marry her. She sounds perfect for you. Indeed, I look forward to meeting her.”
“That will be quite soon,” Benedict said. “Meanwhile, my chief concern is that she is still in danger from the man who attacked her. I have told her that I do not want her to leave the house unescorted. When I cannot be with her, someone else is to accompany her at all times. At night a constable will watch the house.”
Richard frowned. “You think the killer is still alive?”
“I must assume as much until his body is found.”
Marissa looked worried. “What if they don’t find him? What if he is alive but the police are not successful in capturing him?”
“Amity and her sister and I intend to give the police some assistance with the investigation,” Benedict said.
Marissa looked intrigued. “How on earth can you do that?”
“Amity gained several impressions about the killer yesterday,” Benedict explained. “Among other things she is convinced that he moves in Society.”
This time both Marissa and Richard stared at him, shocked.
