The last two days had been an exercise in delicate maneuvering. After discovering Longmere in his studio, Livy had convinced Ben to let her break the news to Pippa. She, accompanied by Charlie, had had the painful task of informing Pippa of her husband’s death. Given that Livy had found Longmere’s body, Charlie had had to reveal the true purpose of the Society of Angels and the Willflowers’ involvement.
Pippa, in an obvious state of shock over her loss, had absently agreed not to disclose the true purpose of Charlie’s charity to anyone…including Ben. Charlie remained adamant that Livy keep her vow of secrecy, and Livy wasn’t certain the time was right to tell Ben anyway. Despite the deep roots of their relationship, their romance had just sprouted, the feelings tender and new. She didn’t want to risk damaging Ben’s budding acceptance of her as his lover.
I will tell him when the time is right,she promised herself.
According to the note she’d received from Ben, he planned to pay his respects to Pippa today. Apparently, he had news to share. Before the arrival of the police, he and his friend Master Chen had done a search of Longmere’s study. Livy was burning to know if the two had discovered any clues to the earl’s death. For now, however, she concentrated on supporting Pippa as best she could.
“Do you have reason to believe that Longmere’s death was not an accident?” Livy asked with care.
“The police inspector who came by this morning stated that Longmere died from an overdose of laudanum. That makesno sense,” Pippa said feverishly. “My husband despised the stuff. It made him feel ill, and he never touched it, even when he had the most horrid toothache. When I tried to tell the inspector about this, he brushed me off, told me I was being hysterical and needed bed rest.”
Ben had guessed that the police might not be much help. Apparently, he’d been correct.
“Since you found Longmere, Livy,” Pippa said, swallowing, “I want to know whatyousaw.”
Uncertain how much to tell Pippa, Livy looked to Charlie for help.
“I want to hear the truth from you, Livy. Not Lady Fayne.” Pippa glowered at Charlie, who remained composed, her hands folded in the lap of her dove-grey dress. “If I had known that she was involving the three of you girls in this mess, I would never have accepted her offer of assistance.”
“It is not Charlie’s fault,” Livy protested. “Wewantedto help.”
“It was our choice,” Fiona agreed.
“And we still want to help, if you’ll let us,” Glory chimed in.
“You aregirls,” Pippa burst out. “What can you possibly do?”
“Anything they want to.” Charlie’s manner was confident. “I have been training the Angels for weeks, and I have never seen anyone—male or female—learn the skills of investigation so quickly.”
Pippa frowned. “What skills?”
“We know how to observe subjects and glean information discreetly,” Livy said.
“We are also versed in physical combat, weaponry, and disguises,” Fi added.
Pippa’s forehead creased. “And your parents approve of this?”
“They might.” Livy cleared her throat. “If they knew about it.”
“That ispreciselymy point,” Pippa argued. “Lady Fayne has no right to involve you in danger and deception—”
“Iwanted to do this.” Livy willed her friend to understand. “Sometimes one must go against the wishes of others to pursue one’s true purpose and desires.”
Pippa’s lashes trembled.
Realizing that she might have inadvertently poured salt on her friend’s wounds, Livy took Pippa’s hands and said contritely, “If you let us help, we will do our best to find out what happened to your husband.”
Looking torn, Pippa said, “Then youdothink that it wasn’t an accident?”
Livy nodded.
Pippa released a shuddering breath. “Tell me everything.”
Livy gave a summary of the facts, including the conversation she’d overheard at the Black Lion and Longmere’s appearance at Cremorne Gardens. While Livy had been detained by Ben that night, Glory and Fiona had tried to track Longmere, but he had seemed to sense that he was being followed, giving them the slip. Livy also shared that Longmere and his cronies had likely been involved in a deadly drug ring headed by a mysterious Chinese partner, and Longmere had wanted out of the enterprise.
Pippa sat with her gaze trained on her lap, where her fingers twisted a lace-edged handkerchief. Livy feared that she’d been too candid, given Pippa’s delicate state of mind. Then Pippa raised her eyes, and the blue orbs were as hard as ice.
“How do you intend to find my husband’s killer?” she demanded.
