A panicked Billings had begged Ambrose to meet with Jones in private.
“From what Emma told me, Jones barked a few questions but stood down due to Ambrose’s sterling reputation,” Vi said with pride. “Jones was willing to let Ambrose continue the investigation on the condition that he receive regular updates.”
“That’s good news, isn’t it?”
She gnawed on her lip. “The thing of it is, wecan’ttell Ambrose about Wick’s ring now. If we did, we’d be putting my brother in a terrible position. He’d either have to withhold evidence from the magistrate, which could land him in heaps of trouble… or he’d have to tell Jones and then Wick might be thrown in prison or worse.”
From Carlisle’s strained expression, she knew he saw her point.
“It isn’t right that you have to lie to protect Wick,” he said heavily. “But the evidence against him is so bloody damning. Not only was he intimately involved with Monique, but the affair ended recently and not on good terms. And he has no witness who can vouch for his whereabouts during the time of her death. Then there’s the ring: how the hell did it end up in Monique’s hand?”
Vi had been pondering that question, too. “Maybe she had it on her person? The ring is clearly a man’s signet. The murderer would have known that planting it in Monique’s hand would throw others off his or her scent.”
“A logical deduction.” Carlisle’s approval warmed her. “And we have a fresh lead to follow. Mrs. Sumner mentioned that Wormleigh was also Monique’s lover.”
“We could tell Ambrose we overheard some guest gossiping about it. He doesn’t have to know the, um, specifics of how we obtained the information.”
“If it can be avoided, I’d rather not meet him at dawn,” Carlisle agreed.
Violet saw Strathaven enter the courtyard and go to Emma. From the way Em bounced up, Violet knew there was news. Sure enough, Em and His Grace headed her way.
“There goes our privacy,” Carlisle sighed.
“I’m sure we can arrange some time alone in the not too distant future,” she said.
His eyes lightened. “But your reputation—”
“Nowyou’re worried about my reputation?”
“I’m always concerned on that front,” he said, his manner lordly, “and take the necessary precautions. You’ll note we’ve yet to be caught.”
“That is because, Lord High and Mighty,Iam a modern miss with more than a little ingenuity at her fingertips.” To emphasize the point, she held up her hands, wiggling her fingers. “You’ll recall thatIwas the one who found the hidden lever in the wardrobe.”
“Yes, well, I’ll grant you have a talent for manipulating hard objects.” Although his mouth remained stern, crinkles fanned from his eyes, which were smiling wickedly at her.
She could actually feel the blush rising up her face. He laughed just as Emma and His Grace arrived. Both of them looked surprised, no doubt because seeing Carlisle with anything but a scowl was rare.
The men exchanged bows.
“Is there news?” Violet asked.
Emma nodded. “Dr. Abernathy is ready to share his results. And I spoke to Ambrose: he’s agreed to let you be a part of this—as long as you’re careful and supervised by me.”
Vi threw her arms around her big sister. “Thank you, Em!”
“No thanks needed, dear.” Emma’s glance slid to Carlisle. “I’ve been in your shoes, after all.”
Chapter Twenty
The meeting with Dr. Abernathy took place in Billings’ study. Footmen were posted outside the door and ushered in Violet, Richard, Emma, and the duke, locking the door behind them. Clearly, Billings wanted no interruption and no gossip leaked out to the other guests.
Their host was at his usual position at the desk. Behind him, the painting of the dead game fowl formed a rather apropos backdrop, given the grisly topic of the meeting. Ambrose and Marianne were already present, and Dr. Abernathy, the beetle-browed Scottish physician, was talking with Thea and her husband, the Marquess of Tremont.
Violet brought Richard over to introduce him.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you at last, my lord.” Thea’s hazel eyes twinkled. “My little sister has said so much about you.”
“Thea,” Vi said in mortification.
