James shook his head.
“I’m not sure. There’s obviously something going on, but without evidence we cannot do anything.”
“But we have evidence. The top toy. You must show it to the constable and tell him everything.”
A strained expression shone on James’s face.
“To accuse a student of medicine of something like this is to accuse his professor, Grace. I need more evidence, something to confirm what we suspect, before I bring it to the constable, lest we get it wrong and are destroying several people’s lives in the process.”
Grace nearly stomped her foot.
“But we have enough evidence.”
“Let me handle it.”
“But—”
“Please, Grace,” he said, effectively silencing her. “Good night.”
“Good night,” she said coolly as she turned and entered the kitchens.
James closed the door behind her and she stalked across the room, up a small flight of stairs, and down the servants’ hallway until she reached the foyer. To her surprise, however, a light shone in the parlor. Nervous that someone was still awake, she tried to tiptoe to the staircase. Upon putting her foot on the first step, a loud CREAK echoed around her.
“Grace?” Aunt Belle called from the parlor.
Oh no.
Chapter Eighteen
Wincing, Grace turned.
“Yes?”
“Come see me for a moment.”
Shoulders dropping, Grace walked toward the parlor door. There, sat behind a desk not unlike the one she possessed in Lismore Hall, was her aunt. Andrews was standing behind her, his eyes drooping and to Grace’s amazement, there was Penguin the cat, sat on her desk atop a stack of papers, purring loudly as Belle rubbed her bejeweled fingers on the cat’s cheek.
“Good evening, Aunt Belle. It’s late, is it not?”
“I could say the same thing to you.” She turned her head. “Andrews, you are dismissed. Grace will help me to my room tonight.”
Andrews bowed his head, though only Grace saw it, and he left the room without issue.
“Are you feeling well?” Grace asked, coming farther into the room.
“Well enough, except for the fact that I’ve a wayward niece.”
“Wayward? That’s rather harsh I should say—”
“Driver told me you went to Gallowgate. Alone. That you were attacked and that he had to fend off the attacker with an umbrella. Then, when I wake up in the middle of the night to have a nibble, I’m overcome with this strangest feeling. I have Andrews check on your room and alas, you’re missing. What’s more, I’ve received a letter from a Dr. Cameron, personallyrequesting that I remove you from the city, or else he threatens to sue you for libel.”
Grace cringed.
“I’m sorry, Aunt Belle, but Dr. Cameron is exactly why I had to speak with Dr. Hall about a police case—”
“For four hours?”
Grace dropped her head, mortification sweeping over her.
