Mira didn’t know whether that was a compliment or an insult. “Thank you?”
“Yes, it takes so much talent to deceive others,” Mary said. “Did your family teach you?”
Mira stepped up into the carriage. “I learned it from your brother, actually.”
Before Mary could respond in outrage, Byron came to meet them, brow furrowed.
“What’s wrong?” Mira asked.
“Nothing,” he said, though he clenched his jaw. “He asked whether or not we had laudanum at home.”
“Laudanum?”
“He suggested I tell Mrs. Renaldi to administer some to help you sleep.”
“We have a bottle if the Renaldis do not,” Mary said.
“Why wouldn’t he have suggested that when we all were together?” Mira asked.
“He thinks it would be better to do it without yourknowledge, lest you get upset about it.” Byron shook his head in disgust.
Mira’s stomach twisted, though not from the medicine. “I certainly hope that isn’t the treatment he suggested for Miss Harris.”
***
After a tense drive, the group arrivedback at Davenguard and were welcomed by the Renaldis and Walker, who were playing cards in the drawing room.
“Have you eaten?” Mrs. Renaldi asked.
“I’m afraid we haven’t,” Mrs. Sherard said.
Mrs. Renaldi stood, leaving the room. “I’ll get some supper sent up for you then.”
“How were the Risewells?” Liza asked, looking up from her cards.
“Quite well,” Mira said.
“Did Castel return to Royal Crescent?” Byron asked.
Walker shook his head. “He left for London, a little after you left for the Risewell’s.”
“London?” Mira asked.
“He said something about needing to pop into the Foreign Office, I think.”
Byron frowned. “How strange . . .”
February 12, 1889
“I never thought I would say this,but I wish Aunt Eleanor would take over her chaperone duties again,” Walker said as they approached the police station.
“It is getting rather taxing for you, isn’t it?” Mira said. “Tell you what, tomorrow I promise to chaperone you and Liza. You can do whatever you’d like.”
“Whatever we like?” Walker teased.
“Within reason, of course. Otherwise, I’ll be banned from being your chaperone.”
“This errand shouldn’t take too long,” Byron said. “We simply need to hand over the dagger and be done with things. Although, I wouldn’t mind taking a look at the other objects found on his person.”
