“Hmmm. It sounds unpleasant.” Henry didn’t feel the least bit guilty for discussing the case with Amelia. She was his sounding board and more helpful than he could’ve imagined when he’d first met her.
“Agreed. Then again, so do all of Dr. Thorne’s methods, in my opinion.” She shook her head. “Although if I had a terrible long-lasting disease, I suppose I’d be desperate enough to try almost anything.”
“Especially if the usual treatments hadn’t helped.” Henry eased down carefully to scratch Master Leopold and was rewarded with a rare purr. “It’s the financial aspect that truly bothers me.”
“And the most likely trail to follow, if foul play is involved.”
“Definitely.” Henry straightened. “If Mr. Dunn learned something concerning, why didn’t he leave?”
“Perhaps he tried but couldn’t—or wasn’t allowed. That locked front door. Besides, I would imagine many patients feel weak after all that fasting.”
An excellent point. “His body was emaciated, from what Arthur said. I wonder if there is a recovery period where the patients are given better meals and less water treatments once they’ve shown signs of improved health before they’re released.”
“Right.” Amelia nodded. “It wouldn’t do to have them leave feeling worse than when they arrived.”
“Mr. Dunn’s new will was dated a week prior to his passing.”
And as usual, she asked the right questions. “But didhedate it? Or did someone lie?”
“Good questions. I’m becoming doubtful that the doctor could manage all this on her own. If they’re forging signatures or the like, more than one person must be involved.” He held Amelia’s gaze. “I’ll take another look at the staff tomorrow and see if I can determine who is close to Dr. Thorne. I’d be interested to know if they’ve made expensive purchases of late.”
Amelia smiled, admiration shining in her eyes. “I do like how you think, Henry.”
His body warmed at her regard, and he leaned close to press his lips to hers. “I not only like how you think, I like everything about you.”
Amelia wrapped an arm around his shoulders. “Good. Because I feel much the same.”
Twenty-Nine
Really,thiswasallHenry’s fault, Amelia told herself as she and Yvette walked down Bond Street. It was his talk last night of looking into the staff and any expensive purchases they’d made which had brought to mind Dr. Thorne’s modiste, Madame Fortier.
She hadn’t mentioned it to him, not when the outing might very well lead to nothing. He could hardly disapprove of her going to a modiste.
How fortuitous that she’d happened to ask the name of the doctor’s dressmaker. With luck, the seamstresses who worked there might have a little gossip to share about the doctor.
Low clouds suggested rain would soon begin. Amelia hoped it would hold off until their errand was finished. She studied the area and the people walking past, only to realize she was once again looking for the man who’d placed the bomb—or someone like him who might be doing the same.
Thank goodness she didn’t note anything suspicious, though perhaps it wasn’t so terrible to remain vigilant. Being aware of others and her surroundings was a good habit to have. One she had never thought to cultivate before Henry.
“Do you truly think the doctor is stealing patients’ inheritances?” Yvette whispered when Amelia paused to admire a window display.
Amelia considered the question for a moment. “Yes, I do.” She held the maid’s gaze. “I might not have proof, but she strikes me as a person who believes she deserves fine things, regardless of whether she earned them.”
“Hmmm. She sounds terrible.”
Amelia shook her head. “She’s helped some people, but I can’t imagine placing myself in her care. There’s something…unsettling about her.”
“Why would she steal money when the place already costs so much?”
“I don’t know. Apparently, it isn’t enough.” Amelia continued walking, Yvette at her side. “Isn’t it interesting how often the greedy become greedier?”
“Interesting but terrible,” the maid countered, then gave a determined nod. “I will do my best to see what I can learn while we’re shopping.”
Amelia smiled with approval. “You’ve proven your investigative skills many times over, Yvette. Now then, let us see what we can learn here.”
Her maid reached for the door to open it for Amelia. “Perhaps you will treat yourself to a new gown in the process.”
“I do believe I’m overdue for one.” How convenient to think this errand might provide both a gown and information.
