“Never saw a needle the whole time I was there.” The lord gave a mock shudder. “Good thing too, I can’t bear the sight of them.”
After a few more questions which gave them nothing useful, Henry thanked Lord Alderley politely for his time and the footman showed them out the door.
“He’s a walking advertisement for Hollowgate Heights, eh?” Fletcher grumbled as they headed back to the Yard.
“It certainly seems so. Doesn’t look in danger of dying.”
“Maybe the doctor doesn’t test her luck by meddling with the nobility,” Fletcher suggested.
It was an interesting thought. “That could be it. Might draw too much interest to kill them and take their money. If that’swhat she’s doing,” Henry quickly added. He felt certain that was the case, despite Lord Alderley’s effusive praise.
But they needed physical proof, and soon. Unless they found something concrete in the next day or two, Reynolds would surely advise them to drop the case.
He and Fletcher reviewed their thoughts on the investigation as they walked, neither coming up with a clear plan for how to proceed. A steady rain began to fall as they rounded the corner near Scotland Yard, and the sight of a hansom cab waiting nearby caught Henry’s notice. Anything out of the ordinary did these days.
“Henry!”
The familiar feminine tone had him looking more closely to discover Amelia and her maid inside. Their presence was enough to send alarm bells ringing in his head.
“Amelia.” He leaned into the open door to look between them, his pulse quickening. “Is all well?”
“Yes, I just wanted a word with you,” Amelia quickly reassured him. “The officer at the desk believed you might return soon, so we decided to wait.”
Henry looked back at Fletcher. “I’ll be in directly.”
His friend nodded, touching the brim of his helmet. “Good day to you, Mrs. Greystone, miss.”
“And you, Sergeant Fletcher. I look forward to dining with you and your wife soon.”
“As do we, ma’am.” His sergeant grinned and disappeared through the door of the Yard.
Henry ignored the rain dripping off the brim of his hat. What had Amelia been up to that afternoon if she had something totell him she hadn’t last evening? Though she was clearly well, he couldn’t help but worry. “What brings you by?”
Amelia’s eyes glittered with excitement, and that only made him worry more. “We’ve just come from Dr. Thorne’s modiste.”
He frowned, unable to grasp what that had to do with anything. As far as he was concerned there wasn’t anything wrong with Amelia’s wardrobe, though he was pleased she didn’t always wear drab mourning attire anymore. “Oh?”
The excitement grew as she launched forth with, “I forgot I’d asked the doctor who made her gowns when I was last at the sanatorium. At any rate, the seamstress who helped me said they’d lost a customer because she didn’t want to shop in the same place as Dr. Thorne. The customer’s father died while at Hollowgate Heights, and she feels certain the doctor is to blame.”
“That’s very interesting.” Admiration filled him that Amelia had thought to question those who worked in the shop. It never failed to surprise him where a bit of gossip might lead.
“Yes, but that’s not all.” She paused dramatically, sending anticipation running through him. “The woman also says Dr. Thorne stole her father’smoney.”
Now that was exactly the kind of lead Henry needed.
“And here’s her name and address.” She handed him a slip of paper with a pleased smile.
“I commend your investigative skills.” If not for Yvette’s watchful gaze, he would’ve kissed Amelia. “And I applaud your restraint in not going to visit the woman yourself.”
She laughed, just as he’d meant her to. “It did cross my mind, in all honesty, but I thought it best if you spoke with her. You’re the expert.”
“I appreciate your faith in me.” Henry dipped his head, only to cause a small river of rainwater to fall, making them both laugh.
His gaze lingered on her face, noting the color in her cheeks and the sparkle in her eyes. Her beauty amazed him, but not as much as her heart or her character—and her bravery. Gone was the woman afraid to leave the house. She had overcome her fears. Love swelled in his chest, seeming to expand it rather than tighten it. “May I stop by this evening to share any updates?”
Silly of him to mention the case when all he wanted was to be with her. Did she think the case was the only reason he enjoyed the frequency of their visits? Somehow, he needed to make certain she didn’t.
“I’d like that very much. Perhaps you could stay for dinner?” Her hopeful expression had him immediately nodding in agreement.
