Lady Jane was silent a long moment. “Besides, there is the very real question of why? If one knew why Lady Sophia was killed, I suppose one would know instantly who had done it.”
“Yes,” Adelia agreed. “Even Lord Burnley has no answer as to why my brother would suddenly do such a heinous thing. There is no logical reason for it. He has gained nothing.”
“I suppose Lord Burnley is quite torn between his high regard for you and his desire to gain justice for his sister. It is a terrible dilemma, isn’t it?”
Adelia didn’t know what to say to that. A stranger could see the horrid irony of the situation, and Lady Jane didn’t yet know whether Adelia returned Owen’s regard.
“My intent is not to be rude or off-putting,” Lady Jane continued, “but I am slightly mystified as to why you came to me.”
Adelia glanced at the teacup in her lap and lifted it back onto the table. This last part was the hardest part of her visit. She took a deep breath.
“I do not have any family or anyone I can ask for advice.” She stopped short of confessing she had no friends. “To put it bluntly, I have no idea how to find a good lawyer.” She took a deep breath, realizing she was speaking softly and slowly, but it helped her to get the words out smoothly.
“I am sure I can fall over an attorney if I wander the Inns of Court, but everyone has heard stories of inept bunglers. And the detective warned me about pettifoggers.Sublime rascals, he called them. I believe my brother’s freedom depends upon this counsel.”
Lady Jane nodded in agreement, which sent a shot of terror racing through Adelia.
Plunging on, she added, “I know we are not friends, hardly acquaintances, but we have long been in the same circles. I heard of and have admired your resourceful nature. The way you brought about the new orphanages and your work for your husband’s mother in the art world. I thought if anyone knew how to find a competent lawyer, it would be you.”
Adelia closed her mouth and waited. That had been a long speech for her, and she’d made it without stuttering once. But as Lady Jane stared at her with intelligent eyes, weighing something in her mind, Adelia began to fear she had surpassed the polite boundaries of strangers.
“Given your husband’s close friendship with Lord Burnley,” Adelia added, “I will understand if my request seems like betrayal, and you may send me on my way.”
“Nonsense,” Lady Jane said with finality. “I am not thinking that at all. I am only feeling a little sorry we did not form a closer attachment years ago. I hate to think of you feeling alone. I have, shall we say, aforcefulmother who never let me languish a single blissful day outside of society. Solitude was not an option. Naturally, she had the best of intentions.”
Adelia had used up every ounce of conversational strength she had, so remained silent, only nodding in understanding.
“Your mother died, I believe,” Lady Jane continued, “when you were very young.”
Again, Adelia nodded.
“And your father passed, too, leaving only you and your brother, thus I can perfectly understand the importance of your mission. As it turns out, I do know an excellent solicitor, but he deals mostly with the Court of Chancery. He set up the articles for the orphanages. We can visit him this very day, as I am convinced he will know of a successful barrister.”
Adelia felt as if a weight had been lifted.
“You do not have to accompany me, Lady Jane. I know you are busy and have your new son. If you but give me the name of your solicitor, then—”
“I would like to assist you, if you will let me.”
“You already have,” Adelia insisted.
“I imagine you are dreading the day ahead. I can go with—” Lady Jane stopped speaking upon hearing voices in the front hall.
At once, Adelia recognized Owen’s sonorous timbre. The other must belong to Lord Westing, the marquess.
All the blood drained from her face, and her stomach clenched. She felt like a naughty child, discovered somewhere she should not be, such as in the pantry with the treacle toffee tin in hand.
In seconds, the drawing room door opened, and Lord Westing entered, followed by Owen. He was in midsentence and stopped short upon seeing her, his mouth instantly snapping shut.
Lord Westing was not using a cane in his own home but wore gray-tinted glasses to shield his eyes.
“We have a visitor,” he declared, looking in her direction.
How did he know?Hastily, she yanked on her gloves in preparation for departing.
“Yes,” Lady Jane spoke. “Lady Adelia Smythe and I are having a chat.” She turned to Adelia and explained, “My husband can see shadowy shapes. And I believe you know Lord Burnley.”
Adelia rose to her feet. “Good day, Lord Westing, Lord Burnley.” She knew she sounded strange because her lips felt stiff when saying his name.
