“No hard feelings then?”
“None whatsoever. Now tell me what you need.”
“It pertains to Lady Eleanor’s murder.” When Melody tilted her head, a questioning look in her eyes, Samantha said, “I wonder if you might have heard any talk about her in the time leading up to her death. Any whispers about her having a secret beau or information regarding her engagement to Mr. Lawrence.”
Melody gave her a searching look. “Are you trying to solve the case yourself?”
“Adrian is. Considering the success I had working with him on the previous murders, I thought I’d try to help him again since doing so aids my role as the loyal wife. The more he trusts me, the more he’ll reveal. A benefit, should Harlowe ask me to continue my mission.”
“Cunning.” Melody topped up her tea. She seemed to consider the question a moment, then said, “There was some talk several months ago about Lady Eleanor having a fresh kind of glow about her. It was before Mr. Lawrence had his riding accident. As I recall, speculations alternated between the belief that she and her fiancé had grown impatient with their lengthy engagement and had taken their relationship to the next level, and the possibility of her receiving attention elsewhere.”
“Which would you be inclined to believe?”
“I barely knew her, so it’s hard to say. However, one point of note is that she appeared truly distraught after Mr. Lawrence took that terrible fall. She continued todo so for a while after. But then, a week or so before she was killed, something or someone made her happy again. She was beaming the last time I saw her, but there’s no telling what that might mean.”
“I’ll be sure to keep it in mind.” Whether or not the information would be of use later remained to be seen.
15
Samantha thanked her friend and left Heathbrooke House, choosing to walk the short distance to St. George’s Hospital. Isak was awake when she arrived and propped up against a pile of pillows. A fragile smile pulled at his lips the moment he saw her, his eyes like shimmering pools of water.
She lowered herself to the edge of his bed and gave him a careful hug while being mindful of his wounds. “Did you get my message?”
He nodded. “Thank you, Mrs. Croft. For everything.”
“Thankyoufor making sure I learned of the trouble you were in. I’m so incredibly glad we found you.”
“Me too.” He swallowed hard, his throat bobbing with the movement. “I don’t know how to repay your kindness.”
“There’s no need for you to think about that. Andyou mustn’t worry about your future either. When you’re well enough, Mr. Croft and I will discuss your options with you.”
“What about Wycliff?” Isak’s voice trembled as he spoke the name. “He said he’d kill me the next time I disobeyed him.”
“He’s not in any position to hurt you again. I swear it. He’s been taken care of. For good.”
Isak expelled a deep breath and relaxed against the pillows. “Thank God.”
She hesitated a moment before daring to say, “If you ever need to talk about what happened, please know tha—”
“Nothing happened.” Tears welled at the edges of his eyes and spilled onto his pale cheeks. “My wounds were too unappealing. The woman who ran the place said she’d be ashamed to recommend me to a client. Never thought I’d be grateful for Wycliff’s beating, but it kept me safe long enough to avoid a fate worse than death.”
Samantha felt as though a mountain had been lifted from her shoulders. Although she knew some of the other children they’d rescued had probably not been so lucky, she was glad Isak had escaped the abuse Wycliff had in mind for him.
She left the hospital with a deeper sense of calm and headed in the direction of Grosvenor Square where Orendel House was located. Upon crossing the street, she noticed a familiar tall figure walking toward her, his brownish-blonde hair peeking out from beneath the brim of his elegant hat.
Her smile was instant, widening when he spotted her and smiled in return. “Marsdale,” she said, greeting Adrian’s close friend. “It’s been far too long.”
He drew to a halt before her. “I’ve been away at my Devonshire estate this past month. Just got back last night. Thought I’d check in at my club – see what’s been going on during my absence.”
“You should have come by the house.”
“Already tried that. Apparently you and your husband are both out.” A subtle bit of friendly teasing. They both laughed.
“Well, I can tell you there’s been another murder.”
A shadow fell across Marsdale’s brow. “So I’ve heard. Terrible business. Let’s hope Bow Street finds the culprit quickly.”
“Adrian is working on doing so too. At Orendel’s request.”
