The story was once again recounted by Leo, and more questions asked while Tilly grappled with everything that was happening around her.
“There was no name attached to the complaint made against The Iris Club, Tilly,” Gray said when Leo had finished. “I went to the Metropolitan Board of Works before coming here and asked to speak to Inspector Hartley. I was told he had not worked there for two years. I then asked for his address, but they could not provide it.”
“Someone really wants this club closed down,” Violet said. “But who?”
“And are they related to what is going on in that room below?” Ambrose added.
“On that note, please lead the way, Tilly,” Gray said. “I think it is time to see this room.”
She led them down to the room next to the kitchen. Tiredness settled over her like a heavy blanket as Tilly reached the bookshelf. She did not want to experience a day like this ever again. Knowing Ambrose had been injured because of her actions was something that would haunt her for many long years.
She was impulsive, but if things went wrong, it was usually only she affected. Today it was him.
“Tilly, are you all right?”
“Of course, Lord Talbot,” she said, reaching for the books.
“And we’re back to Lord Talbot,” he muttered, moving to help her.
“Please, I have this. You should not exert yourself further today and exacerbate your injuries.”
“I'm well, and the suffering was not all from today, as I believe I have already told you.”
With everything that had happened today, she’d forgotten about him being attacked last night.
“You must tell the others that too, as Leo did not.”
“What else has happened?” Mungo demanded. The large Scotsman then nudged Ambrose aside and began removing the books, passing them to Bram, who lowered them carefully to the floor.
“Can we say, here today, that anything that happens to anyone that is in this room, or I am close with, I am immediately told?” Gray ordered before anyone else could speak.
“That’s his I-deserve-more-respect voice,” Alex said.
“I was attacked last night after the musicale. I came to see if anyone had tried to enter through the door from the street, and someone was here. He ran at me, we tangled, and then he fled,” Ambrose said.
Mungo pinched the bridge of his nose. “How many entrances are there to whatever is below us?”
“Three,” Tilly said.
“And do you believe you were attacked by someone who in all likelihood is involved?” Gray said.
“What other reason could there be for someone lurking outside that door?” Leo said.
Tilly had come to that conclusion also.
“My daughter is far better behaved than you lot,” Gray gritted out.
“Oh, now, we know that’s not true,” Ellen drawled.
“Open the door, Tilly,” Ambrose said.
She released the little lever, and the bookcase slid open. Then she did the same for the panel beyond.
“That's ingenious,” Ellen said. But her voice was already quieter than usual, and Tilly noticed her touch the doorframe briefly, then withdraw her fingers as though she’d pressed them against something hot.
“Lead on, Tilly,” Bram said.
Ambrose stepped in front of her and held out his hand for the lamp. She didn't argue, just handed it to him.
