“Perhaps she’ll feel more apt to socialize once Finn and Jane move out and into their own house soon. I have the feeling that too many people about makes her anxious.”
“No doubt you’re right, but that’s progress with your brother.” Finn was Andrew’s middle brother and had been using a Bath chair for the last handful of years due to injuries received at Waterloo.
“Indeed. Mother’s beside herself at their imminent departure, but it will be nice, especially since the babe will arrive soon. Just know Caroline is in the best hands here. I don’t want her world upended again by another move.” Andrew’s eyes flashed with the stubbornness he was known for. “Eventually, we’ll have everything sorted.”
“Please don’t take offense if I pop in at times to see for myself. I’d like to reacquaint myself with her, too.”
His cousin waved a hand. “Of course. She’s not a kept prisoner, and I have invited you to do so.”
William nodded. “Mother worries.” His words were clipped and curt. “She’s never forgiven herself and still feels the loss of Caroline deeply.”
Before either of them could speak again, a knock sounded at the door. The butler came into the room with a small silver salver. “A courier delivered this for Inspector Storme.” He offered the tray to William. “Apparently, he’d gone to your Grosvenor Square address before coming here.”
“Thank you.” With a tight chest, he snatched the small ivory envelope from the tray. Recognizing the handwriting, he groaned. “It’s from my superior.” As the butler departed and Andrew watched, William took his reading spectacles from his interior pocket, set them upon his nose, ripped open the envelope and withdrew a folded note.
Another female body found at the edge of Mayfair at the Brook Gate near Hyde Park. Perhaps dumped by accident. Similar to first victim. Foul play suspected. Come at once.
Chief Inspector Pryce
“Damn.” That was near to his neighborhood and just off Brook Street. William shoved the note into the envelope. With a sigh, he rose from the chair, tucking his spectacles away. “I must go. Duty calls.”
“Bad news?” Andrew stood as well.
“Quite. It grows tiring. There is always crime in London, and it seems to be more violent as the days go on.” He shoved a hand through his hair. “I’ll call again soon.”
“I rather thought you might.” Andrew escorted him to the door. “Stay well ahead of trouble.”
“That’s the plan.” William flashed a grin at his cousin. “Regarding Miss Bancroft…”
“Court her. What can it hurt? Besides, you might find that you enjoy the chase. It’ll be quite different than the work you’re doing now.” Andrew clapped a hand to William’s shoulder. “You’re in the early stages. We’ll talk again when you’re tip over tail.”
“If,” he amended. “I’m not certain there’s a place in my life for a full-blown romance. At the moment, there is nothing between us to justify such.” To say nothing of how it would complicate… everything and add to his growing pile of worries. “Oh, might I borrow a carriage? I walked over.”
“Of course.”
By the time he’d recovered his outerwear and Andrew’s closed carriage was brought around—one door bearing the golden emblem of the Storme crest of a spinning storm with two swords and a spear slicing through it—William’s concentration was fully on his case.
“Address, Inspector?” the driver asked as William wrenched open the door.
It was on the tip of his tongue to say the Brook Gate, but he paused. He’d promised Francesca he’d give her access to this case and let her follow him during the investigation. “Viscount Nattingly’s townhouse, please. We’ll collect someone and then go on to our destination.”
God help him, but this would be a strange courtship indeed. He hoped she had the stomach for what she was about to see.