Page 110 of Affair

“It’s possible.” Baxter pushed his eyeglasses back onto his nose. “Whatever the case, we know that the magician is dangerous. He killed Drusilla Heskett and he tried to murder Miss Post and young Norris.”

“Baxter, he knows that we are investigating him.”

“Yes. On two occasions he tried to discourage our alliance by attacking your trust in me. By now he must know that he has failed.”

“He most certainly has.”

Baxter smiled faintly. “You do me a great honor, Charlotte.”

“Nonsense. I deal in fact.”

What had he expected? he wondered. Had he really thought that she would tell him she believed in him because her passion for him was so deep? He was turning into an idiot.

He cleared his throat. “Yes, well, I appreciate your support, nonetheless. We must hope that Morgan will assume he is safe for the moment.”

“Because he will believe that the only person who can identify him is dead?”

“Yes, but there is no way to know how long we can continue to make him think that Juliana Post expired from the effects of the incense.”

Charlotte drummed her fingers on the back of the sofa. “We must act quickly.”

“I shall arrange to take a look around the upper floor of The Green Table tonight. In the meantime, we must continue to behave as if nothing out of the ordinary has occurred. It is imperative that we give no sign to indicate that we are any closer to identifying the killer now than we were yesterday.”

“I assume that means we must attend the usual number of levees and soirees this evening.”

“Yes. And your sister and my aunt must also continue with their customary routine. But I am going to take steps to make certain that all of you are well guarded.”

Charlotte glanced at him in surprise. “What do you mean?”

“I shall hire a pair of Bow Street Runners. One to keep an eye on you, Ariel, and Aunt Rosalind while the three of you are out this evening. The other to keep watch on this house.”

She gave him a wan smile. “I will not argue with you.”

“I cannot tell you how relieved I am to hear that.”

“But,” she added quickly, “I really do believe that I can be of assistance to you tonight when you search the premises of The Green Table.”

“No. I forbid you to accompany me and that is final.”

“But, Baxter, you must take someone with you. I won’t hear of you going in there alone.”

Anger, fueled by fears for her safety, swept through him. “Charlotte, this is a deadly affair. You will do as I tell you. There will be no further discussion of the matter.”

“Really, Baxter, you are behaving abominably. You have no right to make every decision. I am the one who launched the investigation and I will not tolerate your high-handed, arrogant manner. You are not my husband, you know.”

Baxter sucked in his breath. “I am very well aware of that, Miss Arkendale. I am only your lover, am I not?”

Someone moved in the parlor doorway. Baxter turned quickly and saw Hamilton standing there.

“I beg your pardon,” Hamilton said. He looked embarrassed. “I told your housekeeper I could announce myself. Am I interrupting?”

“Not at all,” Charlotte said. “Do come in, Hamilton. Ariel is out at the moment but I expect her very shortly.”

Hamilton moved hesitantly into the parlor. “Actually, I came in search of Baxter. His butler told me that he might be here.”

“What do you want?” Baxter asked. “I’m busy.”

“I understand.” Hamilton’s mouth tightened. “I came to offer my assistance.”

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