Page 83 of No One's Bride
Then Hibbet must have known about the secret messages. Was that why he owned a book of rune sigils? Had he attempted to decipher the symbols? If so, then in all likelihood, a French spy killed him.
“What did your friend find so interesting about the book?” Smith asked, desperate for more answers to his questions.
Christian waited for Sebastian’s nod of approval before continuing. “I may be wrong, but I believe it’s a diary of upcoming meetings. The first is in Shadwell Church on the first day in May.”
Smith did not seem surprised. “Why race across town to inform Lord Denton?”
“Because every man should know the facts before interviewing a rogue like Cutter Jones.”
Keen to ask Smith another question, Ailsa could hardly stand still. “When Mr Hibbet offered to give ye the book, I suspect ye posted a man outside the auction house. The question is, can ye describe the person who entered the building and killed the gentleman?”
Sweet child in heaven. Why hadn’t he thought of that?
Ailsa’s insightful mind fired his blood.
She held him entranced, bound by her womanly spell.
Indeed, her comments were pure supposition, yet Smith’s shoulders slumped like he could no longer bear the weight of this burden. “I did post a man outside the auction house.” He motioned to one of his marionettes. “I wanted to know if Hibbet knew I worked for the Alien Office or believed I was interested in the occult.”
Sebastian straightened. “You kept a man there all night?”
Smith nodded. “Until the coroner came. But it won’t help in your quest to find a murderer, I’m afraid.”
“Could your man not see clearly in the dark?”
“No. No one entered the building, and no one left.”
* * *
Chadwick’s imposing house in Finsbury Square confirmed there was money to be made from selling old furniture and rare books. The butler wore a coat embroidered with the auction house crest, an image of two lions bearing a shield.
“I’m afraid Mr Chadwick no longer receives visitors, my lord.” The butler returned Sebastian’s card. “Mr Murden deals with problems at the auction house. You should refer all enquiries to him.”
Sebastian curbed his temper. He explained his call related to murder and presented the letter from the Home Secretary. “A Chadwick employee is dead. I can return with the magistrate and fill the square with constables. Either way, I will speak to Mr Chadwick today.”
The butler winced. “Wait in the hall, my lord. I shall see if Miss Chadwick is available to deal with the matter.”
While the exterior of the house boasted symmetrical lines and elegant simplicity, the interior was like a hoarder’s paradise. Framed pictures filled every wall space. Ten figurines and vases covered the console table in the hall. Sebastian had never seen so many umbrellas wedged into a brass stand.
“It smells rather musty,” Ailsa whispered as they waited. “Dust clings to the nostrils and throat. I have to resist the urge to cough.”
Sebastian slipped his arm around her waist, drawing her close. They’d spent the entire journey kissing. Still, he could not get enough of her. “Perhaps you’d like to smell something more enticing.”
Her coy gaze dipped to his neck. “Don’t tempt me.”
“I plan to do exactly that once we’re finished here.”
She covered his heart with her gloved hand, unaware she had the power to make it gallop at a moment’s notice. “Then let us pray Miss Chadwick is more accommodating than the butler.”
Miss Chadwick was not at all accommodating. She warned them of her impending arrival by stomping along the landing and grumbling about the inconvenience.
She flounced downstairs wearing a pale pink morning robe trimmed with excessive ribbons and other fripperies. “May I help you?”
Though some might consider her a beautiful woman, Miss Chadwick’s vacant eyes and pouty scowl made her as dull as a dead rose.
When she failed to address Sebastian suitably, he presented his card. “We’re here to speak to Mr Chadwick.”
She tossed the card onto the console table without giving it a glance. “About what? Not that murder at the auction house. My poor father has had nightmares since learning the news.”
