Page 56 of One Wicked Secret
“As it stands,” Daniel began sternly, for he was tired of listening to their drivel, “my father’s contract with Mr Tyler negates yours. Elsa is my wife. Search the register in St Andrew’s Church in Chippenham if you require proof.”
While Miss Denby watched with the fascination of someone in the front row at Astley’s Amphitheatre, her mother turned as white as her restless Pomeranian.
“This is outrageous.” Lady Denby gripped her dog, visibly shaking. “My son did the respectable thing and honoured the mourning period, and this is how you repay him.”
Denby looked equally irate. “I don’t know what game you’re playing, Dalton, but you’ll rue the day you crossed me.”
Daniel’s caustic laugh drew the attention of a few passersby. “I could silence you with one hand tied behind my back. I suggest you refrain from pestering my wife. If I hear the smallest whisper of gossip, you’ll find yourself at a dawn appointment.”
“Will the Marquess of Rothley be your second?” Miss Denby asked. “I hear he’s an excellent marksman himself. Quite unmatched with a pistol.” She gave a coy smile, adding, “Such a man would make a most desirable match.”
“Do be quiet, Madeline. I’m prepared to overlook the fact Rothley keeps a harem of women at Studland Park,” Lady Denby said, believing the ridiculous gossip, “but that hound of his eats small dogs. I won’t have it savaging my darling Foofoo.”
Miss Denby sighed. “I would make him get rid of the dog.”
Daniel wished he could be party to that conversation.
This one had tested his patience to its limit.
“Excuse us.” He slid a protective arm around Elsa’s waist. “We have an appointment across town.”
“You’ll be hearing from my solicitor,” the lord growled.
“Don’t just stand there gaping,” his mother complained. “Do something. You can’t let her leave with that odious man.”
An argument between the family ensued.
Daniel quickened his step, releasing a tight breath when they reached the carriage. “The Raven Hotel, Hollen Street.” It was but a short ride.
“I don’t understand,” Elsa said once they were seated inside the vehicle. “I thought Magnus told Lord Denby I had refused his offer of marriage.”
“He did, before he left for Geneva. At least that’s what he said.” Maybe Magnus had taken the coward’s way out. Maybe Lord Denby lied to save face in front of his mother. “Lady Denby thought you were stalling. Why else would she threaten to serve papers?”
“I assume you lied about the contract your father made?”
“Yes, to buy us some time.” He would have married her two years ago if such a contract existed. “A sympathetic judge might hear the case against Magnus and force him to pay an obligatory fine.”
“Assuming we see my brother again.”
“When I wrote to him, I advised him to return home.” Now that Elsa had taken the bold step of coming to London, there was no sense in Magnus hiding.
Elsa held his gaze, worry lines etched on her brow. “What do you think Mr Daventry will do about Mr Carver’s body?”
Daventry hadn’t called them fools for hoping the truth would never surface. He had listened intently, his only comment being, ‘One does what one must in times of crisis’.
“I hope he helps us to catch Carver’s killer—and sees him blamed for burying the body.” Assuming no one saw them committing the wicked deed that night.
“I pray you’re right.”
He forced a smile as the conveyance stopped outside the hotel on Hollen Street. The Raven sat nestled between acoffeehouse and a quaint bookshop, where guests loitered while waiting for their married lovers.
“Should I go in alone?” he asked.
“No.” Elsa squared her shoulders. “I would like to question the clerk myself.”
The dark decor inside the foyer of The Raven hinted at forbidden secrets. Heavy green curtains kept the daylight out and the mood subdued. The wall sconces were already lit, the candles adding an air of sensual mystery.
A clerk stood behind the narrow desk in the corner,head bent over a ledger. He looked up and greeted them. “Welcome. Do you have a reservation?”
