Page 49 of A Devil in Silk
There were columns resembling those in an accounting book, alongside a list of names, each accompanied by a brief note: had an affair, lied to police, gave a false alibi, hiding a debt, visited a bordello.
“There are over a hundred names here,” he said, showing Clara the pages. “Not all are from London. Some from Cheltenham. Stratford. Norwich …”
Clara leaned closer, her breath catching as she read over his shoulder. “And with sums of money or pieces of jewellery listed beside every entry.”
Bentley closed the book and met her gaze. “These aren’t clients. I fear they’re victims.”
Clara let out a shaky breath, relief flashing across her features. “Then there are other suspects. People who had a genuine motive to poison her. The book proves Miss Nightshade wasn’t just communing with the dead.”
“No,” he said, slipping the notebook into his coat, eager to leave and hand the information to Daventry. “Lavinia Nightshade was a notorious blackmailer.”
Chapter Ten
Hart Street, Covent Garden
Office of the Order
“Mr Daventry told me about your appointment to the Order, my lord.” Mrs Gunning, the stout and somewhat cheerful housekeeper, beckoned them into the hall of the elegant townhouse that served as Daventry’s business premises. “There’s no need to show the card again. I’ve a good eye for faces.”
Bentley placed his hand on Clara’s back, guiding her over the threshold and stealing an excuse to touch her. When he wasn’t reeling from the knowledge of her father’s accidental assault, he was aching to feel her lips on his again.
“This way,” Mrs Gunning said, bustling ahead of them. “Mr Daventry’s not here, but you’ll be wanting access to the case files in his study, I expect.”
Bentley came to an abrupt halt. “Not here? Can you send word and have him meet us? It’s a matter of great importance.”
Mrs Gunning looked him keenly in the eyes. “I’m afraid not. He specifically requested not to be disturbed until tomorrow. I can make you a nine o’clock appointment. I’m sure he won’t mind if I squeeze it into his busy schedule.”
His mind skipped to the enamel box hidden under Gibbs’ seat. A treasure worth more than most working men earned in a lifetime. “This concerns the murder at the seance. Miss Dalton and I have found evidence that changes everything.”
“And I’m sure Mr Daventry will welcome the news.”
“We’re happy to remain here and await his response,” Bentley said firmly. “He may change his mind when he learns of this new development.”
The housekeeper cast him a sympathetic smile. “A threat to the King wouldn’t drag him here tonight, my lord.”
“What could be more important than assisting the King?”
“It’s Mrs Daventry’s birthday. Dinner in a private room at The Albion and a visit to Haymarket to see Giuditta Pasta perform inNorma.” She paused before offering a warning. “I don’t suggest interrupting his evening, but I can summon an experienced agent if the matter cannot wait.”
Not wanting to leave the jewels and notebook with anyone other than Daventry, he said, “Fine. We’ll take the morning appointment.”
“I’ll see that he gets the message, my lord.” Mrs Gunning looked at Clara, unaffected by her eye patch. “Shall I fetch tea? Is there anything else you need while you’re here? A law book or a pistol?”
Clara smiled. “No. Thank you, Mrs Gunning. We will see you in the morning, bright and early.”
They returned to the carriage and paused on the pavement. The desire to suggest a nighttime escapade was on the tip of Bentley’s tongue, but Clara quickly put paid to the notion.
“Perhaps it’s just as well Mr Daventry is unreachable. I’m to attend the performance ofNormamyself tonight. Giuditta Pasta is the talk of London.”
Bentley blinked, the news landing like a jab to his windpipe. Who the devil was taking her to the opera? “The broadsheets claim she does more than just sing. They say she lives every note.” Disappointment warred with jealousy, neither wishing to relinquish control. “You never mentioned a trip to the theatre.”
Furrows creased her brow. “Lord Rothley made the arrangements with my brother. When you were both tasked with taking turns playing my protector.”
“I don’t recall Rothley mentioning it either.”
Was Rothley helping her with her list as well?
“I imagine he thought you’d appreciate time for yourself.”
