Page 18 of Dark Tidings on the Thames
“Good.” Niall nodded at the footman in the room. “Please ask Inspector Wooten to step in.”
Yardley looked upset. “You called him already?”
Kara crossed to stand next to him. She patted his hand. “Forgive us, Mr. Yardley, but we had no notion of why you might have come, before we spoke. But you have convinced us. I am sure you can do the same with Wooten.”
The inspector entered. Kara made introductions and a brief explanation, then Niall took her by the hand and pulled her from the room, allowing Wooten to conduct his own interview.
They waited, and Niall watched, solemn, as Wooten emerged and asked his constable to escort Mr. Yardley to their carriage. “I’ll be just a moment,” the inspector said, turning to Niall and Kara.
“Shall I send for tea?” Kara asked.
“No, I should get Yardley in as soon as possible. We have men outlooking for him.” He tucked his ever-present notebook into a pocket. “You did the right thing, calling for me.”
“We had no idea what to expect when he just arrived out of the blue,” Kara said, lifting a shoulder.
“Yet, surprisingly enough, we found him convincing in the end,” Niall added.
“As did I. But there are a few things I would rather ask him in a more formal setting.” The inspector sighed. “It is not my case, as I am sure you are aware. And it won’t do him any good in Frye’s eyes, that he came to you.”
“We certainly did not seek to interfere,” Kara said, indignant. “Detective Frye is just going to have to get over his dislike and get on with the case.”
“He won’t like hearing that Yardley asked for your help,” Wooten said. “I’ve told the man not to mention it.”
“Well, I made Mr. Yardley a promise. At the very least, I will speak to Beth and see if she has any insight on someone else who might have held ill will toward Miss Foulger.”
“I agree, after talking to him, that other avenues should be explored.” Wooten paused. “And if I recall correctly, Miss Williams is a shy sort. You might be the best person to question her, but I will ask that you bring me anything you learn from her. I will pass it along.”
“Of course.” Kara’s eyes widened. “Oh! There is one more thing.” She told the inspector about her encounter with the girl, Lily.
Wooten looked to Niall. “You will keep an eye out for your duchess? The urchin is right. If Yardley didn’t do it, then the killer is still out there.”
“You know I will,” Niall said. He grinned. “And I’ll let her keep an eye out for me.”
Wooten laughed. “Just so. It’s served you well, so far.”
Chapter Five
“My darlings! Atlast you have returned!” The door to Lake Nemi was thrown open by Emelia Nardonne, the beautiful, fiery founder of the place—a spot that served as both a boardinghouse and a club of sorts. It was a large and rambling home where women could live freely and gather to explore topics they were denied access to elsewhere. The members of the club explored literature, science, history, travel, and other forms of learning, without censure, safe within the welcoming walls.
“Good morning, Emelia,” Kara choked out through her friend’s enthusiastic embrace.
“You stayed away too long,” Emelia scolded her. “It has become quite dull around here without you.”
“We know better than to believe that,” Niall said, returning her tight hug.
“True. There is always something, is there not? Yesterday we had constables in the kitchen because Cook sent threatening letters to old Lady Pemdale’s chef, accusing him of stealing her recipe for seed cake. She threatened him bodily harm if he used it again.”
“And had he stolen the recipe?” Niall asked, grinning.
“Of course he had. Not that I blame him. Cook’s seedcake is beyond compare. But the trouble has made her crotchety. She is stern at the best of times, but we’ve lost a kitchen maid and the downstairsmaid, too, because of her temper.” Emelia waved a dismissive hard. “Ah, well. Domestic squabbles are endless, are they not? In any case, we are glad you are back.” She jerked her head toward the stairs and the rooms on the upper levels. “And your extended stay in the north appears to have done our Gyda good. She seems much improved.” She raised a brow. “And very concerned about poor Beth.”
“Yes. The dear girl has had a shock, and Gyda understands the pain of such a thing.” Kara glanced toward the stairs. “Has either come down yet this morning?”
“No. Go on up and rouse them, if you will. Drag them down for breakfast before Cook clears the buffet away.” With a last wave, Emelia set off. Kara shot Niall a smile and tugged on his hand, and together they headed upstairs.
They found Gyda’s room empty.
“She’ll be with Beth, then,” Kara said.
