“Right now, you need to go downstairs.”
Her maid’s words pierced the fog, and Eloise nodded. “Of course.”
“I will prepare your bath.”
Eloise left the room, headed down the front stairs, and found Mullens waiting in the entrance hall. “Where is he?”
“The drawing room, my lady.”
“I will leave the door open. Please remain here.”
“Of course.”
Eloise smoothed the front of her skirt and checked her bodice one last time before reaching for the door. Then she straightened her shoulders and opened the door.
Constable Lewis sat on the settee, sipping from one of the delicate teacups her mother prized so much, looking again as awkward as a boxer in a perfumery. He stood when she entered, almost upsetting the tea tray. He touched the brim of his hat. “Miss Surrey.”
She gestured for him to sit. “Lady Eloise, Constable.”
He shook his head, as if confused. “I’m afraid the titles of the aristocracy confuse me, Lady Eloise. I deal with them so seldom.”
“Which I would take a good sign, don’t you think?”
He shrugged. “I really came to see your father, my lady. It’s rather urgent.”
“My father is out of town, Constable. Is there not some way I can help you?” She sat in a chair opposite the settee, and he settled back down as well. “We are all quite anxious to hear any news of Lord Timothy.”
He reached for the cup again, paused, and pulled his hand back. “This is a rather delicate matter, my lady.”
“I am not as fragile as I may appear. If you are worried about shocking me, I can assure you—”
“We have found a body.”
The cold that washed through Eloise tensed every fiber.No. Dear God, no! Please!“And?”
“Of course, we cannot be certain. But he is—was—blond and young. Found in an alley not far from Campion’s Emporium.” He shifted uncomfortably. “I was hoping to have your father... look...”
“I see.”
“Do you know when your father—”
“I can do it.” She stood. The cold had turned her frigid. Numb. She could do this. “Let me send for my gloves.”
He leapt to his feet. “No, my lady! I cannot allow you—”
“Do not be ridiculous, Constable. I have seen dead bodies before.”This week, as it happens.“And I have no idea when my father will return. This should not wait.”
“Even so. But this would be too—”
“I assume he is at one of the morgues your agency uses?”
“My lady—”
“I insist, Constable. Did you walk here or come in a conveyance?”
“I walked.”
“Then we shall take our carriage.” She raised her voice slightly. “Mullens?”
