Walking further into the room, Malcolm said, “Mother sent me down to ensure you two were both on your best behavior.”
“That wasn’t necessary,” her father remarked. “You are wasting your time.”
Malcolm sat down next to Enid. “Dare I ask what you both were discussing?”
“The weather,” came her father’s quick reply.
“The weather?” Malcolm repeated.
Enid smiled. “Yes, we were discussing the weather,” she answered, exchanging an amused look with her father.
Malcolm glanced between them with disbelief on his features. “Surely you do not think I am so gullible as to believe that?”
“I do,” her father said as he brought the newssheets back up.
“Thank you, Father,” Malcolm responded.
A footman placed a plate of food in front of Malcolm as he draped the white linen napkin onto his lap. “What will occupy your time today?” he asked as he directed his attention towards his sister.
“I intend to take Marigold on a stroll through the gardens after I finish breakfast,” Enid replied.
“May Rosamond and I join you?”
Enid nodded. “I would enjoy that.”
“Good,” Malcolm said with a decisive bob of his head. “Let’s eat before our food gets cold unless you would like to continue your conversation on the weather.”
Her father lowered the newssheets in his hand. “I do believe I made my point on the weather.”
“That point being?” Malcolm prodded.
“The weather can be unpredictable, so do not plan for gloom; focus on the good days ahead,” her father replied.
Enid knew what her father was trying to tell her and she appreciated him more because of it. He wanted to keep their conversation private. His words rang true. She shouldn’t plan for bad things to happen because they would assuredly come. She should focus on what made her happy, and that was Greydon.
He filled the holes in her heart, making it whole once more.
Rising, Enid said, “I should go collect my hat.” She stepped closer to her father and kissed him on the cheek. “Thank you, Father.”
He smiled, a warm smile that she hadn’t seen in quite some time. “You are welcome, Child.”
Enid took a step back, ignoring Malcolm’s bemused look. “I will strive to heed your advice,” she said before she departed from the room.
Her father had surprised her by his show of compassion, and she hoped this meant that they could start over, putting their past behind them.
ChapterTwenty-One
The trap had been set and now Greydon had to ensure his plan went off without a hitch. If not, Lady Eugenie was as good as dead. He needed to get a confession, one way or another.
A knock came at the door.
It was time to catch a killer.
Greydon crossed Phineas’ apartment and opened the door, revealing Harriet. He put his hand out and encouraged, “Please come in.”
With a rigid back, she stepped into the apartment and said, “I do not know why you insisted on us meeting at Phineas’ apartment or that I come alone.”
“It will all make sense soon enough.” He closed the door and asked, “If memory serves me correctly, you have never been here before?”
