forty-one
The rest of the day wasn’t as pleasant as the morning for Samuel.
The chief inspector in charge of Murdock’s case informed them Murdock had hired a solicitor to defend him from the accusations, claiming the evidence Samuel had provided had been fabricated. A few of his patients defended him. Others attacked him.
In short, putting Murdock behind bars wouldn’t be as quick and painless as Samuel had hoped.
“I hope Mother isn’t among those people defending him.” Vivienne sipped her glass of tonic without wincing.
“It doesn’t change anything,” Captain Jackson said. “Murdock’s conviction will take a time. ‘Tis all.”
They were sitting at dinner, one of Potter’s last masterpieces almost untouched. The spicy scent of pigeonsà la duchessefilled the air.
“We should celebrate.” The captain took a generous morsel of his pigeon. “We’re too forlorn. And where’s Alice?”
William moved from his position to the door. “In the kitchen, having dinner, sir.”
“Call her. I want to propose a toast.” Captain Jackson leant closer to him. “You don’t mind, do you?”
Samuel shook his head. “Not at all. Vivienne and I always ask her to join us at dinner, but she refuses.”
“My lady, sir.” Dobkins bobbed a curtsy. “Is something the matter?”
The captain lifted his glass of cranberry juice. “I summoned you to make a toast.”
“You summoned me?” Dobkins lifted her brow.
The captain stood up. “I want a toast to—do you fancy me, Alice?”
Silence dropped. Samuel exchanged a glance with Vivienne.
Dobkins frowned. “No.”
“Why?” the captain asked, lowering the glass.
“You’re rude, stubborn, and arrogant.”
“Yes, but aside from that?” The captain handed her a glass of wine.
Dobkins hesitated before accepting it. A corner of her mouth twitched as if she were fighting a smile. “Well, you taught me how to shoot and can be quite charming when you want to.”
“That’s it!” The captain raised his glass again. “We toast to the fact that you won’t need a gun ever again because we won.”
“Almost,” Samuel said.
“Don’t be a pessimist.” The captain took a sip. “Tonight is for happiness and hope only. We’re happy and safe.”
He barely finished saying that before a loud thud came from the corridor.
“What was that?” Vivienne rose to go to the door, but Samuel took her arm and stopped her.
The captain finished his drink. “I say to be happy and hopeful. It’s probably nothing.”
A muffled cry sounded.
Dobkins stepped back from the door as footsteps thudded closer.
“I’m sure the captain is right.” William put a hand on the knob, but the door swung inwards.
