Page 88 of In the Midnight Hour

“That turned out very well,” Mr. Drummond said. He hadn’t quite smiled, but his eyes gleamed with satisfaction. Directing his attention at the footman and housemaids, he gave them a stern stare. “Stay out of trouble.”

“Yes, sir,” Samuel said.

Mr. Drummond left, and Mrs. Nyburn turned to Cora and Gemma. “I’m sorry for what you endured. I was a fool to think Mrs. Babcock would do better than I did. Was she aware of what was happening?”

Cora and Gemma exchanged a look. “I don’t think so,” Cora said. “She never said anything or even indicated that she suspected. But until Sir Radnor showed up in my chamber, I hadn’t suspected it either. He was like a different person.” She shuddered.

“He’d always been kind,” Gemma said in agreement.

“He was very good at maintaining a façade,” Mrs. Nyburn said with disdain. “I’m glad he can’t hurt anyone else.”

“We can all be grateful for that,” Mr. Sheffield said. He turned to Northwood. “Can your coach take everyone back to Pemberton Square whilst you and Lady Cartwright ride with me? I’d like to speak with you both.”

Northwood settled the others in his coach then joined Hypatia and his brother in Mr. Sheffield’s. The two men sat together on the rear-facing seat of his coach, whilst Hypatia sat across from them.

“It’s very strange looking at you sitting close together like that,” she mused. “I can see how you’re different, but only barely. Others must be confused if you appear together. Did you like to trick people in your youth?”

They both smirked.

“On occasion,” Mr. Sheffield replied. He looked from Hypatia to his brother. “You were both very helpful in discovering the truth of what happened to Sir Radnor. However, may I hope that you’re finished playing constable?”

“Yes,” Hypatia replied quickly. “My interest was in proving my innocence, and I’ve no desire to ever be involved in a murder again.”

Mr. Sheffield looked expectantly at Northwood.

“I’m of the same mind,” he said. “I think the likelihood of either of us having anything to do with another murder is extremely low.” Northwood eyed his brother. “I have a new appreciation for what you do. Rather, what you did. Although, I suppose your work as a coroner is also investigative in nature.”

“What does that mean?” Mr. Sheffield asked. “A new appreciation?”

“I see why you enjoy it, why you chose the law,” North explained. “I confess I have a bit of envy for the purpose it gives you.”

Mr. Sheffield’s auburn brows climbed. “That is almost shocking.” He turned his attention to Hypatia. “Lady Cartwright, I want to thank you in particular for all you did to bring the truth to light. You were involved in Sir Radnor’s web of deceit and violence, and I’m deeply sorry for that.”

Northwood turned his head toward his brother. “Your understanding and genuine concern are notable. Is there something⁠—”

“Don’t ask me,” Mr. Sheffield clipped, glancing at North. “I won’t tell you.”

“Well, I’m supportive in whatever way you need.”

Hypatia felt as though something was being communicated but she’d no idea what. It wasn’t any of her business—they were family. She was… What was she to them? To Northwood?

They drove into Pemberton Square and stopped in front of Hypatia’s house. “I’ll walk home from here,” Northwood said.

“I’ll see you at dinner on Sunday?” Mr. Sheffield asked. “Or will you be busy?”

“I’ll be there,” Northwood replied. He climbed out first and helped Hypatia to the pavement. She turned and thanked Mr. Sheffield for the ride.

Mr. Sheffield smiled at her. “I’m sure I’ll see you again, Lady Cartwright.”

Hypatia doubted that. “Good night.” After the coach drove away, she turned toward her gate. “Why did your brother say he’d see me again? We told him we weren’t going to be conducting any more murder investigations.”

“Perhaps he thinks he’ll see you when he visits me here.” Northwood shrugged. “Or he assumes that I’ll try to engage you in a liaison.”

“Why?”

“I, er, never mind.” He turned faintly pink.

Hypatia tried not to chuckle—and failed. “You are a rake.”