Page 89 of In the Midnight Hour

“Only with widows. Mostly.” The pink darkened to near-red. “I wasn’t going to,” he said. “I’m fairly confident you’re immune to my efforts at seduction.”

“Why? Have you employed them?” She blinked, teasing him and enjoying it immensely. “I’m afraid I missed such endeavors entirely.”

“I have not. I did try flirting, but you weren’t interested. And there was no mistaking that—you were quite plain.”

“That is true. You can’t blame me, as I was trying to avoid being hanged for murder.”

“You were never in danger of that,” he said firmly with a shake of his head.

Hypatia opened her gate. “Regardless, it was a terrifying, upsetting week that I hope never to repeat.”

“Perhaps I could accompany you inside for a glass of sherry. We could discuss the case and perhaps I’ll try flirting again. If you’re amenable.” He smiled with the barest hint of seductive promise.

Hypatia could see how he was successful with widows. Other widows. Not her. It wasn’t that she was immune to him, for she found him devilishly attractive and he’d shown himself to be reliable, trustworthy, and incredibly compassionate. She simply didn’t wish to become involved with a gentleman again. Not as friends, as she’d done with Sir Radnor to horrifying results. And certainly not as a wife after the disaster of her marriage.

“I’m actually rather exhausted. This has been an exceptionally trying week, and I’m looking forward to reading a book and snuggling my cat.”

“I hope I’ll see you soon,” Northwood said.

Hypatia detected a note of wistfulness in his tone. “I’m sure. The square isn’t that big.”

“And your cat likes me,” he said with a grin.

“Get your own cat.”

He laughed. “I might. Actually, I’d be happy to help you with securing Usher’s retirement. And I offer my assistance with dispatching Maberly and Mrs. Babcock.”

“That’s generous of you. I shall take you up on that. Monday.” She walked through the gate, and Northwood latched it closed.

“Does this mean we are finally friends?” he called after her.

She looked back at him over her shoulder. “See you Monday, North.”

Chapter 22

North was surprised to receive an edition of the Observer on Sunday morning. It contained all the information pertaining to the resolution of Sir Radnor’s murder as a matter of defense. Not all the information. The specifics regarding Sir Radnor’s lecherous behavior were covered in a vague manner. North wondered if the broadsheet was written by a woman.

It was strange to awaken this morning and not have the unsolved murder on his mind. Or the anticipation of seeing Hypatia.

As he ate breakfast and read a couple of newspapers, his mind kept returning to the case. He supposed not everything was finished. Hypatia still needed to settle Usher and dismiss Mrs. Babcock and Maberly. She would also inherit number twenty-four and a great deal of money in the not-too-far future.

He realized there was something else to do with Sir Radnor’s murder that hadn’t even been resolved. What had happened to his dressing gown?

The maids hadn’t seen it on Sir Radnor when he’d come up that night. So, he hadn’t donned it before leaving his chamber. Then why hadn’t they found it the following morning—or since? Perhaps Sir Radnor had removed it on his way upstairs. That didn’t make sense.

He jumped up from his chair in his study and grabbed his hat and gloves.

“Going to church?” Rook asked as North walked into the entrance hall.

“You know better than to ask me that,” North quipped. “Besides, it’s over by now, isn’t it?” North only went to church at Easter and Christmas—and perhaps a few other days in between if his mother asked him to attend, not that she went every Sunday either. She was a busy grandmother.

“I’d ask if you’re going to see Lady Cartwright, but I suppose you’ve no reason to any longer.”

“In fact, that is precisely where I’m going.” North finished putting on his gloves and plucked up the key to the garden gate before leaving.

He let himself into the garden and quickened his pace along the path, eager to see Hypatia and discuss this niggling thread. As he approached the clock in the center, he blinked.

Walking straight toward him in a particularly delightful rose and pale gray ensemble was Hypatia. She wore a purposeful expression that flashed with surprise as she saw him.