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She stared at him for a long moment before finally giving a single nod before standing. Henry couldn’t quite read the expression in her gaze, but she certainly didn’t seem appreciative. He felt like an ass for waiting so long to say something to her. And clearly his sentiments had fallen far short of the mark for her beloved husband.
She lit a lamp by her desk and the room grew a little brighter. Henry took in the pale green walls decorated with art. Much of it was the more modern sort he didn’t really understand, but it looked nice here. A small brown terrier dozed in a bed near the fire, snoring softly.
“And who is that?” Henry asked.
“Barnaby,” she said fondly. At the mention of his name on his mistress’s lips, the dog shook himself awake and, noticing Henry, came trotting over for a pat.
“Hello there, Barnaby,” Henry said as he leaned down to give the dog a scratch. His fur was soft and curly, and he gave a little groan of delight. “Well, aren’t you a jolly old fellow.”
“Yes, Barnaby is getting on in years, though I’m not sure his exact age. About six years ago, a maid found him in the alley outside my old house nosing around the trash, looking absolutely filthy and far too thin. I knew I had to keep him,” the viscountess said fondly as she watched them. “He likes you.” She sounded surprised. “Usually he barks at strangers, especially men.”
Henry smiled as Barnaby pressed against his legs, so he could pet him even harder. “I always wanted a dog as a boy, but we weren’t allowed.”
She frowned in confusion. “Whyever not?”
“We moved around often when I was young. Mostly to flats. And my father was gone for long stretches at sea when he was still alive. A dog was one more thing to worry about, and it was too much for my mother.”
“Of course,” she said quietly. “How silly of me.”
Henry glanced up. “It’s not silly. How could you know that?”
Lady Arlington shrugged but didn’t answer. “And how is your mother?”
“She died about four years ago.”
“Oh, I’m so sorry, Captain.”
Again Henry had to look away from the sympathy in her eyes, as even he could only endure so much compassion. “It’s all right. Her health had been poor for some time. It was hardest on my sister, though, as she had to care for her while I was away. The only blessing is that she wasn’t alive when I was imprisoned.”
“Yes,” she said roughly. “I imagine that would have been very difficult for a mother to bear.” Then she retrieved something from her desk and set it beside him before pulling Barnaby onto her lap.
Henry’s eyes widened. “Good Lord. I hadn’t realized how large it was.”
Lady Arlington hugged the dog as she stared at the brick. “I haven’t read the note attached yet.”
“Would you like me to?”
She nodded as she stroked Barnaby’s fur. The vulnerability in her eyes tugged at his ragged heart. Henry pulled out his pocketknife and cut the string that held the note before opening it.
Next time I won’t miss.
Henry swallowed hard as outrage began to swell inside him. Lady Arlington held out her hand.
“May I see it?” That familiar determination he had come to recognize over the last week now filled her gaze.
Henry passed the note to her, and she quickly scanned it. “It’s the same handwriting as the others—not that there was any doubt.”
“Do you still have them?”
“At my office.”
“I’d like to bring them to my contact at Scotland Yard tomorrow, if that’s all right. And submit a report on what happened here tonight.”
“Yes, I think that’s wise.” She looked defeated for the first time since Henry had begun this investigation. He should have been pleased to see her finally taking this seriously, but all it did was reignite his anger. Whoever did this would pay. Dearly.
“Thank you for your hospitality,” Henry said as he rose, giving Barnaby a farewell pat. “But I should be going.”
“Oh, please stay, Captain. It’s late, and you’ve had quite an or—”
