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“But you don’t?”
“I do not. I am sorry.”
He looked towards Mrs. Hessing, standing silently to one side, observing us through the ostrich feathers drooping over the brim of her hat. “Miss Fox, may I speak plainly?”
“Please do.”
“It’s come to my attention that someone has spread a rumor about me, and I want to be sure you know the correct version.” When I didn’t comment, he went on. “I was supposed to marry a young lady by the name of Grace. We were very happy, but she came from a wealthy family. The more I grew to know her, the more I loved her and she me. But I also came to realize that she was accustomed to her family’s wealth. They lived lavishly, and she enjoyed all the trappings of that life. As you’ve discovered, I am an employee of my uncle’s, not an heir. I live comfortably and can support a family, but it wouldn’t be at the same level that Grace was used to.” He rocked on his heels and stretched his neck out of his collar. This was obviously difficult for him, but he was swallowing his pride for me. “When her father lost his fortune in the depression of ’93, I was unconcerned. My own situation was unaffected. But Grace minded. Although she claimed my wages would suffice, I didn’t quite believe her. As the day of our wedding drew closer, she became more and more withdrawn until, finally, I suggested we go our separate ways. She agreed, and that was that. We’ve hardly seen one another since.”
“That must have been very hard for you. I’m sorry you went through that.”
“Thank you. It was hard.” Again, his gaze shifted to Uncle Ronald then Mrs. Hessing. “A gentleman must protect his family and Sir Ronald couldn’t afford not to believe the rumors. But I had hoped you would give me the benefit of the doubt and come to me for the truth.”
I bristled. “The rumor has nothing to do with my decision, Mr. Miller. I realized the night you learned that I was a private detective that you and I couldn’t be anything more than acquaintances.”
He frowned. “I don’t understand.”
“You spoke of my detecting as if it were a hobby, an acceptable, if unusual, pastime to occupy my days until I become a wife and mother, at which point I would give it up.”
He waited for more. When he realized there was none, he said, “You disagree?”
“I do.”
“I see.” From the way his brow furrowed further, I suspected he didn’t understand at all. “Is this because you don’t plan to marry?”
I sighed and extended my hand to him. “Goodbye, Mr. Miller, and good luck.”
He shook my hand, still frowning.
I left, glad I’d never fallen for his good looks and charming ways. He would make someone a wonderful husband one day. But not me.
I stoppedat the Roma Café and purchased two coffees from Luigi. Before leaving, I pecked the cheeks of the two elderly men, then I hummed as I headed upstairs and pushed open Harry’s office door.
He accepted one of the cups from me with a smile. “You seem happy this morning. The arrest went well?”
“It did. Better than expected, in fact.” I told him about the dressmaker’s search for the missing brown coat and bowler hat from the costume department. “It’s the final piece we needed to convince Rosa Rivera she couldn’t get away with it. She tried to escape, which will only make her look guilty in the eyes of the jury.”
“Well done, Cleo. It’s a pity you won’t get paid for this one.”
“Consider it a community service. I do feel some sympathy for Rosa, though. Rigg-Lyon was cruel to abandon her when she needed him most. But resorting to murder is never the answer, not even when one’s life is about to change.”
“Did you find out if she’s still with child?”
“No, but I suspect she is. The dressmaker had adjusted another outfit for her.”
“They won’t hang her then, but the baby will be born in prison and adopted out.”
“Pregnant or not, she couldn’t be allowed to get away with it,” I said.
“Nor would she, with you on the case.” He drained his coffee cup and set it down.
“Withbothof us on it.”
He smiled.
“Speaking of being paid, have you sent Mrs. Hessing your bill? Make sure she doesn’t delay paying your fee. I get the sense that she will put it off as long as possible.”
He picked up the cup again. Even though it was empty, he gave it his full attention.
