The sunshine caused him to fall into a light doze from which he woke abruptly, consumed by disquieting thoughts of rival females fighting for Ezra’s affections. He wondered what lengths they would be prepared to go to. Ida, he knew, would not accept competition for her favourite’s company. Even so, Riley had a hard time imagining her as the type who would turn to murder in order to protect what she looked upon as hers. If she killed anyone, it was more likely to be her rival for his affections.
‘We need to find the woman,’ he said aloud, wondering why she had not come forward as soon as she heard of Ezra’s murder. Because she was involved, or because she was married, or hampered by the control of an authoritative parent? No, that seemed unlikely. If she was still underage and properly chaperoned, she couldn’t have met Ezra alone, at least not for long enough to reach an understanding. What information Lane had carefully imparted would be accurate; Riley didn’t doubt if for a moment. So If Ezra was engaged to be married to the woman, she had to be either a widow or a single female of independent means. That would narrow the search criteria a little.
‘You look as though you have the weight of the world resting upon your shoulders.’
Riley looked up and smiled at the sound of his wife’s voice. Bruno jumped up and wagged his tail as Amelia stood over them both, looking fresh and vibrant, and slightly concerned. He stood and gave her a kiss.
‘I did not expect you back so soon.’
‘Nor I you.’ She fell into the chair beside Riley’s. ‘This latest murder is taxing your brain. I can always tell.’
‘My murdered footman had more irons in the fire than a champion blacksmith, and when it comes to suspects I’m spoiled for choice. Unfortunately, I have no evidence to back any of my increasingly wild theories up.’
‘You will find it,’ Amelia said, squeezing his hand. ‘You always do.’
‘Ezra Dawson was having a steamy affair with his employer, but apparently he also had a wealthy woman whom he intended to marry tucked away in Clapham, and who no one knows anything about. Well, no one other than Clapham’s leading criminal, who was in partnership with Ezra.’
‘Do you believe him, this criminal, or is he trying to divert your attention away from the hub of the enquiry?’
‘A very good question.’ Riley paused to consider his response to it. ‘And one that this excellent burgundy was helping me to contemplate. Reggie Lane is a bit of a character, and he’s not a good person, but I don’t think he’d deliberately try to get on my bad side. He just wants me to leave him alone so that he can continue with his dishonest ways without interference. I might be wrong about that, of course, but sometimes instinct is all I have to go on.’
‘You are thinking, I suppose, that if one lady found out about the other then sparks would fly. You would then arrest the guilty party, clear up your case and remove your scrutiny from this man’s territory.’
‘As always, my love, our thoughts are perfectly attuned. A lady was seen arguing with Ezra in a tavern in Clapham just before he was killed. I naturally assumed that she had confronted him and put something in his drink to debilitate him so that her accomplice could finish him off. But now I am more inclined to think that since Ezra appeared to engender such total adoration in his female companions, the wronged party would be more likely to get rid of her rival rather than the man she loved.’
‘Unless she had already confronted him and he told her that he’d settled upon her rival.’ Amelia smiled. ‘You know what they say about women scorned, and I can assure you that there is truth in it. Try pushing me aside and you will find out for yourself.’
Riley reached for his wife’s hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. ‘I’m afraid you’re stuck with me, my love, because I can’t seem to get enough of you.’
‘Well then,’ she said, treating him to an angelic smile, ‘I shall just have to make the best of that situation.’
Riley smiled too. ‘Are we dining at home tonight?’
‘No, we are invited to dinner with Jake and Olivia. Had you forgotten?’
‘Yes, but I won’t mind stirring myself for their sakes.’
‘They will want to know all about the case.’
‘And they might even offer some suggestions that hadn’t occurred to me. It wouldn’t be the first time.’
‘We have company,’ Amelia said, glancing over her shoulder when Agnes appeared with their son clasped in her arms. He wriggled to get free as soon as he saw Riley, who reached up for him. Bruno barked with excitement and flapped his tail.
‘You and Simon are the sort of company I will never tire of,’ he said, tossing his son in his arms. ‘And you,’ he added, laughing when Bruno barked.
‘Just as well, since you are stuck with us all,’ Amelia replied, placing a hand protectively over her still flat stomach. ‘You haven’t asked how it went in Clapham today with Sophia.’
‘Of course. You have had a busy day.’
‘And worthwhile. I must say that your sergeant’s daughter is very talented and your niece, as I’m sure you can imagine, is a very enthusiastic model.’
Riley chuckled as he jiggled Simon on his knee. ‘I am sure of it. I hope it didn’t cause any difficulties with my mother.’
‘She complained, naturally, but there was no real malice to her objections. Anyway, Maureen has designed the most unusual headwear. A satin evening toque trimmed with tasteful plumes and ruched
