Page 37 of A Devious Secret

Chapter Six

His wife?

Mrs. Heathcote mentioned nothing about Benjamin having a wife. Then again, he doubted that Benjamin’s mother knew anything about her son using a fake name or living at the Canterbury.

Hawthorne smiled at the young woman, no doubt in an attempt to disarm her. “Is your husband home?” he asked as he tucked the pistol into the waistband of his trousers.

Mrs. Staley shook her head. “I’m afraid not.”

“Do you know where he is?” Hawthorne asked.

“No.”

“Will he be returning home shortly?”

“I’m not entirely sure,” she replied. “He tends to come and go as he pleases.”

Mrs. Staley’s body blocked most of the view of her room, but Stephen was able to see that a map hung on the back wall. Unfortunately, he couldn’t see what it was a map to.

She followed his gaze before she stepped back and closed the door even more. “May I get your names and I will inform Colin that you came to see him?”

“My name is Step…”

Hawthorne cut him off. “Our names aren’t important,” he said. “We will return at a later date to speak to Mr. Staley.”

Mrs. Staley gave them a weak smile before she closed the door, ending their conversation.

Hawthorne gestured that Stephen should follow him as he walked towards the stairs. They didn’t speak as they exited the boarding house.

Once they were on the pavement, Stephen glanced up at the second level and saw Mrs. Staley watching them from behind a curtain. Her eyes went wide when their eyes met, and she closed the curtain.

Hawthorne’s voice drew his attention. “That was odd.”

“It was,” Stephen agreed. “Do you think Mrs. Staley knew her husband is using a fake name?”

“I’m unsure since she introduced herself as Mrs. Staley.” Hawthorne’s expression grew solemn. “What do you think your friend might be involved in?”

“I don’t rightly know, but it can’t be good.”

“No, it can’t,” Hawthorne said. “I will make some inquiries and I will see what I can learn about Benjamin Heathcote, or, should I say, Colin Staley.”

“Who are you making inquiries to?”

Hawthorne shrugged. “Just some people that I have become acquainted with.”

“Like the people at the Scarlet Lady?”

“It is beneficial for someone like me to be well acquainted with people from all walks of life,” Hawthorne replied.

“Someone like you?” Stephen repeated back. “Need I remind you that you are an earl.”

Hawthorne smirked. “I am well aware.”

Stephen furrowed his brow. “You are a man of many secrets.”

“I have no more than most men.”

“I don’t believe that to be true.”