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Although it was a cold day, being out on horseback made up for it. Alex and William rode at a steady pace to the nearby village to ensure they return before the afternoon.

“I cannot understand why anyone would wish to live in London,” William said as he looked around. “It is hard to breathe past the stench of the city.”

“Although vibrant and filled with activity, I agree with you. It takes days to adjust to the smell.”

The village came into view, and they rode directly to the banker’s house. Mr. Brown seemed glad for company and invited them inside for a cup of hot tea. After explaining what had happened, he informed them that no one had stopped by to see him.

Next, they went to find the constable and were surprised to find him in his office.

He met them at the door with a bright smile. “I’d hoped to see you, Mr. Yarnsby.”

“Didn’t expect for you to be working,” Alex replied.

The man shrugged. “Not much for us to do except continue work as usual. We are not privy to exclusive social gatherings and such.” The man’s demeanor changed as he leaned closer. “I got a wife and five daughters at the house. Enough noise to make a man mad.”

“Did anyone come to see about the dead man?” William asked. “Family?”

The constable shook his head. “No, he was always by himself. Never knew where he came from. He wouldn’t say. Yours is not the first house he’s made himself welcome to.” The constable waited a bit. “I planned to come out to inform you of other things I’ve uncovered.”

They also learned it was certain the dead man had been poisoned, and the brandy in the decanter was the cause.

As they rode back to Lark’s Song, Alexander considered what lay ahead. He’d have to speak to Vivian’s father, whom he’d met before. Albert Humphries was an amicable man, an actuary to some of the most prestigious families in London. A quiet man who preferred his overly cluttered study to social events. Alex found he liked the man.

In all honesty, he was glad to be marrying Vivian for more than the obvious attraction between them. The Humphries family and the Torringtons got along marvelously, which would make his marriage an easy transition for everyone involved.

“Do you realize we are marrying sisters?” he asked William.

“Why would that be odd?” William responded. “We grew up together. It only makes sense that we are attracted to women who were raised by the same parents.”

“They are very different, however,” Alex said. “Clara is outgoing and vivacious, while Vivian is more reserved.”

“Do not make the mistake to think it makes her demure. She is a Humphries, after all.”

Alex chuckled. “I am well aware.”

When Lark’s Song came into view, the Humphries carriage was already there. Alex wondered what had happened inside. His aunt and uncle had probably already informed them of the new development.

“It may prove lucky that Mr. Humphries is here,” Alex remarked. “I may ask that he review the ledger with all the codes. Perhaps he will be able to decipher where my father was spending money.”

“That is a grand idea,” William said. “My eyes hurt from staring at them for all these days. I do not see how anyone would purposely want to do it for a living.”

“In that we agree,” Alex replied. “Now I must face my future parents-in-law and get the business of declaring my intentions over and done with.”

Although he was a bit nervous, in truth, he was glad for what was about to happen. The only missing piece was that his mother was not there.

“Did you notice there are two carriages?” William said, pointing to a second carriage near the stables. “Your mother is here.”

Chapter 10

Lady Claudia Yarnsby was not what Vivian had expected. Although older than her mother, she seemed younger, not so much in looks, but in the way she acted. Upon entering, she’d greeted everyone, then began bemoaning the social events she was missing. Instead of being concerned for Alexander’s welfare, she blamed him for ruining her holiday season.

“There are to be four balls just this week,” she told Vivian, who remained in the sitting room with her. Everyone else had made excuses and left. She’d not been so lucky, as just before walking out, Duchess Torrington had asked that she remain as tea was being brought. The duchess had then grabbed her mother’s hand and escaped.

“The good thing is that the upcoming spring season will be wonderful,” Vivian said, not giving much care about it. As much as she enjoyed attending occasional affairs, her mother thankfully allowed them to they pick and choose which ones they went to.

Lady Yarnsby gave her a droll look. “I must speak to Alexander and see that he takes care of this threat nonsense immediately.” She looked to the doorway. “Should he not be back by now?”

“Yes, any moment,” Vivian said, praying it was true. It was taking all her willpower not to say something she’d regret.