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“I didn’t see anything,” she whispered, “if that is what you are wondering.”
But it had not yet been a thought in his mind. His concern in the glance he sent her way had been only for her. Before he could say as much, Sir Christopher stepped into the room and closed the door behind him.
Electra wondered if Kit would wish her to stay while he spoke with Gideon. They were not confidantes in the way she was with Cordelia.
He entered the room looking more fatigued than he had when she and Gideon had arrived. Electra imagined his worry for Cordelia weighed on him.
“I can stay or go, whatever you prefer,” she said quietly as he approached the settee, waiting for her to take a seat before he did.
Kit gave Gideon a questioning look.
“I have agreed to allow Miss Poole to sit in with each of you, as she is the one who brought me the information about your connection to Mr. Pennington.”
With a glance her way, Kit said firmly, “I would like you to stay. Though I fear what you are about to hear will mar your opinion of me.”
“It won't. I assure you it won’t.”
His face lifted in a slight smile. “Perhaps it should, but I vowed many months ago to be done with secrets and to hope that a man may grow beyond his worst decisions.”
Turning to Gideon, he lifted his chin as if steeling himself and said, “Ask what you will, Inspector Pierce.”
Gideon shot one glance her way and then poised his pencil above his notepad. “When did you first learn of Percival Pennington?”
“Several months ago Cordelia came to me, quite troubled and regretful, and confessed what had passed between her and the barrister.”
Electra sensed his anger; it arced from Kit’s body in a way she could see but knew Gideon could not. Though perhaps Gideon heard it in the tightness of his tone.
“I understand that you yourself had an indiscretion.”
“Yes.” Kit’s jaw clenched with the admission, and he turned a look her way that seemed almost apologetic before facing Gideon again. “I made a terrible mistake, and Cordelia, knowing me better than anyone, had sensed my guilt.” He flexed the fingers of his left hand, where his polished wedding band glinted, before continuing. “I ended it almost as soon as it had begun. And Cordelia did much the same with the barrister.”
“But Mr. Pennington did not accept her decision, I take it.”
“No, he did not. He continued to contact her, send her letters and notes via messenger. Even left missives for her at places he knew she frequented. A tea shop. A dress shop. It was absurd. And concerning. The man seemed obsessed.”
Kit’s voice had pitched higher than its usual deep register.
“And this angered you, Sir Christopher?”
“Yes, of course. Would you not be angered by a man who menaced your wife?”
“I would,” Gideon said with a depth of earnestness that made Electra swallow thickly.
The notion of Gideon marrying wasn’t one she liked to consider, and she recognized what a selfish discomfort that was.
“Cordelia and I were trying to mend our marriage, and there was this man who had gained my wife's trust. I understood that she had felt…a type of affection for him. And I recognized my own hypocrisy in the matter, of course. But, yes, Inspector, I confronted him.” More quietly, he added, “Whatever my faults, Cordelia is my wife and mine to protect.”
“When did you confront him, Sir Christopher?”
“Roughly two weeks ago. I went to his club, the Palladia.”
Gideon tipped his head. “Are you a member there too?”
Kit shook his head. “No, but I know a gentleman who is, and guests can be arranged by members. I thought it would be better than meeting him at his home, with his servants in earshot.”
“Was the discussion heated?”
Kit arched his brows. “As you might imagine, yes. We went into a private room, and I made myself clear. I insisted that he never contact Cordelia again.”
