"No, thank you, Mrs. Benson. I will see him."
"And William?"
Amelia stilled in fear. "What do you mean?"
"The man be asking for William as well."
She pressed her hands to her suddenly quivering stomach. Had someone seen William in the alley the night before last? Was it possibly that they thought him a suspect? Did they ...
Do not panic, she chastised herself sternly. She did not even yet know what the man wanted.
It might very well be nothing to do with her.
Still, it seemed wise to keep William out of the reach of the runner. Her brother could not be trusted not to reveal more than was wise.
"Has William risen yet?" she asked in strained tones.
"Yes, Miss Hadwell. He is down enjoying a nice breakfast of fresh ham and toast."
"Would you ensure that he remains in the kitchen? I do not want him troubled by this Mr.
Ryan."
An expression of determination hardened the thin features. However rattled the housekeeper might be, she would prove a formidable enemy to anyone foolish enough to threaten her beloved William.
"Depend upon me, miss. I'll not let that man trouble the sweet boy."
"Thank you." Drawing in a deep breath, Amelia forced her reluctant feet to carry her through the door and down the narrow hall. The house was too small to give her much opportunity to compose her thoughts, but she did manage a calm expression when she at last pushed open the door to the sun-filled parlor and regarded the large, boyishly handsome man that swiftly rose to his feet at her entrance. "Mr. Ryan?"
"Yes." He performed a respectable bow. "Forgive me for intruding at such an awkward hour, Miss Hadwell."
"It is no bother," she lied smoothly, moving to perch upon the edge of a brocade sofa. "Will you not be seated?"
"Thank you." He resettled his bulk on a nearby chair, his expression pleasant but unreadable.
"What is it that I can do for you?"
The runner seemed to study her composed features before clearing his throat.
"I fear I have some rather distressing news."
Amelia swallowed heavily. "Indeed?"
"Yes, two nights ago a young woman was discovered murdered not far from here."
"How ... dreadful."
"More dreadful than you know." An unmistakable flare of frustration rippled over his broad face. "She is not the first to be so brutally slain. There has been a rash of murders for the past month. Most of the victims have been unfortunate prostitutes, but not all. There has been at least one nobleman discovered floating in the river and several less notable men who have simply disappeared."
Amelia's queasiness returned as she recalled the lifeless body that she had seen. It was a horrid image she was certain would haunt her for nights to come.
"Yes, the papers have been filled with the distressing news," she managed to murmur in low tones.
His lips twisted. "And, of course, the utter failure of the authorities to capture the madman. It has not been a pleasant summer for Bow Street."
"I suppose it has not."
With an effort, the runner forced aside his simmer-ing irritation and managed a tight smile.