Murder on Charles Street - Leighann Dobbs Page 0,59
onto her knees. “Katherine, we cannot do this every night.”
Pru had been reluctant from the start, but the fact that she was ready to abandon the investigation hurt more than Katherine cared to admit. Katherine swallowed—hard. “It’s only been two nights. As you said yourself, rumors take time to spread.”
Pru shook her head. Her lips thinned into a thin slash, emphasizing her sharp chin. “And how many more nights do you intend for us to sit here? Think of your ankle; this cannot be an ideal way for you to heal.”
“I’m not vexing it…”
Wayland stood, his height drawing everyone’s attention as he loomed over them. “If you don’t want to keep watch every night, then don’t. The idea still has merit. Why don’t we alternate evenings? There’s no reason for all four of us to be here. If you’d like to get some sleep, McTavish and I can return tomorrow evening.”
Under his breath, McTavish muttered, “Speak for yourself.”
Wayland pretended not to hear.
Pru met his gaze, holding it a moment as she raised one eyebrow. “Very well. If you want to continue, you can come tomorrow. We’ll keep watch the next day.” She turned to Katherine. “I trust that will be acceptable?”
Katherine gritted her teeth. That was the pain and exhaustion speaking. She nodded, suddenly eager for her guests to depart so she could go to bed.
It wasn’t ideal, but Wayland was right. She didn’t need so many bodies around as witnesses; one or two would do. And even if Pru did not intend to be among that number the next day, at least Katherine would not be facing Dr. Gammon’s murderer alone. Wayland had proven himself a staunch ally in this investigation.
Chapter Eighteen
Unlike lady Katherine, Harriet did not have the leisure to sleep long into the afternoon. She had far too many matters to handle and far too few daylight hours in which to untangle them. Fortunately, a few scones were left from Miss Burwick and Lord Annandale’s visit. Harriet fed those to Katherine when she awoke, along with tea and jam. Her chores consumed her throughout the day, and the supper hour had fallen upon her without warning. Fortunately, Mrs. Ramsey hadn’t minded parting with two plates of hot roast and boiled potatoes in exchange for Harriet’s promised return with some salacious gossip. That was a small price to pay, for Katherine had been hungrier than usual.
Now that the day had come and gone, Harriet was falling asleep on her feet—and she still had a night’s watch to do with the others. She stifled a yawn as she pulled open the door, ushering the guests inside. At least she would not have to keep watch alone. With luck, the two men would provide more than enough entertainment, and Lady Katherine wouldn’t notice if Harriet happened to fall asleep.
The moment Captain Wayland and McTavish entered the townhouse—the latter with his usual swagger—Harriet stripped away their outer gear and mumbled about fetching the tea service. She turned her back to stow their garments and ambled down the corridor in a daze. She didn’t realize that she had company until she reached the kitchen and put on the kettle.
When she turned, McTavish leaned his shoulder against the doorframe and crossed his arms. The expression in his eyes was serious, for once. “Are ye avoiding me, lass?”
Harriet turned away. “Of course not. Don’t be daft.” She scurried around the kitchen, finding what was left of the seedcake and slicing it. She had the ingredients to make another, but in the slew of other chores she had devoted herself to today, she hadn’t gotten around to it. She hoped Lady Katherine wouldn’t complain about the stale cake.
“Then why will ye nae look at me?”
“I’m busy.”
With the rustle of cloth and a lone footstep, he approached. “That is nae the reason. You’re always busy.”
She turned on him, her hair bobbing in front of her face before she shoved it aside. “I’m running this household on my own, aren’t I?”
She regretted snapping at him at once. Showing him anything other than indifference would only encourage him. The peculiar look in his eye made her heart beat faster. Although he was usually flirtatious, this was a serious sort of look. Not dismissive or teasing or one of the hundred other things he’d offered her since they’d met. At that moment, she had his full attention. And that made her heart beat even faster. She turned away. McTavish probably looked at all the maids he got alone in