Page 74 of In the Midnight Hour

North understood. “As you said to her, we’re doing our best to solve this matter. Hopefully, we can do that before Drummond finds her. How are we to do that exactly?”

“We need to find evidence of Sir Radnor’s behavior. Fortunately, Mrs. Jennings may have given us the way to secure that—and it ties back to Sir Radnor’s household.”

“That’s exactly what we need!” He smiled with enthusiasm. “Well done, Lady Cartwright.”

“All credit to Mrs. Jennings. I would dearly love to find proof of Sir Radnor’s behavior that doesn’t require her—or me, in truth—to have to testify publicly.”

“I would like that too,” North said. “Where do we follow this lead Mrs. Jennings gave you?”

“Not far, actually,” Hypatia said with a faint smirk. “We must speak with Sir Radnor’s former housekeeper. She left his household after Sir Radnor assaulted Mrs. Jennings and before she moved away from the square. But it wasn’t just her—his two upstairs maids left at the same time, which Jemima—Mrs. Jennings—and I found suspicious.”

“I do too. You said we don’t have far to go. Should I stop the coachman?”

“No, we’re going to Pemberton Square. The former housekeeper, Mrs. Nyburn, is now housekeeper at number eleven.”

North chuckled. “That is very close—to me in particular. I’m acquainted with Mr. White. He’ll have no issue with us speaking to his housekeeper. Not that I would let it stop us if he did.” A thought occurred to him. “Since Mrs. Nyburn was perhaps aware of what Sir Radnor was doing and she remained in Pemberton Square, I must wonder if she had any involvement in his death. She would know how to enter his house in the middle of the night, I’m sure.”

Hypatia frowned. “I hadn’t considered Mrs. Nyburn as a suspect. I’d rather not approach her with that in mind.”

“No, I don’t think that would be helpful. I’m just thinking aloud.” He gave his head a shake. “I should not move ahead of where we are. We’ll interview Mrs. Nyburn and see what we learn.”

“Yes. Our primary goal is to determine whether Sir Radnor was assaulting his maids in the same way he was the woman he hoped to marry.” She flinched. “What a horrible man.”

North couldn’t agree more. “Of course he was attacking the maids. A man like that will attack anyone, regardless of their station.”

“Usually, but not always,” Hypatia said so softly that he had to strain to hear her.

He wanted to ask her to explain, but her gaze was focused on the window, and her cheeks were flushed.

North had the sense she was keeping more from him but wasn’t sure it had anything to do with Sir Radnor. “I’m sorry today’s inquiry brought up painful memories for you and Mrs. Jennings,” he said gently.

She turned her head toward him. “We both struggled to think of someone being punished for killing Sir Radnor. It just seems wrong if they were protecting themselves.”

“And if they schemed to murder him to stop him from assaulting anyone again?” North asked, knowing he was risking her ire.

“That shouldn’t be allowed, not in a civilized society.” Her response surprised him whilst also filling him with relief.

“I’m glad you agree that justice is paramount. Still, this is difficult, and I’m sorry for that.”

Hypatia pressed her shoulders back against the squab as they drove into Pemberton Square. Anger rippled through her features. “I only wish justice was more just. Why are men, especially powerful ones with wealth and standing, allowed to do whatever they like and escape punishment or even scrutiny?”

“I don’t have an answer for that. But you’re right that too many of them act with impunity.”

The coach stopped in front of Hypatia’s house, and they stepped down to the pavement.

“Shall we go speak with Mrs. Nyburn now?” Hypatia asked.

“We could, but I think we should wait until morning when we can start fresh. It’s been a long day already, don’t you agree?” He watched her expectantly. She’d endured a great deal today—between Drummond’s interrogation and her interview with Mrs. Jennings.

Hypatia looked across the square—in the direction of Mr. White’s house—and North saw the conflict in her features. Finally, she faced him, exhaling so that her frame relaxed. “As much as I want to go now, you’re right that it’s been an exhausting day. I think a long, hot bath is in order.”

North couldn’t help envisioning her in that hot bath, and it didn’t take much time at all for him to realize he likely needed a cold one. Perhaps he really was a rake. He couldn’t seem to stop thinking of Hypatia in inappropriate ways. It bothered him to imagine her in such a manner after the day she’d had.

Then he would stop. He acknowledged that he was attracted to her, both physically and intellectually, but she’d demonstrated no such reciprocal interest. His efforts at flirting had been rebuffed. He needed to respect that the attraction was not mutual.

“We’ll call on Mrs. Nyburn in the morning,” North said. “Shall I come fetch you?”

“No need,” Hypatia replied. “You live right next door to her, so it’s silly for you to come across the square. I’ll meet you on the pavement at ten.”