The Sign of Death (Victorian Book Club Mystery 2)

William was almost as shocked as Amy. She had been writing under that pseudonym since the beginning of her writing career.

“That is delightful news,” Miss Penelope gushed. “I love his books, and if I could have him sign my copies, it would make them so much more valuable to me!” She turned to Miss Gertrude. “Don’t you agree, sister?”

“Yes. Absolutely, sister.”

The group started chattering about the possibility of Mr. Burton being part of the book festival while Amy looked around frantically, as if seeking to escape before the other members could ascertain her secret.

Mr. Colbert stood at the front of the room, glowing at how his announcement had set the room to buzzing.

On the other hand, Amy looked as though she might pass out.

CHAPTER 4

“Will we go to the morgue now, or wait until morning? I’m not sure how late they stay open. But then, I imagine most people don’t know that.” Amy gathered her things as the members rose to leave the meeting, chatting happily among themselves about the upcoming book fair.

William’s head snapped up and he looked at her, his eyebrows practically reaching his hairline. “Excuse me?”

She frowned. “What?”

He withdrew the paper from his pocket where he’d stashed it earlier. “I don’t see where they requested the two of us to go to the morgue.”

Amy’s jaw dropped. “Whatever do you mean? Of course I’m going with you.”

He shook his head. “There is no of course.”

She pointed a finger at him. “Yes. There is. You helped me with my investigation, and now it’s my turn to help you with yours.”

He drew back in surprise. “My investigation! I have only been asked to confirm James’s identity.”

“Ha! Do you suppose your man of business accidentally fell into the river? How many people do you know drowned because they fell into a river? Do you know how many I know? None.” She crossed her arms under her breasts and glared at him.

The nerve of the man, to think he would leave her behind when something exciting like this happened. Well, actually a man’s death was not exciting—she said a quick prayer for his soul—but she would not be left out of it, at any rate.

“No. I don’t believe I know anyone who fell into a river and drowned,” he said between gritted teeth. “But that does not mean you will accompany me.”

“What it means, my lord, is we are in this together.” She decided she would need to use her feminine wiles; as much as she hated to do it, she would not be left out. She lowered her voice and attempted to look becoming. “I thought we were partners?”

William burst out laughing. “Don’t try that with me, Amy. I know what you think you’re doing. I will not be fooled—or felled—by female shenanigans.”

She huffed. “Female shenanigans! I will have you know—”

A cough from Mr. Colbert, who now stood in front of them, drew their attention. He had a slight grin on his face as he said, “Excuse me, but the meeting has ended, and everyone has left.” He waved his arm around the now-empty room.

Indeed, the room was vacant except for the three of them, and most of the lamps—all but the one next to them and the one by the door—had been extinguished. How could she not h

ave noticed the darkness? Well, arguing with William took all her concentration. That was how.

William stood and held his hand out for her. “I am sorry to hold you up, Mr. Colbert. I am afraid we lost track of the time.”

“I apologize as well, Mr. Colbert.”

Mr. Colbert nodded at the note in William’s hand. “Bad news?”

“Yes. You might say that. This is a note from the Bath police. A man’s body was discovered floating in the River Avon yesterday. The police want me to identify the body, since it is presumed to be my man of business, Mr. James Harding.”

“Oh my. Not good news at all. Nasty business.”

Amy left the bookstore, stopped right outside the front door, and waited for William to join her. He and Mr. Colbert exited together. William said something to Mr. Colbert and then joined her. “I shall walk you to your carriage.”