The Sign of Death (Victorian Book Club Mystery 2)

William grinned. “I wouldn’t go so far as to say only rainbows and unicorns can be discussed, but let’s put off any conversation about the murder until we’ve at least had our tea.”

Silence ensued for the rest of the ride, since nothing else seemed worthy of consideration.

Once the carriage arrived close to the Roman Baths, William helped Amy out, and instead of taking her arm, he entwined their fingers, and they strolled along holding hands.

It felt much different than having their arms joined. Again that strange sensation reared itself in her stomach. Strange, yet pleasant.

&nbs

p; First they ventured into the Pump Room and had a glass of the beneficial spa waters. Then they made their way to the dining area, which was about half-full. Amy didn’t recognize too many people, so chances were visitors and tourists made up the majority of diners.

“Tea for the lady and me,” William said to the server who approached them.

“Very good, my lord. I shall be right back.”

“How did he know you were a lord?”

William raised his brows. “Don’t I look like a lord?”

Amy sat back and studied him. Tall, aristocratic nose, firm chin, well-built body, clothes of the finest cut and fabric, an adeptly tied cravat, and an arrogance about him that only a member of the nobility could pull off. She nodded. “Yes.”

They both laughed.

Amy looked around the room while they waited for their tea. “Isn’t that Mr. Davidson over there?” She gestured with her head in the direction of two men sitting at a table near the window.

William studied the pair. “I believe it is. And if I am correct, it looks like that gentleman friend of his is with him again. Strange. He introduced Mr. Rawlings to the group for the first time a few weeks ago, but now it seems every time I see Davidson, they are together.”

“Most likely he is a new friend.” Amy looked back at William. “I can’t imagine anyone being his friend, actually. He is certainly not an amiable man, and I do dislike remarks he’s made during book club discussions about women.”

William laughed. “Yes. I know a few times the two of you almost came to fisticuffs.”

Conversation ceased as the server placed a teapot, cups, saucers, silverware, and a plate of small sandwiches and sweets on the table. “Shall I pour?” the server asked.

“No, but thank you. I will pour.”

The server nodded at Amy and headed back to another part of the dining room to stop and chat with two diners.

“Don’t pass up the sweets again,” William said as she placed a half sandwich on her plate.

Amy looked down at the tarts, biscuits, and scones. “I really do need to watch what I eat.”

“Nonsense. You’re perfect just the way you are.”

The fluttering sensation again.

He really did say such nice things to her. She shrugged and took a small piece of chocolate cake from the tray.

“I know you don’t want to talk about the murder investigation, but I need something to occupy my mind. Using the code, I added another name to our list. It turns out one of the blackmailees—is that a word?—is a woman who owns a millinery shop on Union Street called the Hat Box.”

“Very imaginative.”

“Yes, well, I thought perhaps we could visit with her this afternoon. That is, if you want to. I know you said you prefer to forget about all of it this afternoon.”

William reached across the table and covered her hand with his. “I know you’re concerned about me. I appreciate that. Once we’ve refreshed ourselves with tea, we will visit the millinery shop.”

“And then we can take a stroll in Victoria Park.”

“If you wish.”