The Sign of Death (Victorian Book Club Mystery 2)

“Oh.” Despite her ramblings alluding to her sophistication and knowledge, even in the dark carriage he could see her blush. “Then that means …”

“Yes. It means precisely what we’re thinking. And it certainly answers some questions and raises a few more. After all the time Davidson has been a member of the club, why did Rawlings show up at the book club when he did? In fact, if memory serves, he appeared with Mr. Davidson right after Harding was killed.”

He leaned forward, excited by this new idea. “That is probably the reason Davidson was being blackmailed. Such acts are illegal and not only can destroy a man’s reputation but send him to prison. If Harding stumbled upon that information, it would be worth it to Mr. Davidson to pay him to keep it quiet.”

“And perhaps a reason to kill him so he no longer had to pay.”

“Yes.” William leaned back. “But that is true of everyone he was blackmailing and cheating.”

“I never thought I would say this, but poor Mr. Davidson. I don’t understand why, or approve of, the way the government interferes in people’s private lives.” Amy shook her head.

“I agree, but as long as it is against the law, Davidson must be very careful.”

“I think it would be worth our time to learn where Mr. Davidson was the night Harding was murdered,” Amy said.

William gave her a curt nod. “I agree. And then moving along to another matter, what about Mrs. Johnson? We need a sketch of Mr. Davidson to show to people at the pub. If he was there the night she was killed, we might have our man.”

Amy scooted forward until their knees touched. “And also find out if he has a gun. If it is Mr. Davidson, he was most likely the one who tried to find the ledger and then shot at us.”

“It appears we have a lot to consider with this new suspect.”

Once again they were stopped in traffic and found their carriage next to Mr. Davidson’s. This time the curtain was pulled across the window. Amy and William looked over at each other and nodded.

* * *

The following Tuesday, Amy rested on the settee with Persephone sprawled on top of her. She studied the little animal’s face with concern. “What is wrong with you, little doggy?”

Not only was she very clingy, but she was ill-tempered and had put on weight. “Too much eating and lying around and not enough exercise. We must go for a walk today.” Amy sat up and ran her palm over the animal’s soft fur.

William had spent time with his barrister yesterday and this morning, but Amy expected him any minute. They would take Persephone for a walk and while they were out and about discuss the next steps in their investigation.

The sound of footsteps coming up to the first floor drew Amy’s attention. Aunt Margaret walked into the drawing room, tugging on her gloves. “It is quite chilly out there today.”

“Is it really? I was hoping to take Persephone for a walk.”

Her aunt looked at the dog. “She looks far too comfortable to me to rally herself for a walk.”

“Aunt Margaret, I have a favor to ask of you.”

She sat on the settee across from Amy. “I assume this has to do with James’s murder?”

“Yes.”

“I will be happy to oblige. What do you need?”

“I would like you to accompany me to the book club meeting this Thursday.”

Her aunt closed her eyes. “Oh Amy, my dear. Anything but that.”

“Oh, please, aunt. It’s very important, and it’s not so bad.”

“Sitting around listening to you and your cohorts discussing murder, mayhem, and dead bodies?” She shuddered. “I prefer sunshine and happiness.”

Amy smirked. “Well.… I did attend some morning calls with you. Besides, you can stuff cotton into your ears if you like. I only need you to do a sketch for me. You are so very good at drawing, I know you can capture one of our members on paper.”

Aunt Margaret sighed as if she were being asked to take her place at the guillotine. “I will do it for you. And for poor William, who is in a very difficult place right now.”

“Thank you so much. With your sketch, we might be able to establish that Mr. Davidson was at the pub the night Mrs. Johnson was killed. Then we would be one step closer to solving Mr. Harding’s murder too.”