The Sign of Death (Victorian Book Club Mystery 2)

Amy wrung her hands—something she never did. “I don’t know what to do.”

“I thought you loaded up your room with books on dogs giving birth.” Michael shook his head as he entered the kitchen and poured himself a cup of coffee. He was dressed for a day of doing whatever it was businessmen did.

“I did. But reading about it and seeing it are quite different things.”

Michael patted her on the head. “The dog knows what to do.” He left the room.

Whatever was it with this family that they patted her on the head and tapped her nose like she was an urchin? It was becoming mighty tiresome.

“Are any of the maids available, Mrs. Stover? Lacey, perhaps?”

“I’m so sorry, my lady, but I sent Lacey to the marketplace and don’t expect to see her for a few hours. The two others have morning chores to see to.”

Frustrated, Amy headed back to her room and examined Persephone. She was lying in the box now but still shaking. She needed someone to suffer through this with her.

William.

Back down the steps, she asked for the carriage to be brought around. She hurried to the breakfast room, where Aunt Margaret, Papa, and Michael had gathered.

“I am off to see Lord Wethi

ngton.” She reached for a slice of toast.

Papa lowered his newspaper. “So early in the morning? I’m not sure that is proper, daughter.”

Amy scooped some jam on her toast. “I need someone to help me with Persephone.”

Her papa raised his brows. “Help your dog?”

“Yes. She is giving birth.”

“And why do you need to help her?”

“She won’t know what to do.”

“And you do?”

“No. That is precisely why I need William’s help.”

“William has given birth to puppies before?”

Amy shook her head and left the room still chewing on her toast, scowling at the sound of Aunt Margaret’s laughter.

She waited about another ten minutes before the carriage arrived in front of her house from the mews behind it. With the driver’s help, she climbed in. “Lord Wethington’s house, please.”

The man tugged on the brim of his hat. “Yes, my lady.”

Of course William didn’t know any more about dogs giving birth than she did, and he didn’t even like Persephone, but just having him there would calm her. When this murder investigation was over and Persephone was the proud mama of new little Persephones, Amy was going to have to give this situation between her and William some thought.

They seemed to be heading in a direction she never would have thought was a good idea. Yet it seemed to grow closer every day.

Once the carriage came to a rolling stop, she hopped out before the driver could help her and paid for her impatience by almost landing on her bum. Straightening herself, she took a calming breath, raised her head, and with as much dignity as she could muster made her way up the steps to William’s townhouse.

“Good morning, my lady. How pleasant to see you.”

“Good morning, Weston. Please tell his lordship I am here.”

He frowned. “Oh, I am so sorry, Lady Amy. His lordship left a little while ago.”