Eloise’s mouth dropped open, and William shouted, “What?” He jumped from his seat, then sat back down again. “Why the devil would he ask you to marry him when the last time you saw him you planted him a facer?” He grinned. “Is he the sort who enjoys a woman who …” He flushed a bright red, which made Amy wonder what he had been about to say.
“What sort of a woman?” Eloise and Amy asked at the same time.
“Nothing. I misspoke. Tell me about his proposal.”
Amy tried to talk, but her laughter was making it difficult. Every time she thought about Mr. Harris’s extremely awkward and unromantic proposal, she broke into giggles again. She finally composed herself and took a deep breath. “His reason—as stated—was that I was not getting any younger, and Mr. St. Vincent’s offer to marry me was most likely my last chance at marital bliss, so he was willing to step into his uncle’s place.”
William sat slack-jawed and stared at her. “He didn’t really say that?”
“He did.”
“The man is addlepated. What sort of way is that to encourage a young lady—excuse me—a lady of years, to accept an offer of marriage?” He grinned and shook his head. “Someone needs to take the man in hand. He is truly a danger to society.” William leaned back in the chair. “So, when’s the wedding?”
“Very funny, my lord. I thanked him for his offer and refused.”
“Of course.”
“Would you believe he actually looked surprised that I turned him down?”
“You? Why, you are a prize on the marriage mart.” William stood and ticked off on his fingers. “You are beautiful, smart, witty, kind, talented …” Suddenly he seemed to realize what he was saying. His face turned a bright red again, and he sat back down.
Eloise and Amy exchanges amused glances. “Do continue, my lord,” Eloise said.
He waved his hand in the air. “You understand what I mean.”
“Yes. I believe we do.” Amy smoothed out her skirt and tried to dismiss William’s words. Surely they meant nothing.
“I’m assuming the reason he offered marriage was because Mr. St. Vincent’s will has been read.”
“Most likely. I thought he appeared a bit too cheerful when he arrived for the will to have already been read, but I’m assuming he counted on the fact that a pitiful example of womanhood such as I would fall at his feet in appreciation of his proposal. But that is not the only reason, I suspect.”
William regarded her with raised eyebrows. Eloise leaned forward. “What?”
“A wife cannot be compelled to testify against her husband.”
“Ah. Very clever, Amy.” William studied her for a minute. “So if you were married to Mr. Harris, and in your investigation you uncovered proof of his involvement in his uncle’s murder, you could not be forced to testify.”
“Precisely. That is another reason to keep him on our list.”
The sound of the door knocker drew their attention. “It appears our club members are beginning to arrive.”
The both stood as Mr. Miles, Mrs. Miles, and Miss Sterling entered the room. Within minutes, Mr. Colbert, Mr. Davidson, and Lord Temple and his daughter, Lady Abigail, had all joined them.
Mrs. Miles hurried across the room and took Amy’s hand. “My dear. How are you holding up?”
“I am just fine, Mrs. Miles, and how are you?” This would be the third book club meeting they’d had since St. Vincent’s murder, and each time she’d told Mrs. Miles she was doing just fine. The woman thrived on drama.
Mrs. Miles patted her hand. “I’m so glad to hear that. You do seem to be dealing with everything quite well.”
Not sure what the woman meant by everything, Amy said, “There are refreshments on the table by the window. Why don’t you help yourself?”
Lady Carlisle entered the room, which completed the membership. Amy approached her newly arrived guest, who seemed a bit confused. Lady Carlisle had been hosting dinners and parties to help her husband in his quest for the position of ambassador, and it appeared to be tiring for her. “Are you unwell, Lady Carlisle?”
She smiled. “No. I am quite well. I see you have tea. I shall enjoy a cup before the meeting begins.”
Amy moved from group to group while the members stood around speaking and partaking of the refreshments. Eventually Mr. Colbert called the meeting to order, and they all took seats around the room.
William selected the chair next to her and leaned in close to her ear. “I think it might be a good idea to visit with Miss Hemphill one day next week. You must think of a reason to call on her, since we need more answers. I feel as though we do not have enough information on her. It might also be helpful if you can confirm that she sent the note. I will be speaking with some of the shipyard people to see if we can get more information on the individual St. Vincent was working with.”