An Indomitable Woman: A Historical Romance Mystery (Tabitha & Wolf Historical Mystery Series Book 7) by Sarah F. Noel

Author:Sarah F. Noel [Noel, Sarah F.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-06-28T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 19

Tabitha had pondered whether or not to tell the dowager about the proposed visit to Bear’s cousin later that day. Finally, she realised that keeping information from the dowager about investigations in the past had only led to her going off on her own, and nothing good had ever come from that. They had agreed to work on this case as a team, so that was what they needed to do.

Once the Ladies of KB had all departed, Tabitha filled the dowager in on the details of Wolf and Bear’s activities the previous evening and the knife they had found next to the latest victim.

“So, the plan is to go and visit Bear’s cousin, Phyllis, in the hope that her husband can tell us more about this weapon?” the dowager asked.

“That is the plan,” Tabitha confirmed.

“Well, that does not sound particularly exciting, but instead one of the more workaday aspects of an investigation that does not benefit from my particular skillsets.”

Tabitha held her breath; did this mean that the dowager didn’t mean to join them? If she had known it would be that easy to dissuade her, Tabitha might have tried making other aspects of investigating sound more mundane. However, she also realised that she had to be careful; any indication from Tabitha that the older woman was not welcome would be sure to pique her interest in joining the expedition. Instead, Tabitha tried to affect as dispassionate tone as possible, saying, “Mama, the choice is entirely yours. It goes without saying that your participation would be most welcome.”

“Ha! It goes without saying, does it? No matter, I believe I will return with you to Chesterton House and then decide.”

During the brief carriage ride from one grand house to another, the dowager asked coyly, “So, how did you find my Ladies of KB?”

Tabitha considered the question, then answered, “I will confess that when you first announced that you would continue your association with these women even after the investigation was resolved, I did question the wisdom of such a decision.” While the dowager said nothing, the look on her face spoke volumes about her feelings about anyone questioning any decision of hers, let alone Tabitha. Ignoring the woman’s reaction, Tabitha continued, “However, having met your ladies, I can truly see why you wished to continue the friendship; they are delightful. They are an interesting, fun, and friendly group.”

The dowager’s smile on hearing this was less one of pleasure and more one of satisfaction at being acknowledged to be right.

Talbot was usually as imperturbable as Manning. However, when he opened the door to Chesterton House, there was a tightness to his smile and a terseness in his voice that indicated something had happened. Ever since Melody had been abducted, Tabitha had always been inclined to suspect the worst immediately. Seeing the look of panic immediately wash over her face, Talbot said hurriedly, “Nothing is amiss, milady. It is merely, well, that is to say…” the butler stuttered.

“Spit it out, man. I cannot stand all this shillyshallying,” the dowager scolded.

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