The Sign of Death by Callie Hutton (children's books read aloud .TXT) 📗

fill of dancing and socializing, William happily escorted Amy out of the Assembly building. Mr. Davidson and Mr. Rawlings had exited just before them. The four conversed as they awaited the arrival of their carriages.

It was the first time William had actually spoken to Mr. Rawlings, who had always kept his thoughts to himself at the meetings. “How are you enjoying our book club, Rawlings?”

“I do enjoy it. I realize I don’t contribute much, but I listen to what everyone else is saying. I find it quite interesting.” He paused for a moment. “I am looking forward to E. D. Burton’s appearance.” He looked directly at Amy. “I’m sure his arrival will be quite a surprise for everyone. Don’t you agree, Lady Amy?”

William’s eyes grew wide and he looked at Amy, who appeared to be stunned. She quickly recovered herself, however, and said, “Yes. I imagine it will be interesting to meet the author.”

Rawlings threw his head back and laughed. The other three just stared at him.

Just then Davidson’s carriage drew up. Rawlings entered first and Davidson followed. “Well, good night,” he said, and closed the door.

William’s carriage was next in line. He opened the door for Amy and climbed in after her. Once they were settled, the vehicle rolled forward. “What did Mr. Rawlings mean?” she asked.

“I have no idea. It was almost as if he knew you were E. D. Burton.”

“I know. How very strange. I don’t see how he would have that information.”

“Actually, we know so little about Mr. Rawlings. It’s possible he might know your identity. He might have some contact with your publisher for one reason or another.”

They continued on their way and soon were stopped in traffic. William glanced out the window and nodded. “I believe that is Davidson’s carriage right next to us.”

Amy turned her head to look. A gaslight on the other side of the street briefly lit the carriage before it rolled forward. A couple came into view, kissing. Amy sucked in a deep breath and covered her mouth. “That can’t be Mr. Davidson’s carriage!”

The vehicles began to move again, and William’s fell behind. He thought about what they’d seen and suddenly realized why Davidson had been blackmailed.

“Amy, I am not sure I should even be discussing this with you, but do you know anything about the book The Picture of Dorian Gray by Mr. Oscar Wilde?”

“Yes. I’ve read it.”

William ran his hand down his face. “Of course you have.”

“I am an enlightened woman, William. As an author, I must read everything. I cannot shield myself from any subject, no matter how displeasing society finds certain topics.”

“Well, if that’s the case, then you must realize what we just saw could very well have been Mr. Davidson’s carriage. In fact, that explains a lot.”

“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