An Affair So Right (Rebel Hearts #4)(10)
Quinn doubted a single day would be all that was required to achieve such a feat, but agreed. “Very good. I will make arrangements for your appointment tomorrow and let you know where they will meet you, and at what time.”
Quinn tipped his head and started toward home with a weary heart. He was pleased suicide had not been the cause of Mr. Dalton’s death, but nothing could prevent sadness over the loss.
Chapter 4
Quinn let himself into his home, noting a hushed atmosphere prevailed. He trudged upstairs to speak with the Dalton women immediately.
Mrs. Dalton, still dressed as he’d first seen her that night, appeared to be asleep beneath a thick comforter on an upper sitting room chaise. He took a step closer, but his housekeeper waved frantically at him then raised one finger to her lips to silence him. He nodded, agreeing not to disturb the sleeping woman just yet. Quinn glanced around, anxious to discover where Miss Dalton had gone.
The housekeeper gestured behind him, towards another chamber.
Quinn turned to his private office, noting the door was ajar.
Miss Dalton stood by the cold hearth, hands pressed to her face, ebony hair twisted into a tight braid around her skull, her shoulders shaking as she sobbed silently into her hands. The poor woman. He was glad to know that she’d bathed and was wearing a day dress now, but not so pleased by her distress. He felt utterly useless under the circumstances, but he crossed the room and cleared his throat softly.
She startled, trying to wipe her face before he saw her tears. “My lord.”
“Miss Dalton.” He studied her face as more tears began to fall. Fascinated, he watched them slide over her cheeks. He’d never before met a woman who could cry quietly. Theodora was a classical beauty by societies standards. Flawless pale skin beside glossy dark hair. Her brows were two straight fine lines above a pair of fine silver eyes. “They found him exactly where you thought he’d be.”
She nodded, and her full bottom lip quivered.
“It is natural to cry. My sisters often damp my shoulders when they are upset. If it will help, come here, my dear.” He held out one arm, as he would to his sisters when they were upset, and drew her unresisting body against his chest.
The little woman sobbed brokenly against his waistcoat while Quinn stroked her shoulder, attempting to comfort her during this difficult time. Her hands clenched at his clothes, and he wrapped her in both his arms. They stayed that way for a long moment.
“It was an accident. The coroner believes a lamp fell against the curtains.”
She looked up quickly, eyes narrowing. “What about Small’s accusations? He said—”
“Small was dying. Confused and in pain. I’m sure he was mistaken about what happened. So is the investigator.” Quinn stepped back. “The man wishes to speak with you and your mother tomorrow. His name is Mr. Mitchell Banks. I know of him by reputation only. He’s said to be honest and compassionate. He also seems experienced at understanding how fire spreads. I promised to send him your new directions, since your home was destroyed. Have you and your mother discussed where you will go?”
Theodora’s shoulders rose in a shrug. “Not yet, but I fear there could be a problem with my mother. She has taken my father’s death very hard. She refused to be moved farther than that room or to dress in the clothes your housekeeper offered. I dread to think how she will take a complete relocation.”
“A few hours’ sleep and she will be reasonable, perhaps, and understand decisions must be made.”
Miss Dalton nodded. “I hope so. What happens now?”
“Banks will direct any recovered possessions to this address until you have secured new lodgings, and I can have them sent on to you. Everything of value or personal in nature will be recovered. He’s also promised to post men to watch over the site tonight to prevent looters. I’ll send my grooms out shortly as well, just to ensure it happens.”
“Thank you.” She held out the side of her gown. “Thank you for the clothes.”
He squinted at what she was wearing now. It wasn’t black, as required for full mourning, but a dull shade of forest green that would do for now. “My sister’s, if I recall correctly. Louisa must have forgotten one again. For as long as I can remember, my sister has left something of hers behind, mostly so she has an excuse to return, I think.”
Miss Dalton nodded slowly, then took a few steps away before sinking into a chair at his desk.
“It will be all right,” he promised. Miss Dalton’s quiet dignity at such a time concerned him. Shouldn’t she be grieving harder?
“No, it won’t,” she said as she rubbed the desk with the flat of her hand. “You don’t understand how much Papa meant to us.”
Quinn followed and sat on the edge of the table. He took up her hand. “I’d often thought I should know your family better. Your father seemed an accomplished businessman.”
“He was.” Her expression tightened. “I expect we will never see you again after today.” Theodora stood. “I should stir my mother so we can make decisions. I must also find employment.”
“Surely not.” He jumped to his feet, staying her with one hand outstretched. “This is not the time,” he protested.
“Better to start now than wait until we are starving.” Her expression grew amused; the first sign of levity he’d noticed. “Do you object to a woman engaging in honest work?”