“That’s exactly why I’m here,” Darcy said. He moved over until he and William were standing very close together. “I heard about the police, you see, and it occurred to me that I might have left some items in Miss Carrington’s flat. Now, I suspect the police raid must have something to do with drugs. We all know that Miss Carrington has a nasty little habit, don’t we? Well, I’ve never touched a drug in my life and I don’t want the police putting two and two together and making five, if you get my meaning. So I thought I’d take a quick look around and make sure there’s nothing of mine up in the flat. If that’s all right with you, of course?”

William wrinkled his nose, deliberating. “I’m not sure about that, Mr. O’Mara.”

“Did the police actually tell you nobody was to go up to the flat?”

“It was Frederick they talked to, not me. But he didn’t say that.”

“So then there would be no reason for me not to take a quick look, would there?” Darcy said. “If you don’t feel comfortable, you can always look the other way, you know. I’ve still got my key, so theoretically I can let myself in whenever I want.”

“So you can, Mr. O’Mara.” William nodded. “Why not?” Then his gaze turned to me. “But the young lady—I don’t think Miss Carrington would like that.”

“This is my fiancée, William. Lady Georgiana Rannoch. The king’s cousin. Quite beyond reproach.”

“Blimey, so it is,” William said. “Well, then, in that case . . . you ain’t the first royal we’ve had here.”

And he gave us both a knowing nod. I thought it wiser not to ask any questions, but followed Darcy over to the lift.

It wasn’t until we were safely ascending that I asked, “Was it wise to tell him so much? Won’t he spill the beans to DCI Pelham?”

“You heard him. The Cockney’s inbred distrust of the police. And we are old friends. I’ve always tipped him generously.”

“You amaze me sometimes,” I said.

“That’s good.” He smiled at me. “Amazement and adoration seem like a good basis for a happy marriage.”

“You mean my amazement and your adoration?” I quipped back, making him laugh.