Daniel took her elbow and guided her toward the door. “I’m never going to finish my interview with Miss Montgomery in the midst of all these people. I must go to Hammersmith. Perhaps I can return today, but it will be very late. If you get an opportunity, would you ask her a few questions for me once the guests leave? I will have Cadogan remain outside for whenever you’re ready to go.”

“How will you get to Hammersmith if you leave the carriage here?” They passed into the foyer.

“I will rent a horse from the nearest livery.”

He was an excellent rider. She had seen him take the biggest fences without fear. She wished she were going with him rather than staying in the somber drawing room, but Agatha needed her. Juliette had been next door to neglectful in the opening weeks of their first Season, and now, in the face of her friend’s bereavement, Juliette must attend her.

“What questions should I ask Agatha? And when will I see you again to give you her answers?” She prayed she didn’t sound too eager.

“Ask her if her father owned a gun. Or if he mentioned trouble at the mill over his proposed renovations. Ask if he received any strange letters or visitors here at the house.”

“I will. Should I ask about his relationships with women?”

“I do not want to distress her overly. The rumor about Mrs. Carlyle is, thus far, unsubstantiated. She may very well be innocent, and to have it spread would damage her reputation. Find out what you can, but quietly. If you do not hear from me in the next day or so, you can always send a note to the Bow Street office with your findings.” He motioned to the footman beside the door. “My hat and cloak, if you please.”

When his belongings arrived, he swirled his cape around his shoulders with a practiced maneuver Juliette found quite graceful, then settled his hat atop his dark hair. “Good day, Lady Juliette.”

When he had gone, she squared her shoulders and turned back to the reception. She had her mission, however small. And surely Uncle Bertie wouldn’t think her interfering? She was helping one friend while supporting another in her grief. There was no harm in that, was there?

Chapter 5

DANIEL LEFT THE MONTGOMERY HOUSE and, after a quick word with Cadogan, headed toward the nearest livery stable. His rented horse made up for his lack of beauty by having bags of stamina. The gelding pulled like one of those new steam engines, had a mouth like cast iron, and a trot that could jolt a man’s teeth out of his head, but his canter was smooth and steady.