Callander Square - Anne Perry [22]
“I understand you wish to see me?” he said quietly. His voice was clear and precise, and contained a slight lift of surprise.
“Yes, sir,” Pitt replied. “If you please. I apologize for calling at this hour, but I wished to be sure of finding you in.” Carlton waited politely and he continued. “I’m afraid I have reason to believe that the mother of the babies found in the square may be a member of your household—” He stopped, ready for outrage, denials. Instead there was only a tightening of the skin across Carlton’s high cheeks, as if he anticipated pain. Pitt wondered quickly if either he already knew, or at least suspected his wife. Was it possible he had even personally accepted it, long since fought his private battle?
“I’m sorry,” Carlton said quietly. “Poor woman.”
Pitt stared at him.
Carlton turned his face to look at Pitt. There was anxiety and compassion in his eyes. It was something he did not understand, but struggling to imagine, and for which he was deeply sorry. Pitt felt a surge of anger against Euphemia, and against young Brandon Balantyne, whom he had not yet met. Carlton was speaking again.
“Have you any idea who it is, Mr. Pitt? Or what will happen to her?”
“That rather depends on the circumstances, Sir Robert. If the children were born dead, there may be no criminal prosecution. But she will lose her character, and unless she is extremely fortunate, her position, and be without reference to obtain another.”
“And if they were not born dead?”
“Then there will be a charge of murder.”
“I see. I suppose that is inevitable. And the wretched woman will be hanged.”
Pitt realized too late that he should not have committed himself; he should have left it in doubt. Perhaps in that single carelessness he had forfeited Carlton’s help.
“That is only an opinion,” he tried to withdraw. “There may be some mitigating circumstances, of course—” He could think of many, for himself; but none that would appeal to the lords justices.
”You said, someone in the house,” Carlton continued as if he had not spoken. “I take it you do not as yet know whom?”
“No, sir. I thought perhaps Lady Carlton, knowing the servants better, might be able to assist me.”
“I suppose it is necessary to bring her into this?”
“I regret so.”
“Very well,” Carlton reached for the bell cord and pulled it. When the footman appeared he gave instructions that Euphemia should be asked to come. They waited in silence until she arrived. She closed the door behind her and turned to them. Her face was smooth and utterly guileless, even when she saw Pitt. If she had any guilt, then she was either one of those rare creatures who genuinely see no interest but their own, or was the most accomplished actress.
“My dear, Inspector Pitt believes that the mother of these unfortunate children may be someone in our house,” Carlton said courteously. “I regret it is necessary that you should endeavor to assist him.”
Her face paled a little.
“Oh dear, I’m so sorry. Of course it can really make no difference, but I hate to think of it being someone I know. Are you sure, Inspector?” She turned to look at him. She was a most attractive woman, there was a warmth about her more appealing than beauty.
“No, ma’am, but I have cause to believe it.”
“For what reason?” she asked.
Pitt took a deep breath and plunged in.
“It would seem that someone in this house is having an affair, a love affair.” He watched her face. For a moment she remained perfectly serene, merely interested: then there was a slight tightening of the hands on the plum-colored silk of her dress. A faint color spread up her throat. Pitt glanced across at Carlton, but he appeared detached, unobservant.
“Indeed?” she said after the slightest hesitation.
He went on.
“There is a strong possibility that as a result of the attachment, she may have become with child.”
The color deepened painfully in her face. She turned away so that the