Highgate Rise - Anne Perry [63]
Charlotte was surprised when Josiah Hatch joined them, and it was immediately apparent from the softening of his grim expression that he held her in considerable esteem. He looked at Charlotte with little interest and even that was prepared to be critical. He already suspected she had come either out of curiosity, which he considered intolerable, or because she was a friend of Shaw’s of whom he would be bound to disapprove. However, when he turned to Maude Dalgetty the angle of his body eased, even the rigidity of his collar seemed less constricting.
“Mrs. Dalgetty, I’m so pleased you were able to come.” He sought for something else to add, perhaps more personal, and failed to find it.
“Of course, Mr. Hatch.” She smiled at him and he unbent even more, finding a very small smile himself. “I was very fond of Clemency; I think she was one of the best women I knew.”
Hatch paled again, the blood leaving his cheeks. “Indeed,” he said huskily, then cleared his throat with a rasping breath. “There was very much in her to praise—a virtuous woman, neither immodest nor unmindful of all her duties, and yet with good humor at all times. It is a great tragedy her life—was—” His face hardened again and he shot a glance across the table to where Shaw’s fair head could be seen bending a little to listen to a stout woman wearing a tiny hat. “Was in so many ways wasted. She could have had so much more.” He left it hanging in the air, ambiguous as to whether he was referring to Shaw or Clemency’s longevity.
Maude Dalgetty chose to interpret it as the latter.
“Indeed it is,” she agreed with a sad shake of her head. “Poor Dr. Shaw. This must be appalling for him, and yet I can think of nothing at all that one could do to help. It is a miserable feeling to see grief and be unable even to reach it, let alone offer anything of comfort.”
“Your compassion does you credit,” he said quickly. “But do not distress yourself too deeply on his behalf; he is unworthy of it.” All the tightness returned to his body, his shoulders cramped in the black fabric of his coat seemed to strain at the seams. “He has characteristics it would be inappropriate I should mention in front of you, dear lady, but I assure you I speak from knowledge.” His voice shook a little, whether from weariness or emotion it was impossible to say. “He treats with mockery and insult all that is worthiest of reverence in our society. Indeed he would spread slander about the finest of us, did not some of us, your husband among them, prevent him.”
He looked at Maude intently. “I disagree with all your husband’s principles as far as publishing is concerned, as you well know; but I stand by him in the defense of a lady’s good name—”
Maude Dalgetty’s fine arched brows rose in surprise and interest.
“A lady’s good name! Good gracious, was Dr. Shaw speaking ill of someone? You surprise me.”
“That is because you do not know him.” Hatch was warming to the subject. “And your mind is too fine to imagine ill of people unless it is proved right before you.” His cheeks were quite pink. “But I soon put him in his place, and your husband added to my words, most eloquently, although I flatter myself that what I said to him was sufficient.”
“John did?” Her husky voice lifted in surprise. “How very unusual. You almost make me think it was me Dr. Shaw spoke ill of.”
Hatch colored furiously and his breath quickened; his large hands were clenched by his sides.
Standing well within earshot, Charlotte