Quicksilver - Amanda Quick [97]
He reminded himself that the mystery of Dr. Spinner and his therapy for female hysteria was not the most pressing issue at the moment.
“I think it would be useful if you were seen going about your customary routine at the Institute this afternoon,” he said. “We need more information from that quarter.”
“You want me to try to discover some gossip concerning this affair?” she asked.
“Yes. Someone at the Institute must know something. You are the only one in a position to make inquiries.”
“No offense, sir, but if you are seen hovering in my vicinity, I doubt very much that anyone will risk engaging in any sort of useful conversation with me.”
“I’m aware of that,” he said. “Which is why Matt will accompany you today.”
Virginia glanced at Matt. “How do I explain his presence?”
“I’m sure you’ll think of something,” Owen said.
She turned back to him. “What will you do while Matt and I are at the Institute?”
“I am going to pursue some very boring research into Hollister’s financial affairs. Now that both Lord and Lady Hollister are conveniently dead, someone has just inherited a fortune. I would like to know the name of the happy heir.”
“You think that money might have been a motive in Hollister’s death?”
“Money is always a strong motive.”
“But I thought we concluded that there is some mad scientist running around in this affair,” Matt said.
“In my experience, scientists, mad or otherwise, are always in need of money.”
Virginia raised her brows. “That is a very good observation.”
“Thank you. I try to do that every once in a while in the course of an investigation. There is another angle I want to explore as well. Now, then, before I leave, I have a small gift for you.”
Virginia’s eyes lit up with pleasure. “Really, sir, you shouldn’t have.”
He reached into his pocket, took out the lock pick and presented it to her. “My uncle designed it. Very simple to use. Works on most standard locks.”
Matt got a pained expression. “Uncle Owen, that is not the sort of gift one gives to a lady.”
Virginia blinked in surprise, but she recovered immediately and took the pick from Owen. She examined it with evident delight. “How thoughtful. I’ve been wanting one of my very own.”
She was pleased, Owen decided. Satisfied that his first gift to her had been a success, he gave Matt a triumphant smile.
Matt rolled his eyes.
Owen headed for the door. “Matt, here, can teach you how to use it this morning before you go off to the Institute this afternoon.”
THIRTY-SEVEN
The Institute was humming with activity when Virginia and Matt arrived. Practitioners, researchers and clients mingled in the halls and lounged in the tearoom.
Matt looked around with interest while Virginia handed her umbrella and rain-spattered cloak to the porter.
“So this is the Leybrook Institute,” Matt said. “It’s not quite what I expected.”
“What, exactly, were you expecting?” Virginia asked coolly.
“I’m not sure,” he admitted. “Everyone in my family assumes that most people who call themselves practitioners are charlatans and frauds. I didn’t think this establishment would have such an academic atmosphere.”
“Leybrook and everyone else connected to the Institute work very hard to create that atmosphere,” she said stiffly.
Matt flushed a dull red. “My apologies, ma’am. I didn’t mean to imply that you are a charlatan. Of course I understand that some practitioners are genuine talents. And it certainly seems reasonable that they would congregate in professional surroundings like this.”
Virginia waved his protests aside with an impatient gesture. “My office is upstairs.”
“Yes, ma’am,” Matt said. He followed her meekly across the grand front hall.
Welch’s voice stopped her just as she was about to lead the way up the staircase.
“Good morning, Miss Dean,” he called. He hurried toward her. “I’ve been waiting for you. I was about to ask Mrs. Fordham to send a note around to your address.”
“Good morning, Mr. Welch,” she said. “I’d like you to meet my new assistant, Mr. Kern.”
“New assistant, eh?” Welch gave Matt a swift, critical