Murder in Whitechapel (The Judas Reflections) by Aiden James, Michelle Wright Page B

worse than that my dear. I give a toast to you and congratulations, my dear girl.”
    We toasted our glasses, but silence befell me. There was a strange feeling in my stomach, as if I had been hit by an object of some weight.
    “Be happy for me, my darling,” said Marianne, quietly in my ear.
    “I am truly happy for you. Now you can move to Cornwall and have your many children.”
    “Sarcasm is not a form of wit, Emanuel, and it does not suit you one bit!”
    “I expect deep down he’d be wondering how long it will last. How long before you give up domesticity and return to the bright lights of London?” said Roderick.
    “I am far from amused at your rudeness. You have resented my acquaintance with Emmanuel from the start. For the years we have been acquainted, and the months I have known you, I resent your intrusion into our friendship. But, you can rest assured it will be improper for me to call on him alone as I have been doing. I am soon to be engaged so I must act accordingly.”
    “Does that mean the well-meaning friendship is over?” he replied.
    “Of course not. It’s just taken a different direction.”
    The Captain and his wife looked the other way, causing me to become embarrassed and uncomfortable. Her comments would now, via the Captain, reach the ears of many who will conclude a tawdry, clandestine relationship between Marianne and I had occurred. They would jump to conclusions concerning her late night appearances. If word reached Robert, her engagement would be in jeopardy. I had to act quickly.
    “Captain and Mrs. Braithwaite, I can assure you that there was never any impropriety between Marianne and I. We are the closest of friends and her visits to me after hours were simply social. She would relax with a glass of champagne and gentle conversation, having worked so hard on stage.”
    “Of course, I understand dear fellow, and Marianne, although it is a trite risqué to call on a gentleman alone after hours, we know you are both of good morals, fine, upstanding and honest citizens.” If only the Captain knew how far from the truth he was, the scandal would be torrid indeed.
    Roderick was far from amused showing his discontent by turning away and appearing to take in the view from the garden. It did occur to me the carefully applied cosmetic powder would rub off due to his stress and the Captain and his wife would be mortified by his zombie like appearance. I had already convinced everyone Roderick’s eyes had been severely weakened by light, hence the darkened glasses he must wear constantly and his unnatural tallness due to a growth deformity that ran in the family.
    I was saved by the announcement dinner was served and, making my way to the dining room, I observed Roderick and Marianne seemingly called a truce. She slipped her arm in his and he, like a real gentleman, escorted her to dinner. I breathed a sigh of relief.
    After a sumptuous meal, Marianne and Mrs. Braithwaite retired to the drawing room, leaving us men to enjoy an after dinner brandy.
    “I expect you’re somewhat relieved to see Miss Marianne settled at last. She is something of a wild cat at times, don’t you think?” asked the Captain.
    He was of an older generation who, faced with Marianne, a free spirit who refused to be oppressed by rules and morals. The poor old fashioned Captain didn’t know quite how to take her.
    “I’m hoping Robert will be the one to settle her down, though I’ll wager he’ll have a job on his hands to do so,” replied Roderick.
    “I am most pleased for her, and Robert Platt is an agreeable chap. It’s a good match, they both love the theatre,” said the Captain. “So, Emmanuel, what news of Jack from your acquaintance, Albert?”
    “I have no new updates. Nothing other than what you see in the daily newspapers.” I had become expert in covering my tracks, having been forced into situations where dishonesty was required and sometimes a necessary evil.
    “Surely your friend has