A study in scandal Read Online Free Page B

So he’d answered the summons because the funds were badly needed for his research.
    This job was crucial to funding his research. So despite his current distraction, he would take this case, give them the portrayal they wanted, take his money, and then be able to work on his research.
    “I will schedule a time later this week to question your servants. In the meantime, work on compiling that listing of visitors for me. And do not forget to keep people out of this room.”
    “I will get that listing done as soon as possible. And I will ensure that no one enters this room. I shall sleep in the hall if necessary,” she said. She stood up taller and gave him a serious little frown. He almost expected her to salute.
    He nearly laughed. Nearly.

Chapter 2
    “It is part of the settled order of nature that such a girl should have followers.”
    The Adventure of the Solitary Cyclist
    M eg was the last to arrive, not an entirely unusual occurrence, and ordinarily Amelia would not mind, but today she was impatient to begin the impromptu meeting. It took a few more minutes for everyone to settle into their favorite spots—Willow in the walnut armchair, Meg folded up in the cushioned wingback chair, and Charlotte lounging on the brocade settee.
    “I called this special meeting because something has happened. And I might need your help,” Amelia said.
    “What about the oath?” Willow asked.
    Charlotte shot a glance at Willow. “Must you remind her? I was quite content that she seemed to have forgotten.”
    “I merely pointed it out because it was her decision that it become a part of each meeting,” Willow said.
    “And we mustn’t break from tradition or deviate from the rules,” Charlotte snipped.
    “Honestly, it was a mistake, that I forgot,” Amelia said. “But we can skip it today. No sparring, you two. We’ve work to do. Now, then, we have a mystery afoot in this very house. One of my father’s antiquities is missing.”
    “Gracious,” Willow said. “That’s terrible.”
    “Which one is it?” Meg asked.
    Amelia sighed. “That’s the worst part. It’s Nefertiti.”
    “Is your father well?” Willow asked.
    “He’s quite concerned. I worry if she’s not found soon, he’ll become ill. The good news is,” Amelia continued, “we’ve hired a private inspector to find her. I met with him yesterday, and he seems rather competent. I’m certain he’ll be able to solve the case.”
    Meg leaned forward. “What a perfect situation.”
    Amelia eyed her in confusion, then checked theother girls’ faces to see if they understood what was so perfect. Willow was frowning, and Charlotte simply shrugged and looked away.
    “I’m sorry, Meg, but precisely why is this perfect? It was one of my father’s most prized possessions. I admit the mystery is exciting, but it does feel rather selfish to enjoy that at my father’s expense.”
    “That’s not what I meant. It seems to me that you have an inspector at your disposal. You can assist him in solving the case, which is fun and exciting for you…well, for all of us, but primarily for you.” Meg nodded enthusiastically, her red curls bobbed. “This is your opportunity to do some authentic investigating. This will give you the experience you’ve felt you lacked in order to write your own adventure stories.”
    “That’s right,” Charlotte said. “Now you’ll have no more excuses not to write. It is perfect.” She smiled at Meg.
    “Exactly,” Meg said.
    “I don’t think I follow,” Amelia said.
    “It’s simple.” Meg propped her elbows on her knees, her green eyes twinkling with excitement. “Follow the inspector around. See what he does, the kinds of questions he asks, the conclusions he draws from those questions. It will be like livingin a Sherlock story. You always decipher those mysteries before the end of the story. This will be no different. And I would imagine the inspector would welcome the assistance. After all, Sherlock has his