William Monk 05 - The Sins of the Wolf

that.”
    “Scandal,” Deirdra said thoughtfully, her face intent. “Is it not possible that Baird is telling the truth, and Mother-in-law paid off this Arkwright to avoid scandal?”
    There was a long silence. Oonagh turned to Baird.
    “Why didn’t you say that?” she asked him.
    “Because I don’t believe it is true,” he said, answering her very directly, his dark eyes staring into hers. “Mary was not the sort of person to do that.”
    “Of course she was,” Alastair said, then glanced at Oonagh with abject apology, having just realized what he had said.
    “I think we had best leave this for the present,” Oonagh said decisively. “We do not know the truth….”
    Hester spoke for the first time.
    “Mrs. Farraline mentioned Mr. McIvor to me several times on the train, always with affection,” she said very quietly. “I cannot imagine she was paying blackmail simply to keep the family name out of scandal. If she were doing that, she would have loathed him, perhaps even required that he go away….”
    “Thank you for your comments, Miss Latterly,” Alastair said dryly. “But I really do not think you are sufficiently informed to—”
    Deirdra interrupted him. “Yes she is.” But before she could say anything further Alastair commanded she be silent, and he turned to Monk.
    “Thank you for your work, Mr. Monk. Do you have documented proof of what you have told us?”
    “No.”
    “Then I think, in that event, you will keep silent about it until we have made a decision as to what is wisest to do. Tomorrow is Sunday. After kirk you will take luncheon with us, and we shall then discuss this matter to its conclusion. Good day to you, Mr. Monk, Miss Latterly.”
    There was nothing to do but accept their dismissal. Monk and Hester walked together into the hall, past the great picture of Hamish, and out into the steadily falling rain.

12
    M
ONK AND HESTER
were easily agreed that they also would go to church on Sunday morning. Monk had no intention of worshiping. It was not a subject to which he had given any thought, but it was another opportunity to observe the Farralines. He did not ask Hester her reasons. Presumably they were similar.
    They had walked up from the Grassmarket, allowing plenty of time, having previously ascertained the time of the service, and arrived as the congregation was assembling.
    They filed in behind a stout matron, leaning on the arm of a grim-faced man carrying his hat in his hand. This couple nodded to acquaintances, and received several acknowledgments in return. Everyone looked extremely sober.
    Hester glanced around. It was difficult to recognize the Farraline women because they all wore hats, naturally. To go to church without a hat and gloves would be tantamount to arriving naked. It was easier to distinguish the men; hair color and bearing differed markedly. It did not take her long to find Alastair’s fair head with its faintly thinning patch towards the crown.
    As if sensing her eyes on him, he turned half towards them, but apparently it was to nod to the couple just ahead of them.
    “Good morning, Fiscal,” the woman said grimly. “A fine day, is it not?” It was a ritual remark. It was beginning to rain and getting rapidly colder.
    “Indeed, Mrs. Bain,” he replied. “Very agreeable. Good morning, Mr. Bain.”
    “Good morning, Fiscal.” The man inclined his head respectfully and moved on.
    “Poor creature,” the woman said as soon as they were past. “What a business for him.”
    “Hold your peace, Martha,” the man said crisply. “I’ll not have you gossiping in here of all places. And on the Sabbath too. You should not be talking in kirk at all.”
    She blushed angrily, but refused to defend herself.
    Hester bit her lip with vicarious frustration.
    Monk took her arm and led her, with some difficulty and several apologies for injured dignity and trodden toes, into the pew two rows behind the Farralines. Hester bent her head to pray, and he followed her example, at least outwardly.
    More and more people arrived, several glancing at Monk and Hester with surprise and irritation. It was some time before either of them realized that apparently they had taken a place which by custom and tacit rule belonged to someone else. They did not move.
    Monk watched, noticing how many people nodded or otherwise paid deference to Alastair. Those who spoke addressed him in a whisper, and by his office rather than his name.
    “Such a clever man,” one