Page 65 of The Paid Companion

Arthur looked at Hitchins. “What have you come to tell me?”

The Runner swiveled his head back to Arthur, his manner very serious now. “I went to yer club, like you instructed, sir, but the porter told me you’d left. He said you were off to a fancy-dress ball and gave me the address. I was on my way there when we passed your carriage.”

“Does this concern Ibbitts?”

“Aye, sir. You said I was to tell ye if anyone came to see him. Well, someone did. A gentleman went to his lodgings not two hours past. He waited there until Ibbitts returned from a tavern. They were private for a time. After a while, the visitor left. Had a hackney waiting in the street.”

A cold mist sleeted through Arthur’s veins. “Did you get a look at Ibbitts’s visitor?” he asked in a voice that made Hitchins raise his brows.

“No, sir. I was not close enough to see his face. Nor did he notice me. You told me that I was not to let anyone know that I was watching Ibbitts.”

“What can you tell me about his visitor?”

Hitchins’s face scrunched in deep concentration. “As I said, he arrived in a hack. The light was bad, but I could see that he had on a cloak with the hood pulled up over his head. When he left he was in a great hurry.”

Arthur realized that Elenora was following the conversation very intently.

“You’re certain the visitor was a man, Mr. Hitchins?” she asked.

“Aye,” Hitchins said. “I could tell that from the way he moved.”

“What of Ibbitts?” Arthur asked. “Did he leave his lodgings again?”

“No, sir. As far as I know, he’s still inside. I went around to the back of the building and checked the window. There’s no light inside. Expect he went to bed.”

Arthur glanced at Elenora. “I will see you home and then I will pay a call on Ibbitts. I intend to find out everything I can about his visitor this evening.”

“What if he will not tell you the truth?” she asked.

“I do not think it will be difficult to get Ibbitts to talk,” he said calmly. “I know his sort. All I need do is offer him money.”

“It is quite unnecessary to escort me back to Rain Street before you talk to Ibbitts,” Elenora said quickly. “Indeed, it would be a great waste of time. The streets are clogged with traffic and the journey will no doubt cause you a considerable delay.”

“I do not think—” he began.

She did not allow him to finish. “It is the most reasonable course of action under the circumstances. I can see that you are eager to interview Ibbitts. There is no reason why I cannot accompany you.”

“She’s got a point, sir,” Hitchins offered helpfully.

They were right, Arthur knew. Nevertheless, had Elenora been any other lady of his acquaintance, he would not have even considered taking her into that part of town. But she was not any other female. Elenora would not faint at the sight of a drunken tavern patron in the street or a prostitute plying her trade in an alley. Between Jenks, Hitchins and himself, she would be quite safe.

“Very well,” he finally agreed, “provided you give me your word that you will remain in the carriage while I speak with Ibbitts.”

“But I might be of some assistance in the interview.”

“You will not enter Ibbitts’s lodgings, and that is final.”

She did not look pleased, but she did not argue. “We are wasting time, sir.”

“Indeed we are.” He shifted position on the seat. “Come with us, Hitchins.”

“Aye, sir.” Hitchins hauled himself up into the carriage and sat down.

Arthur gave the address to Jenks. He then turned down the interior carriage lamps and lowered the curtains so that no one in a passing carriage could see Elenora.

“It was a brilliant notion to set Mr. Hitchins to watch Ibbitts, sir,” she said.

Arthur almost smiled. The glowing admiration in her voice was absurdly gratifying.

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