Page 84 of The Lady Needs a Rogue
Settling into acozy nook of her study, Macie allowed herself time to simply drink in the quiet. Cleo curled up near her feet, her contented purring like a soothing tonic. She reached to pet her, then selected the pencils she would use for her sketches.
Oh, how she relished the calmness. Macie leaned back against the plush cushions of her window seat and put pencil to paper. Sketching out ideas for her next photographic endeavor at the old theater in the West End, she felt the tension drain from her body. The concert hall had not been used in more than a year, but rumors swirled about the spirits of performers of days long past who still treaded the boards of the grand stage. Very soon, she’d venture inside with her camera, ghosts or not. Somehow, it felt as if she were on borrowed time.
There was no telling how long she’d be in London before she’d be forced to return to her family’s country home. Jon would soon return from Scotland. Upon learning of the professor’s murder, would he insist that she leave the city?
As she mapped out her plan for the exhibit, she drew heavy lines against the paper, if only to release some of the tension welled within her. Jon would be very displeased to know she’d stumbled upon a murdered man. Her ever-practical brother would do whatever it took to avoid any risk. After all, it would certainly create a nasty scandal if she fell prey to a villain, now wouldn’t it? Heaven only knew Papa and Mum would never let him hear the end of it.
Macie’s thoughts turned back to her planning. Moments later, Nell peeked in the door. “Might Mrs. Johnstone and I have a word with you?”
“Of course,” she said, even as her delightful peace flitted away. “I’ll join you in the parlor.”
As soon as Macie entered the room, she read the concern on their features. Nell handed her a cup of tea and sat by her side on the sofa. Cleo leapt up onto the cushioned back, her imperious expression making it seem as if she actually took in their discussion.
“I am aware that Finn is seeing to yer protection.” Mrs. Johnstone regarded her with a warm gaze. “Amelia asked me to assist. If a threat does indeed exist, think of me as another line of defense.”
Her unexpected words cut through Macie’s apprehension.Not another bodyguard.Not another chaperone.
Much less a woman who carried herself like a stern Scottish nanny.
“Good heavens, no.” The words tumbled from Macie’s mouth before she could hold them back.
Mrs. Johnstone’s brows quirked. “No?”
“No.” Macie held her voice steady. “I have no need of a chaperone.”
Mrs. Johnstone softly shook her head. “I have no intention of serving as such, though I would enjoy accompanying ye about the city from time to time.”
Macie let out the breath she’d been holding. “What do you have in mind?” She slanted Nell a glance. “It would appear I am the only one who does not know.”
“In my life, I’ve enjoyed occupations which many might consider unconventional. That has always worked to my advantage,” Mrs. Johnstone explained. “I have acquired specialized skills in the area of personal defense. Specifically, techniques and resources a woman might readily put to use.”
“My brother has shown me ways to deter an assault,” Macie said, her memory conjuring an image of a drink-addled lord, a codpiece, and her well-placed knee.
“Excellent. That is a good start,” Mrs. Johnstone said. “Perhaps enough to fend off an overly amorous scoundrel. But sadly not enough to stop a determined criminal.”
“That is where Finn comes in.”
Mrs. Johnstone’s forehead crinkled. “Ye wish to be tethered to a protector’s side every moment of the day?”
“Of course not.”
“Very good.” Mrs. Johnstone’s words were met with Cleo’s luxurious yawn. The woman’s serious expression brightened. “Would ye like to see what I have to offer by way of instruction?”
“See?” Macie sat up a bit straighter.
“At times, words simply will not do.” Mrs. Johnstone offered a cagey smile, then went to the door. “Finn, would ye please join us?”
He seemed to hesitate as he entered the room, but smiled as he met Macie’s gaze. “So, what do ye think?”
“If nothing else, I am intrigued.”
Mrs. Johnstone turned to him. “I do believe a demonstration is in order.”
Finn regarded her with the look of a man heading to the Tower. “Ye don’t mean—”
She nodded and threw a glance toward Macie. “Consider it a sacrifice for the greater good.”
He cocked a brow. “A sacrifice, eh?”
