Page 33 of The Secret of the Dashing Detective
“I’d say that was quite a successful day,” Juliana said, her hands on her hips as she surveyed the dogs who were currently loaded in the back of the wagon Father Abbot had brought with him to transport the dogs to his sanctuary.
So far, none of them had turned on one another – people or canines – and she was hoping it remained that way.
She was somewhat reassured by Matthew, who stood at her back, keeping a wary, watchful eye out for anyone who might object to them taking a dog that was considered his or her own, but so far, they remained unchallenged. She knew he was worried and appreciated that he had come along and not only hadn’t tried to force her to put a stop to this but had been there to support what she was trying to do.
She still couldn’t get Lucy out of her mind, but she would have to hope she would return tomorrow.
They had just said their farewells to the rest of the group and were about to wave to James to come round in the carriage when they heard Matthew’s name being called out.
“Mr. Archibald? Is that you?”
A true grin broke out on Juliana’s face when she saw that the voice belonged to none other than Dr. Lewis, who was approaching them from down the street.
He was alone, a bag in his hand, and Juliana assumed that he had been working.
“Doctor,” Matthew said, reaching out a hand and shaking it once they neared. Juliana had a feeling that he enjoyed her half-brother’s company as much as she did, although he would refuse to allow himself to remove the barrier and become actual friends with the man – not when he still considered him a suspect in her abduction, her father’s murder, and Giles’ attempted murder. “How are you today?”
“Just fine,” Dr. Lewis said. “All turned out well on my last house call and I am finished for the day. I’m returning home now. How are you doing, Mrs. Archibald?”
It took Juliana a moment to remember thatshewas Mrs. Archibald, and then she recalled why the doctor would be asking after her health. She swallowed and tried to recall what her symptoms were supposed to be.
“I am feeling slightly better,” she managed. “Perhaps a bit nauseous.”
“Ah yes, that is to be expected until you are slightly further along,” he said. “If you ever would like to come see me, you just need to call me. In fact, I am on my way back and have some time if there is anything you would like to discuss?”
“No, no, I am fine,” Juliana said, reaching out and gripping Matthew’s hand in a desperate plea for him to help her out of this situation. She couldnothave her half-brother examine her, only to find that she was lying this entire time.
“That is good to hear,” he said. “If you are returning to Holborn and have a moment, you could stop in with me and I could at least provide you with the names of midwives I would most trust, if you’d like.”
“We would appreciate that,” Matthew said smoothly. “We would be glad to accompany you.”
Juliana looked at him, trying to signal that they would somehow have to get word to James and Abigail, who had remained in the carriage with her book and an extra shilling. Juliana hadn’t needed Abigail following her when she would likely only be one more person for Matthew to watch over.
“If you will give us one moment, we must go say our farewells to a friend and then we would be happy to join you,” Matthew said, tugging on Juliana’s hand to have her follow him, and she looked up at him with some question.
“Why didn’t you let me stay with him while you spoke to James?” she asked in a low voice. “I would have enjoyed some time to get to know him better.”
“Because,” Matthew said firmly, “I don’t trust leaving you with anyone else. Especially when that man could have been the one who took you last time.”
“I highly doubt that Dr. Lewis was the one who did so.”
“So do I, if I am being honest,” Matthew admitted. “But that doesn’t change the fact that we cannot loosen our guard. We have to be careful.”
“Very well,” Juliana said as they approached the carriage on the side away from Dr. Lewis. Matthew told James their plan and asked him to follow along behind them at a distance, telling him that they would meet him a short distance away from Dr. Lewis’ offices in Holborn. James nodded, used to Juliana’s changing plans, and waited a moment to allow them time to make their way down the street with Dr. Lewis.
“Did you just finish dining?” he asked them as they approached, and Juliana and Matthew exchanged a look of confusion before she shook her head.
“No,” Matthew said, “why do you ask?”
“This may sound odd,” he said, “but you smell an awful lot like smoked meat. Does the aroma not currently bother you, Mrs. Archibald?”
Juliana couldn’t help but admit to herself that she was rather getting used to being referred to as Mrs. Archibald.
“It does, actually,” she said, “but we were feeding some stray dogs and they certainly enjoyed it.”
“I see,” he said, although the slight tilt of his head told them that he didn’t exactly understand, but that was fine – most people didn’t understand it, at least not until they saw what her society did and learned more about it themselves. Like Matthew had, Juliana thought with a small smile.
The walk went by rather quickly with Dr. Lewis’ company, and Juliana found herself more and more enjoying being in his presence. She could only hope that if he ever found out they had deceived him – and she supposed that he would have to if they were ever to have the relationship she hoped for – that he wouldn’t forever hold it against them.
