Page 5 of The Secret of the Dashing Detective
Mayfair, however, was like stepping into another world, one in which he would never belong. It was beautiful, of course, with the symmetrical rows of townhouses around beautiful green squares and the tall, clean brick buildings housing establishments where only the elite were invited. And there, on the edge, was the majesty of Warwick House. Matthew imagined that his entire neighbourhood could fit into the grounds, and there would still be room for more.
He shook his head as he climbed the stairs and knocked on the door. His was an interesting position. He was not a servant, but he was a hired man. Yet, the duke had been clear that he was to use the front entrance, which Matthew appreciated. The man had always treated him with respect – even when Matthew and his men had failed to uphold their responsibility.
“Jameson,” Matthew greeted the butler, who nodded a return greeting to him. “I have been summoned by the Lady Juliana.”
“Yes, she would like to go out.”
“Very well. Is she ready?”
Jameson shook her head. “I believe she will be some time.”
Matthew tried to tamp down his impatience. He was being paid for this, he reminded himself, and yet he knew this was just the beginning of what would be the spoiled princess act that he had expected.
“Has she gone somewhere?”
He could ask that, he supposed, as it was his job to follow her and keep her safe.
“She is out on the grounds.”
“Alone?” Matthew raised his eyebrows, but then, it wasn’t Jameson’s fault. The man was not Lady Juliana’s keeper. Matthew was – for the moment, at least.
“I am not entirely sure who has accompanied her today. You are likely to find her at the northwest corner if you are inclined to seek her out.”
“Thank you, Jameson,” Matthew said, returning the way he had come. At least the weather was fine today. He could use more time outdoors. He walked around the property, musing, as he always did, at how all of this could belong to one man, one family – and that this was only one of their many homes.
He also realized as he walked just how easy it would be for someone to enter the grounds and find one of the family members here. What was Lady Juliana thinking, wandering the gardens alone? Had the woman no sense of self-preservation? Not only that, he thought selfishly, but if something were to happen to her, his own business would be ruined, even if her downfall was the result of her own stupidity.
He finally spotted the splash of blue, crouched down at the corner of the iron fence. A bonnet covered her head, but he could picture her chestnut hair beneath it. He may be dreading this assignment, but he couldn’t deny her attractiveness, that was for certain.
Lady Juliana was reaching for something, her hand through the bars. What on earth was she doing? He squinted as he tried to see what was on the other side of the fence. He saw a shape move and wondered if it could be a person. Begging? Asking her for help? Convincing her to come out? He continued to walk closer, his speed increasing as he felt the need to reach her quickly in case she was in danger.
When he neared, he finally saw what was on the other side of the fence and he stopped in surprise.
“Lady Juliana?” he called, and she yelped, falling back out of her crouch and landing on her bottom.
The dogs on the other side of the fence responded to his presence and her cry by turning and running away – except for one, who stood there and eyed him, as if trying to determine whether or not to trust him with the woman who cared for them. Finally, with one small bark, the mangy thing turned and ran after the others.
Matthew strode over to the duke’s sister, currently sitting on the ground rather dejectedly until he stood next to her and she glared up at him. He reached out a hand to help her up. She eyed it like it was dirty.
“Come on,” he said. “Stand up.”
She let out a sound that seemed to be part snarl as she finally took his hand and stood. Her bare hand was soft in his, warm and… was it sticky?
“I don’t suppose you want to tell me what you are doing out here?” he said, raising an eyebrow.
“I do not suppose I do,” she said, lifting her chin, and he had to rein in a sigh. Her brother had warned him that she was not pleased with having someone watch over her every move, but it annoyed him that she couldn’t see the reason for it all.
“You know we are on the same side here,” he said, and she shook her head, taking a step back away from him.
“Incorrect. You are on my brother’s side.”
“He has hired me, yes. But I am here to keep you safe. You do not want a repeat of what happened to you before, do you?”
Her eyes shifted to the side for a moment, in a motion that was the only sign she was, perhaps, more affected by the situation than she had originally let on. “No.”
“Then we will work together. What were you doing with those dogs?”
“Feeding them.”
