Page 26 of The Duke and Lady Scandal
When he stopped and turned back, he found her on his heels and not looking nearly as delighted by his presence.
Good. He didn’t need to overthink her smiles. He didn’t need the lady stuck in his thoughts at all.
“I take it you haven’t seen the men again, Miss Prince.”
“I haven’t.” Her voice dipped and she crimped her brow as if admitting a failing. “But I’ve only been in the shop for a few minutes.” She glanced at the toes of her boots before facing him again. “In truth, I avoided my usual morning visit. I didn’t wish to see the three again, but then I realized my foolishness. If I see them again, I could assist you.”
“I do not require your assistance.” The idea of her involving herself in this kindled every protective impulse he possessed. “Trust that I have the matter in hand.”
In his periphery, Ben saw Fitz staring at them from across Moulton Street without any subtlety or attempt to conceal his gaping.
“I was the one who heard them, Inspector, and they might return to Hawlston’s.”
“They may.”
“And you won’t visit every day,” she pointed out, “but I will.”
“As will a man who will be reporting to me if he sees or hears anything of interest.” He glanced in Fitz’s direction.
She did too. “Oh, I see.” One brow peaked, and she seemed to reassess him on the spot. “Good. That’s more than I expected, if I’m honest.”
Ben imagined Miss Prince had a difficult time being anything but honest. And he felt an unwelcome flare of pleasure at the fact that he’d managed to exceed her expectations.
“Now, I hope you can put this business out of your mind.” He couldn’t order the lady about, but he damned well hoped she’d refrain from meddling. Though, only having met her once, he would most definitely place her in the category of ladies most likely to meddle.
He waited for some reply. Prayed for the merest acknowledgment that she would content herself with running her shop and whatever else usually occupied her.
“I will do my best, Inspector Drake.”
“Excellent. Then I bid you good day.”
“Good day to you.” She made no move to return to the coffeehouse or to enter her shop, just stood and watched him as he waited for a carriage to pass and then made his way toward Fitz.
The urge to turn back nearly overwhelmed him, but he’d trained himself to avoid temptation.
“I’m confused, Duke. Did you come to inspect the coffeehouse or court that pretty redhead?”
“She’s none of your concern.” Ben frowned. Hadn’t he just said as much to himself?
Fitz chuckled at that. “But she’s yours, it’s clear to see.”
The glower Ben gave the man seemed to quell his merriment.
“Can I finally have a cuppa?”
“As many as you like. Use your discretion to decide how long to stay but do visit daily. Track your time and provide me with a report.” Ben withdrew a pouch he’d filled generously. “A deposit for the fortnight.”
Fitz bounced the coin-filled bag in his palm. “Generous as always. I’ll start straightaway.”
Ben waited until Fitz had entered Hawlston’s and then allowed himself one final glance at Princes of London.
She was back in the coffeehouse. Seated but moving, of course. She chatted with a young dark-haired lady at one of the tables near the window. He noted how she had a tendency to reach up and push stray strands of hair behind her ear, and it made his fingers itch.
How would those glossy auburn strands feel against his skin? Would she blush if he reached up to tuck her hair behind her ear?
No. Those were things he could not have. He needed to put Miss Prince out of his mind.
Yesterday, she’d made an impression. Today,he’d been transfixed by watching her. If he kept encountering the woman, she’d only consume more of his thoughts.
