Page 12 of Lady Gambit
She had done more than push the boundaries.
She had taken a mallet to the dry stone wall.
Perhaps it was pointless worrying. If Mr Flynn had any sense, he would fail to attend the meeting. One could not find answers without evidence, and Aaron would throttle him for prying into family affairs. The only saving grace was Mr Daventry knew both men and would act as a mediator.
“I think Miss Darrow likes you,” she said, hoping the change of subject might settle her nerves. What if Mr Flynn had learned something from his visit to Bethlem Hospital? What if he had grave news to impart?
Theo gave a playful wink. “Most women do.”
“Oh, conceit is thy middle name.”
He shrugged. “Can I help it if I’m charming?”
“I’m beginning to think Aramis is the most charming of all. Have you heard the beautiful things he says to Naomi?” And the way he looked at her. What must it be like to feel so cherished?
Theo tutted like he found affection a dreaded inconvenience. “Aramis is suffering from temporary amnesia. He’ll be back to his grumpy self soon.”
She begged to differ, and might have said true love stands the test of time but did not want to remind Theo of Lucille Bowman’s treachery.
Miss Darrow was waiting at the door when their carriage stopped outside the modiste’s shop. The lady wore a fashionable green dress and a smile capable of lighting the heavens.
Theo perused her figure as he alighted, his hum of pleasure audible. “Are you so desperate to see me, Miss Darrow, you’ve taken to loitering in the street?”
“I’m not loitering, sir. I’m looking for the barrow boy.”
“In the hope he may have something to satisfy your appetite?” he said, handing Delphine down from the vehicle.
“Yes, something that hasn’t been mauled by a dozen women’s hands.” Miss Darrow turned to Delphine. “I don’t mean to rush you, but do you mind if we begin right away? I have a pressing appointment at three.”
Miss Darrow’s meaning was abundantly clear.
Mr Flynn was waiting for her in the yard.
“Of course not. I shall begin undressing while you feed my brother’s coffee addiction.” She tried to sound jovial, but her thundering heart left her breathless. Was Mr Flynn as handsome as she remembered? Would his cologne still have such a profound effect? “I’m excited to see my new gown.”
Miss Darrow had hired another seamstress to help with the workload and had persuaded the lady who’d commissioned the gold gown that peacock blue would suit her better.
While the modiste tended to Theo’s needs, Delphine left her outdoor apparel in the room at the end of the corridor and hurried outside.
Mr Flynn stopped pacing the second he saw her. He appeared relieved though somewhat anxious. “Miss Chance. I was beginning to wonder if you’d show.”
She managed a smile. Something about this man always left her flustered. “I would have informed you if I’d had no intention of meeting you today.”
“Do I detect a veiled reprimand?” he said, alluding to his failure to keep their first appointment. “Forgive me. I was stuck in Winchester. I should have offered an apology when last we met.”
What had kept him in Winchester, she wondered?
Family? Friends? A mistress?
Someone soon to be his betrothed?
“Missing person cases must take you away from home quite often.” A week spent thinking about a man she hardly knew had left her distracted. Having a husband who was rarely at home would be hard to endure. “I imagine your presence is missed.”
His narrowed gaze said he was surprised by the personal nature of her comment. His slow smile said he was intrigued to know her thoughts. “I live alone, Miss Chance. I’m free to roam the length and breadth of the country without admonishment.”
His reply piqued her interest. The notion that he might be lonely fuelled her growing obsession with him. “Then I won’t feel guilty for making you work long hours.” Before she began waffling, she focused on the purpose of their meeting. “Did you speak to the woman at Bethlem Hospital?”
“Yes, though the man in charge tried to persuade me it was pointless.” He stepped closer, and the butterflies in her stomach took flight again. “Her name is Nora Adkins. Is it at all familiar to you?”
