Page 15 of Lady Gambit
Mr Flynn remained unruffled. “I have no argument with you. My business is with your sister, though I’ll not break her confidence by explaining why.”
“She’s my responsibility, damn you. Your business is with me.”
“Miss Chance is old enough to make her own decisions,” Mr Flynn countered, his courage quite impressive. “I answer to my client. No one else.”
Theo pulled back his arm, but she grabbed it before he let his fist fly. “Mr Flynn is an ex-runner. I’ve hired him to find my parents.”
Her brother jerked as if reeling from a slap. Confusion and pain marred his blue gaze. Darkness passed over his handsome features—shadows of betrayal and mistrust.
“I asked Mr Flynn to discover what he could. Then I intended to sit with you to decide what to do. I saw no point upsetting everyone unless I had solid evidence they were alive.”
A shroud of sadness fell over him. “You trusted your secret to a stranger? You should have told me. I’m on your side, Delphine. You should have had faith in me, believed I would help you.”
If only this was a horrible nightmare and she could wake to make different choices. “Theo, I’m not allowed to visit Miss Lovelace to take tea. Do you think Aaron would permit me to scour the rookeries looking for my parents?”
She didn’t want to argue with him, not here, not now, but once someone lit a fire in her brother’s belly, no amount of water could douse the flames.
“I would give my life for you,” Theo cried, thumping his chest instead of hitting Mr Flynn. “I would do anything you ask of?—”
“I have tried talking to Aaron. He won’t listen.”
“Then we will try harder,” he countered. “We’ll call a meeting as soon as we return home. We’ll find the answers you seek. You have my word.” He gestured to Mr Flynn, who stood silently watching their exchange. “Though the less said about this dubious arrangement, the better.”
Once home, her brothers would take control of the matter. They would keep her in the dark and share half-truths to spare her feelings. They would make swift judgements to protect their family.
“We have no need of your services, Flynn.” Theo scanned the man’s athletic physique and scoffed. “I’ll forward your fee. I demand your silence in this matter, else there’ll be the devil to pay.”
Mr Flynn looked at her, concern etched in his dark eyes. “I must hear it from you, Miss Chance. As you know, my fee has been paid. Do you still require my services?”
“Perhaps you’re hard of hearing, Flynn. I said?—”
“Enough, Theo! I can speak for myself.” She faced Mr Flynn, feeling a pang of regret that they would have no cause to meet again. “Thank you for taking the time to assist me, sir.” Her brothers would not permit him to pry into her affairs, so this was the last time she would gaze upon his handsome face. “And for agreeing to meet in this unconventional manner. I never meant to cause you any trouble.”
“You haven’t,” he said in a soothing voice. “Should you need my services in the future, you know where to find me.”
“She won’t,” Theo snapped.
Mr Flynn ignored her brother. His gaze drifted over her face. “Tell them what we discussed. You need their protection. You must take every precaution while searching for the truth.”
“I will. Thank you.”
Their eyes locked for a heartbeat.
Then Mr Flynn bowed and left the yard.
She stared at the empty space—a genuine ache in her chest.
How strange she should miss a man she hardly knew.
How odd she was glad to have his handkerchief at home.
Miss Darrow cleared her throat. “Your coat, Mr Chance.”
Theo snatched the garment from the modiste, his displeasure evident. “I can tolerate many things, Miss Darrow, but never deceit. I’ll not trust a word from your lips again. Send me the bill for your work thus far. My sister will find a new modiste.”
Tired of being deprived of a voice, she said, “I shall see you next week, Miss Darrow. You’re not at fault here and merely followed your client’s instructions.” She faced her brother. Mr Flynn’s courage had given her the strength to be bold. “If you’d rather not pay her bill, I shall find work to cover her fees. Don’t challenge me on this, Theo. It is not open for debate.”
Before he could reply, she returned to the fitting room and dressed in her outdoor apparel, dreading the thought of going home.
