Page 2 of Lady Gambit
The pressure of keeping his family safe was taking its toll. More so since both Aramis and Christian had married.
“Then I shall take Sigmund.”
Their trusted man-of-all-work was as strong as an ox. Skilled in combat, he could ward off an army of rogues. He wouldn’t linger in the shop but would wait on the street, guarding the front door.
Aaron was firm in his stance. “I’ll visit Meldrum. The man needs a sharp shock. Theo will ensure you arrive at the modiste’s on time.” He covered his heart with his hand and softened his tone. “I’d never forgive myself if something happened to you because of the choices I have made. Power and wealth come at a price. One I refuse to let you pay.”
She was already paying a hefty price.
She was like a helpless butterfly trapped in a glass jar.
Aaron sighed deeply. “Please understand the need for rules.”
“You don’t want Lord Meldrum ruining me to punish you,” she said, yet wondered if he had another motive for keeping her prisoner.
No one mentioned the parents she could not remember. But what if Aaron had found them? Were they gin swiggers who’d sold their daughter to feed their addiction? Were they part ofa criminal fraternity? Were they heartbroken, and Aaron feared losing the sister he’d raised?
Hopefully, Mr Flynn would find the answer.
She glanced at Theo. If anyone had to accompany her, she would rather it be him. His handsome looks and playful manner would have Miss Darrow tripping over her own feet. The modiste would keep Theo entertained, giving Delphine time to talk privately to Mr Flynn.
Aaron slammed his diary shut, a sign all conversation was at an end. “It’s settled, then. Theo will accompany you to the modiste’s. I’m sure he would rather engage in flirtatious banter with Miss Darrow than listen to a scoundrel’s pathetic excuses.”
The modiste was waiting at the door when the carriage stopped outside the fashionable shop on New Bridge Street. The sudden tinkling of the overhead bell echoed the woman’s excitement.
Miss Darrow gripped Delphine’s hands and drew her over the threshold, out of Theo’s earshot. “You said you were hoping to come alone. You should have warned me you were bringing your brother. I’d have worn my best dress.” She glanced at Theo’s commanding figure as he stood on the street talking to their coachman. “I look like I’ve been dragged through a hedge by an errant donkey.”
Delphine chuckled. It was the first time she’d laughed in days. “Theo is more interested in what lies beneath the creased muslin. Besides, his gaze rarely moves from your lips.”
Miss Darrow patted her fiery red curls and grinned. “I might be flattered, but the King of Hearts collects them and breaks them. I would prefer to keep mine intact.”
It was Delphine’s cue to laugh again, but she knew a deep sadness lay beneath Theo’s carefree facade. He didn’t break hearts. He was always clear in his intentions. He simply refused to allow a woman to hurt him again.
“You must keep him occupied while I speak to Mr Flynn.” She checked over her shoulder to ensure Theo was still outside on the street. “Theo cannot know I’ve hired an investigator.”
If her brothers learned she was searching for her parents there would be hell to pay. They would caution her against such folly. Remind her she had been left alone in the rookeries. That no one had come forward to claim her.
Miss Darrow pursed her lips and said in her usual eloquent tone, “Are you sure this is the road you wish to take? I would sooner upset the devil than Mr Chance.”
She referred to Aaron. The arrogant lords of thetonthought the devil was Aaron’s protege, not the other way around.
“Given time, he will understand.”
Guilt coursed through her when she thought of the sacrifices Aaron had made to protect his family. He would always be her brother, her hero, a man she trusted and admired. Nothing would ever change that. But the dreams were becoming more frequent and vivid. The desire for answers nagged her night and day. She believed Aaron kept her in a gilded cage because he feared the truth, too.
Was it not better to know than to live with uncertainty?
“Once Mr Flynn has gathered the evidence, I shall present it to my brothers. Then we will decide what to do as a family.”
Miss Darrow gave a little shrug. “Let’s hope they don’t blame Mr Flynn for encouraging you. He takes no prisoners. It will be one hell of a war if they come pounding on his door.”
Delphine’s pulse rose a notch. She knew next to nothing about the ex-runner. He could be a beastly devil. A fat-bellied oaf who found answers in the bottom of his tankard. Professional men kept an office and had a clerk to deal with appointments. They did not do business from the corner table in the local tavern.
Still, Mr Flynn came highly recommended.
Aramis’ wife Naomi had mentioned his name. Mr Daventry, a family friend and skilled investigator, had slipped Mr Flynn’s card covertly into her hand and confirmed he could be trusted.
“Aaron cannot blame Mr Flynn for doing his job. A man must earn a living. Doubtless he has a wife and children to feed.” And money to keep refilling his tankard at the Old Swan in Long Lane.
