Page 5 of Lady Gambit
Doubtless many women dreamed of marrying a man as handsome as Mr Flynn. But good looks faded. Loyalty and kindness topped her list of desirable attributes. Wrinkles and a paunch did not destroy a lady’s soul. Deceitful words and deeds did.
“Marriage! Yes, a swift death is preferable to a life spent in shackles.” He glanced at the shop door but seemed distracted by the rapid rise and fall of her chest. “Perhaps you should explain your dilemma so I might consider your case.”
“My dilemma?”
“Why you seek to hire me?”
“Oh. My dilemma. Yes.”
Heavens! Her mind had turned to mush. She tried to focus on the reason she had lied to her brothers. That’s when the chill of trepidation shivered across her shoulders. A warning to leave the past behind and not poke the snake’s basket.
Aaron’s sensible words echoed in her head.
The dream we conjure in our minds is often far removed from reality. It’s human nature to seek happy endings. For most, the truth brings nothing but disappointment.
She should apologise for wasting Mr Flynn’s time.
But the emptiness inside was profound. It was becoming harder to breathe by the day. All the rules and restrictions made home feel like Newgate.
“My story begins sixteen years ago, sir. When myadoptedbrothers found me injured and crying in the rookeries.” Saying the words aloud to a stranger released a tidal wave of emotions. Gratitude for the men who treated her like kin. Sadness for the years spent mourning her parents. A fearful curiosity for a life she could not remember.
“Adopted brothers?”
“Four boys ousted from their Mayfair home by their wicked stepmother and left to perish on the streets. The oldest was fifteen at the time.”
Even then, Aaron had learnt to bury his emotions. He was ruthless, brutal with others. Protective and loyal to her and his kin.
“The oldest being Aaron Chance?” Mr Flynn said, taking a small step back. Most men would run until their legs gave out.
Her shoulders sagged. Mr Flynn had every reason to refuse her request now. “You worked at Bow Street. I presume my brother’s reputation precedes him.”
Mr Flynn’s mouth curled into a slow smile that softened his rugged features. “A friend, Lucius Daventry, informed me of the complexities of this case. Evading your brothers might prove more problematic than finding your parents.”
She frowned, a tad annoyed. “If you know who I am and why I called you here, why not say so in the beginning?” It would have saved them precious time. “It’s as if you’ve come for the pleasure of refusing my request.”
He seemed to find her mild rant amusing. “Few men in London would pit themselves against your brothers. Only a fool answers a beautiful woman’s summons. But I’m compelled to accept your case without hearing the evidence.”
“You are?” Somewhat surprised he’d implied she was beautiful and that she’d hired his services so easily, she said, “But we haven’t discussed your fee. Are you certain you can find my parents after all these years?”
Mr Flynn’s weary sigh said he regretted his decision already. “There is no fee. A benefactor settled your account, along with all necessary expenses. As for finding your parents, the chance of locating them after all these years is slim.”
A benefactor?
But few people knew of her forgotten past.
“Who paid the fee?” Who cared if she found her parents? Not Aaron. Otherwise, he would be standing beside her, a strong shoulder of support. “I demand to know his name, sir.”
Mr Flynn smiled, the sight making her stomach flip. “Mrs Sybil Daventry,” he said, shocking her to the marrow of her bones. “She believes you deserve to know the truth. She believes in happy endings.”
Mrs Daventry? Good heavens! During their brief conversations, the lady’s kindness had shone through. But to pay Mr Flynn’s fee? It beggared belief.
“Why take the case if the outcome is grim?”
“Because Lucius Daventry once saved my life and has called in the debt. He believes I’m the only person who can help you.”
Mr Daventry was right. She had warmed to the gentleman instantly. His cordial manner put her at ease. Then she remembered Miss Darrow’s warning. Anyone who wasn’t afraid to tackle her brothers must be dangerous indeed.
As if keen to prove the point, Mr Flynn hardened his tone and said, “Before we begin, there are a few things you should know about me, Miss Chance. I bow to no man. I’m no pretty lady’s lackey. And I would rather die than admit defeat.”
