Page 42 of My Kind of Scoundel
The ledger shook in Pickering’s large hands. “Good grief. You can’t think I was involved in these nefarious deeds.”
“Find the book, Pickering.” Theo was quickly losing his patience.
“Just a moment.” The fellow returned to the shelves in his wagon and spent an age scanning the spines. “It’s here somewhere.”
Theo resisted the urge to climb inside and see to the task himself. “What about the other two books Miss Darrow gave you?”
Pickering continued his search. “Other books?”
“Polidori’sThe Vampyre,” Miss Darrow said. “I recall the name because it sounded quite terrifying. The other was the first volume of Radcliffe’sThe Italian.”
The latter was a story of happy endings, marriage and the death of the villains. Had she ever read the entire novel? Did she hope for a similar outcome to her tale? Indeed, it bore similarities to the Chance family’s saga.
It was apparent that Pickering could not locate the books. He fumbled about and offered one excuse after another.
Theo lost his temper. “You’ll tell me where those books are, or I shall take you to Bow Street and have you charged with conspiracy.”
“I’m sure you have the information in your ledger,” Miss Darrow added, sounding just as annoyed at Pickering’s dallying. “You will hand it to me, sir, so I may inspect it myself.”
What man could resist the fire in her eyes? Certainly not Pickering. He gave her the ledger before clasping his chubby hands together in prayer.
“I confess. I kept the books. You seemed convinced they were mine, madam, and I thought it better to put them to good use.” A whimper escaped him. “I know nothing about the secret notes or any of the charges you claim.”
“Did anyone ask to borrow those particular books?” Daventry said.
Miss Darrow flicked through the pages, scanning the entries.
“Yes,The Vampyre,” Pickering admitted. “Within days of the lady handing me the book, a customer requested two copies. The solution to my problem seemed simple.”
Theo cursed under his breath. “That doesn’t explain why you stole the books Miss Darrow delivered.”
“It wasn’t stealing. The lady thought they were mine.”
Miss Darrow gasped as she peered at the writing in Pickering’s ledger. “Good heavens. You won’t believe this. Mrs Dunwoody requested two copies ofThe Vampyre. Is that not the name of the woman who insulted you at the theatre?”
Dunwoody was an unusual surname. “Is there an address listed?” Theo tried to stem his excitement, but the prospect of accusing the hag of a crime had his heart pumping wildly.
“Not in the ledger.”
Pickering piped up. “I keep a separate record of customers’ details.” He rummaged about in his small wagon before appearing at the door. “Mrs Dunwoody lives inCaroline Street. She’s the only Dunwoody with membership.”
Aware of the relevance, Daventry grinned. “I’ll give you a letter granting permission to interview her concerning the crimes against Miss Darrow. She’ll not refuse you when she sees the Home Secretary’s seal.”
Theo could barely contain his elation. “It seems fate has granted me a boon.” He couldn’t wait to wipe the smirk off Mrs Dunwoody’s face.
Miss Darrow mused over the list of books. “Mr Pickering, according to your records, Mrs Dunwoody returned both copies ofThe Vampyremonths ago. They were loaned out again a week later but should be in your wagon.”
As luck would have it, the man found the items they required.
Theo snatched one copy and turned to the bookplate—an image of two turtle doves decorated the inner board. Someone had peeled back the plate and taken the note.
“I am submitting this copy as evidence.” Theo showed it to Miss Darrow. “Is that the plate you were given?”
Her eyes widened. “Yes. A pretty picture of two doves.”
The design was an odd choice for a devilish fiend. But if there was no message or recipient, why go to the trouble of having Miss Darrow hide notes and bring them to Pickering’s library?
Did the person who borrowed the books know of the plan?
