Page 43 of My Kind of Scoundel
It was a possibility.
They would know more once they had interrogated Mrs Dunwoody.
However, after another scan of the ledger, Miss Darrowsaid, “The Vampyreis the only one Mrs Dunwoody borrowed. There’s no pattern here.”
“Perhaps the rogue had another motive,” Daventry said, though offered no further insight.
“What other motive is there for sending blank letters to no one?” Miss Darrow challenged.
That’s when Theo saw there was indeed a pattern. “Perhaps the villain’s motive was to ensure you left your shop.” Hence the demand she deliver them personally. “Where did you meet Pickering’s wagon? And how did you know where to find him?”
“I was told to deliver them at a particular time and location. Always after his last visit in Mayfair.”
“Mayfair? But that’s three miles from the shop.”
“Yes, I took a hackney, though often had to wait up to an hour for Mr Pickering to arrive. He was never there at the agreed time.”
“My customers can be most demanding,” Pickering said, mopping his brow with his handkerchief. “Some request books that are difficult to locate, then are dissatisfied with the copies.”
Skilled at detecting liars, Daventry scanned the librarian with a critical eye. “Bring your ledgers into my study. I wish to record the names of those who borrowed those specific books.”
As one did not negotiate with the devil, Pickering agreed.
Keen to ensure he did not treat Miss Darrow like a hapless female, Theo let her choose their next destination. “Where to now? Do you wish to see Jules, visit Mrs Dunwoody or interrogate your shifty seamstress?”
Miss Darrow nibbled her bottom lip, debating the dilemma. “Logic says we should follow the notes. I cannotthink why Mrs Dunwoody would want to lure me away from the shop, but we should confirm she had no part to play before I question Emily.”
They would do more than question Emily.
According to Gibbs, she had tried to access the shop late last night and had left abruptly when she couldn’t unlock the door.
“Come to the study,” Daventry said. “You’ll need an official document if you hope to see Mrs Dunwoody at home.” He glanced at Theo and arched a brow. “Unless you would prefer I accompany Miss Darrow. The woman despises you more than she does her wayward husband.”
“And miss an opportunity to threaten her with arrest?” One look at the Home Secretary’s official seal and Mrs Dunwoody would choke on her own vitriol. “Nothing would give me greater pleasure than to watch that harpy squirm.”
Caroline Street
Bloomsbury
Theo did not give Mrs Dunwoody’s doddery butler a second chance to refuse them entry. The evil hag was at home. Her loud cackle might be heard as far afield as Gloucester.
“Step aside.” The fire of vengeance burned in Theo’s blood. He would forever blame the Berridge clan for abandoning them when their father died. “It isn’t a request.”
He gripped Miss Darrow’s hand, pulling her across thethreshold as he marched into Mrs Dunwoody’s Bloomsbury abode.
“Wait,” she whispered, tugging his hand to halt his progress. “You’re like a wolf baying for blood. You must keep a tight rein on your temper. As an intelligent man, you know this situation calls for brains, not brawn.”
The gentle squeeze of her hand settled his thundering pulse. Theo cast her a sidelong glance, wondering how someone so dainty had the power to calm his restless spirit.
“A few week ago, you said I had the brains of a donkey.”
“Because you’re stubborn and calculating. Donkeys have good survival instincts. All things considered, they’re clever animals.”
“You’re saying I should be pleased I’m an ass?” He wasn’t sure why, but the need to see her laugh was as compelling as the need to kiss her again.
Her chuckle did something strange to his insides. “You should be ecstatic. A donkey’s ability to adapt to its environment is a quality to be admired. So, the goal today is to be assertive, not aggressive.”
He bowed his head. “I thank you for your counsel. I shall remain composed in the face of adversity.”
