Page 71 of My Kind of Scoundel
Mr Franklin brushed a hand through his wavy brown hair. “Then it must have been the vagabond who broke into Miss Darrow’s shop. The whole business is confounding.”
“Have you spoken to the warden at Bridewell?” Theo gestured to the entrance of the correction facility a hundred yards along the street. “Perhaps an inmate escaped and went on the rampage.”
Eleanor might have thought so, too, had the villain not lifted the floorboards and stolen her diary. Had he not threatened to kill her if she failed to deliver his notes—his blank notes.
“I spoke to the warden after the raid in the cobbler’s yard,” Mr Franklin said. “He assured me all prisoners were accounted for. Besides, the incidents occurred over a period of weeks. I doubt the villain escaped on three separate occasions.”
Miss Franklin hadn’t uttered a word since her brother’s arrival. Perhaps that’s why she gabbled in his absence.
“Well, I am glad you have returned to the shop, Miss Darrow.” Miss Franklin sounded relieved rather than glad. “We cannot let these dreadful beggars scare us from our homes. Will you be accepting clients soon?”
After hearing Emily’s shocking revelation, Eleanor’s head was as heavy as lead. Everything she had believed was a lie. Her mother’s death was not a tragedy. Her father was not a grieving widower. Ivy’s dream was to amass lovers, not become a famed modiste.
“Perhaps I shall have a grand reopening.”
She might not open at all. She would be on the first boat to Boston had she not fallen in love. A new life abroad would see an end to her problems. But things were different now.
“How wonderful.” Miss Franklin clapped her hands together in glee. “I will be delighted to attend.”
It was another odd reaction. Miss Franklin could not afford Eleanor’s prices, though she often came to the shop to stare doe-eyed at the gowns on display. She commented on the designs, sat on the sofa and spoke to waiting relatives. Once, Eleanor had caught Miss Franklin showing Lady Lucille the array of pretty combs in the cabinet.
Maybe she hoped to work as a modiste.
Maybe she found excuses to stay out of her brother’s way.
“A talent like yours should not go to waste,” Mr Franklin said, fixing Eleanor with his admiring stare. “I would be most disheartened if you were to move your business elsewhere.”
“Yes, we cannot let these ruffians defeat us.” Miss Franklin shook her gloved fist, though it was obvious she would break her wrist if she hit anyone. “We’ll protect you, Miss Darrow. We’ll watch your premises night and day.”
A little embarrassed, her brother coughed to clear his throat. “Miss Darrow has employed Mr Gibbs as a deterrent. He seems like a capable man. I wouldn’t want to encounter him in the yard at night.”
“Only a fool would tackle Gibbs,” Theo said, his voice carrying a note of caution. “He’s far more dangerous than he looks.”
“He looks terrifying,” Miss Franklin agreed.
“Let’s hope he’s a permanent presence,” Mr Franklin managed to say before his sister interrupted.
“Yes, it pains me to see your hard work reduced to rubble and scattered about the floor. I do admire your resilience. Your stock was ruined. You’ve taken a terrible tumble down the stairs, and still, you’re smiling and making plans toreopen.” Miss Franklin turned to her brother. “Is she not a remarkable woman, Geoffrey?”
“Utterly remarkable.” Mr Franklin’s gaze was a clear message of adoration. “Though a woman should have someone to depend upon. A man she can confide in and trust.”
Good heavens. Mr Franklin had never been so frank. He looked at Theo like the wordroguewas engraved on his forehead.
“Miss Darrowhasa man to depend upon.” Theo’s devilish grin exuded self-assurance. “I am her closest friend. The person she turns to in times of crisis. A man who would defend her with his last breath.”
He might have said they were lovers.
The fact couldn’t be plainer.
“I’m friends with Mr Chance’s sister,” Eleanor explained. She would not have the Franklins spreading malicious gossip. “And have known the family for some time.” Keen to leave before the men flexed their muscles to prove a point, she said, “If you’ll excuse me. Since I fell, I’ve been suffering from headaches and need rest.”
Eleanor winced and pressed her fingers to her temples to make her plea look convincing. That’s when an odd thought struck her. One that had her reaching for Theo’s arm and bidding the Franklins good day.
They entered the shop, and Eleanor locked the door.
“I’m not happy about leaving you here alone tonight,” Theo said after informing Mr Gibbs they were home. “Franklin is besotted. He might start a fire so he can come to your rescue.”
She might have accused him of being jealous but had something more important to convey. “Did you tell MrFranklin I fell down the stairs? I’m wondering how Miss Franklin knew.”
