Page 52 of The Mech Who Loved Me
Nothing interested her quite as much as esoteric information. And a hidden city, which might be the birthplace of the craving virus? There was an almost fairy-tale quality to such a story. "You're right.Darling." She turned to the major with an almost apologetic smile. "I'm researching a herbal remedy I've heard about. One of the ingredients comes from the Himalayas, and we were directed here. A pharmacist in Marylebone said you were the leading expert on matters of that part of theworld."
The major puffed up. "Aye, I am." He gestured to his shop. "I have books, maps, articles of clothing, painted scrolls.... And I stock ancient Oriental herbs and medicines. There's a rich trade for certain things like powdered rhinoceros horn or tiger... ah, tiger parts," he hurried on, as though realizing to whom he spoke, "and herbs like ginseng, or dried mushroom likeBoletuslucidus—"
"Boletus...this is amushroom,yes?"
"Spiritmushroom—"
"Speaking of mushrooms," she said hurriedly, "one of the ingredients I'm most interested inisa mushroom. A caterpillar mushroom. Do you knowofit?"
"Yartsa gunbu," he muttered. "I've heard of it, yes. Grows out of the head of a caterpillar in Tibetsomewhere."
"Do you have any of it?" Ava held herbreath.
The major shook his head abruptly. "No, can't say I have. I have a book on rare plants in the Himalayas, however, if you'd like to look at it?" His smile returned. "I have several books on the Himalayas." He grabbed one off the shelf, and Ava exchanged a frustrated glance withKincaid.
Anotherdeadend.
"Do you know anyone else in London who might have some of this caterpillar mushroom?" she asked. "The remedy I mean to create was quitespecific."
"No, no. Haven't heard of anyone. Here," Major Winthrop said, pressing a book into her hands. "It was written by a traveler who collected stories. There's a section on Shambhala. You should read it. Consider it a gift, from one curious mind toanother."
"Oh, I couldn't, Major. This is a beautiful book. It must be expensive." And the sort of thing that sounded quite rare. She patted her reticule, looking for herpurse.
"I insist," Major Winthrop said, not quite quirking a brow at her. "Consider it... an engagementpresent."
"Ah, thank you." Ava tugged one of her calling cards free, and passed it to him in exchange. "And if you do hear of the caterpillar mushroom, please let me know. I'd be verygrateful."
* * *
"That man was lying,"Kincaid said, as soon as they were out of earshot oftheshop.
Ava tore her attention away from the book. "Major Winthrop? Lying? Why ever would youthinkthat?"
"Because the second you asked him about it, his entire manner changed, and he became curt and couldn't wait to get you out of his shop. He knows more about this caterpillar mushroom than he'sclaiming."
Based on what evidence? Ava gave an exasperated sigh. "You just didn't like him from the start. You were practicallybristling."
"That's because he was eyeing you like some tasty little morsel he wanted to sink histeethinto."
"He was not," she protested. "He's a man with a shared interest. I know what it feels like to find someone who shares your passion. It's exhilarating. And, I'm fairly certain you're describing the wayyoulook at me sometimes. Not MajorWinthrop."
"That'sdifferent."
"Oh?"
"He's a stranger who gave you a rare book he could have sold for a princely sum, for Chrissakes," Kincaid muttered, "even though I introduced myself as yourfiancé."
He did have a point. "Maybe he was being kind...." Her words trickled to a halt as she replayed the conversation in her head, and saw the way Winthrop smiled at her. He'd virtually ignoredKincaid. "Oh."
Storm clouds brewed on Kincaid's expression. "You are utterly oblivious, did youknowthat?"
"Well, men generally don't fall atmyfeet."
"Or maybe you just don't notice when they do," hemuttered.
She shot him a long, steady look. "You're behaving not at all like yourself, did you know? One would almost thinkyouwere...."
"Yes?"
