Page 21 of Kiss Me Lady One More Time
“What does that mean?”
“It means that I haven’t the first clue what you and Tensford are going on about when you talk deposits and layers and vertebrae and scales. I thought I’d let the two of you talk with those men—until I was at Whites and met a fellow who is one of the directors.”
“Yes?” Sterne waited.
“I tried. Honestly, I did. But I barely understood the fellow. Perhaps one sentence in ten! I did come to understand that he breakfasts at the club several days a week, so I managed to engage him. I told him I was close friends with Tensford.”
“If he’s at all interested in fossils, then that should have stirred his interest.”
“Oh, he is—and God’s teeth, yes—they are all keen to hear about his stolen specimen. I invited him to come to Tensford’s for breakfast instead and he could be the first to hear the story, from the horse’s mouth.”
“Good! And he accepted?”
“Instantly.”
“When is he coming?”
“Today.”
“Today? This morning?”
“Yes.”
“Have you informed Tensford?”
“No. Why do you think I’ve been hurrying you along? We really should beat the man, there.”
Sterne stood a moment and blinked at his friend. Shaking his head, he set off at a trot, watching the street for a sign of a hack.
* * *
Penelope tookthe footman’s hand and followed the countess out onto the pavement on Foster Lane. The house number showed stark and white against the brick of the terraced house. She shook out her skirts as the footman went to knock upon the door . . . and narrowed her gaze.
Before the next house over stood a gentleman. Actually, he was bent over, his hand wrapped around a girl’s arm. A maid’s arm, she saw. He was whispering in her ear and it was their attitude—and the hard look on the girl’s face—that caught her attention.
She reached out to nudge Hope. “Isn’t that—”
The man straightened, and she knew. “James!” she called. “James!”
He turned, clearly surprised to be addressed and let go of the girl.
It was him. Her cousin. Mr. James Lycett.
“Penelope?” He was all smiles at once—and his delight grew when he saw the countess. “And you, as well, my lady! Whatever are the two of you doing in Town?”
She hesitated, unwilling to tell him the truth. “I . . . it’s just a short visit,” she said lamely as he approached and bowed before them.
“I had some shopping to do,” Hope said smoothly. “I thought it would be helpful for Miss Munroe to see the city, perhaps become accustomed to it, before her Season, next spring.”
“A good idea.” He frowned and looked at the row of modest houses. “But surely you will stay at Tensford House?” He suddenly looked startled. “Or will you open your father’s townhouse?” he asked Penelope.
“No. I am staying with the earl and countess. They are my chaperones.” She tilted her head. “Goodness, James, but you’ve lost a button from your coat.”
He flushed. “Yes. I’ve set my man to finding one to match, but apparently it is a difficult task. Still, I thought the coat fine enough to wear totheseenvirons.” He gestured. “But what brings you two into Cheapside?”
“We are visiting a friend,” Hope answered.
Penelope craned her neck to peer past him, but the girl he’d been with had disappeared. “What are you doing in this neighborhood?”
