Page 36 of Dark Tidings on the Thames
“Let’s hope so,” Niall said. “I think we should advise young Jeanette to stay hidden until we know how the boy has been dealt with, though.” He paused in the doorway. “Good luck with Frye, Wooten.”
“Send your lady my thanks, as well.”
“So I will. She’ll be champing at the bit, waiting for news.”
Wooten laughed. “Best hurry, then.”
“So I shall,” Niall replied as he left. He did not tell the inspector that he was just as eager to see Kara. He grinned. Doubtless, he didn’t have to.
Chapter Eight
Kara spent thenight sharing Jeanette’s narrow bed. She didn’t sleep much. This was the first night she’d spent away from Niall since their marriage. She missed the warmth of his big body and the comfort of knowing he was always there—in every way.
The two of them rose at the crack of dawn. Kara took Jeanette to Dobb’s Pie Shop, where they indulged in warm pastries and sound, practical advice.
“Service ain’t for everyone,” Maisie said. “Just like bakin’ ain’t for lots of folks. Both have early starts, long hours, and hard, hands-on work.”
“Ye think sellin’ flowers ain’t work?” Jeanette demanded. “Up before the sun to try to catch the best blooms at the lowest prices, before they are all gone? Sittin’ out in every sort of weather? Runnin’ out into the street, dodging traffic for those who just beckon ye from their carriage? Fightin’ off the blighters who think ye must be sellin’ yer body along with yer roses?”
“I feel yer pain, young lady,” said Maisie. “Took me years of selling my pies in the streets before I saved enough to get the shop.”
Jeanette sighed. “I know it’s hard work to be done in service, but at least ye ain’t fightin’ alone. I always thought the belowstairs folk must be like a sort of family, workin’ together to get things done and to make things nice for everyone, upstairs and down.”
Maisie paused in her work. “Aye, I have heard o’ households where there’s such unity, but there’s others that are more akin to a battlefield. Take care not to end up in such a place, now.”
“Emelia is fairly fond of drama in her own relationships,” Kara said around a mouthful of apple pastry, “but I cannot see her allowing such animosities to interfere with the domestic running of the club.”
“Good, then. It might be a fair choice, if that’s so,” Maisie said, pouring Jeanette another cup of tea. “But take my advice and agree to a trial, before you decide outright.”
“That’s exactly what Niall suggested,” Kara told her.
“Ah, well then. There you are,” Maisie said with a grin. “Great minds,” she added, tapping her head. “I always did like that big, hulking husband of yours.”
“He likes you, too,” Kara said, leaning into her friend’s sturdy frame. “But not as much as I do.”
“Ah, sweet girl,” Maisie said fondly. “You know you are in my heart.” She started to gather up dishes as Kara savored the last of her pastry. “And I miss Harold, too, I do. Tell him to come by and visit old Maisie.”
“So I will. And send my love to Davey.” With a satisfied sigh, Kara stood. “Thank you, Maisie.” She paused. “Perhaps we might all meet for a picnic in the park? Just take a day of relaxation together?”
“Don’t that sound nice?” Maisie said. “Let’s do it.”
“You are not to cook,” Kara warned.
Maisie’s eyes widened. “And won’t that be a treat.”
“I’ll have Turner compare everyone’s schedules and set up a date.” Kara hugged the woman close. “Thank you, Maisie. I can always count on you for a bit of peace.” With a deep breath, Kara stepped away. “Come, Jeanette,” she said. “Let’s go and find you a safe hiding spot—and possibly a bit of family feeling.”
They went straight to Emelia when they arrived at Lake Nemi. The club’s proprietress looked doubtful at first, and warned about thehard work the position required.
“Why does everyone assume sellin’ flowers is all sunshine and daisies?” Jeanette said, exasperated. “I got to deal with cost and profit, worry about making my rent, lug my wares through the loud, busy, smelly streets, swelter in the summer, and freeze in the winter. I have to smile and cajole, even when I feel like cursin’ or cryin’.” She gave Emelia a frank look. “Frankly, if you give me a bucket, a mop, a rag, a quiet room, and tell me to set it to sparklin’? It sounds like heaven.”
In the end, it was Jeanette’s wish for a place with a feeling of community that won Emelia over. “Yes!” she exclaimed. “That is exactly the view we should be striving for at Lake Nemi. Staff, residents, members—we are all in this together. We live, work, learn, and grow together.” Finally, she looked at Jeanette with approval. “If you understand this from the first, you could do very well with us.”
Kara left them to hash out their agreement. She went to peer out the parlor windows, looking for a sign of Niall. Her vigilance was rewarded, for he arrived just after Emelia and Jeanette finished their negotiations. Kara ran to meet him, but stopped, drawing up short at the sight of him. “Oh dear. You do look tired, my darling.”
“I am tired,” Niall admitted. “Tired in my soul, after spending so many hours in that horrid stripling’s company.”
She went to him and burrowed into his embrace. He held her for a long moment before heaving a sigh. “Is Gyda still here?” he asked.
