Kisses and Scandal (A Survivors Series Anthology ) - Shana Galen Page 0,19
have half a chance.”
The thought of it made James numb with cold. He couldn’t let that happen. “And what about me?” he asked. “I’m cut out of it then?”
“Come look for us at Mrs. Lindlam’s. We’ll find ye there and take ye to her.”
“Where will ye keep her?” James asked.
“Don’t ye worry about that,” Patrick said. “I can handle that part of it, so I can.” He motioned to Sean. “Now we’d best get back before trouble finds us. James, give us a few coins for coal. Our room is freezing, and we can’t eat and put coal in the stove.”
James dug in his pocket and handed Patrick two pennies. “It’s all I have with me. I can bring ye more at the boarding house tomorrow if ye’d like.”
“No need,” Patrick said, putting the pennies in his pocket. “Soon we’ll all three be warm and fed and rich as kings.”
He started away and Sean followed, pausing to turn back to James and say, “Don’t forget to send word tomorrow.”
James nodded. When they were gone, he started back toward Mayne House, taking the back alley and striding quickly past the mews. It was comforting to hear the horses snorting and smell the scents of hay and leather as he passed the stables. It was certainly after midnight now, and he doubted anyone would see him come in. He pushed open the gate to the courtyard, pleased it still didn’t squeak, and moved toward the house.
Too late, he heard a footstep behind him. He swung around and the older man stepped back, raising his hands defensively. “I didn’t mean to startle you,” Jarvis said.
James froze. How would he explain what he’d been doing out this late?
“Looks like we both had the same idea,” Jarvis said.
James stared at the older man. “Oh?”
“Nice night to take some air.”
“So it is,” James agreed.
“I’m old and can’t sleep well these days. I find a little stroll helps me rest. That and a dram of whisky.”
James lifted his brows. “There’s whisky?”
Jarvis chuckled. “None tonight, I’m afraid. And if I know Banks, he’ll have you up and working hard early tomorrow. You’d best get to bed.”
“I will. Good night to ye.” He tipped his hat and started for the town house door again.
“Oh, and Mr. Finnegan?”
James paused but did not look over his shoulder.
“One more piece of advice. Be careful who you trust. You know the old saying about a wolf in sheep’s clothing.”
He turned. “There are no more wolves in Ireland nor England either, I believe.”
Jarvis’s gaze was steady. “You don’t believe that, do you?”
James didn’t know what to say. Had Jarvis seen him with Patrick and Sean or did he merely suspect James was in some sort of trouble? Whatever he knew or didn’t know would remain a secret as, with a nod, Jarvis turned and moved off toward the mews. James watched him go and wondered if he’d been given a warning or a threat.
THE NEXT MORNING JAMES was summoned early to carry a letter across Town, deliver it, and wait for a reply. He didn’t know London well and the errand took him longer than it should have. He was away for the entirety of the morning and didn’t return until after the servants had sat down to a light midday meal. The porridge and tea he’d swallowed at dawn was a distant memory by then, but the cook took pity on him and made him a plate of food James suspected had come back from the nobs’ dinner the night before. It was far better fare than he was used to.
While he was finishing, Banks stepped into the dining room. “Enjoying your leisure time, Finnegan?”
James wiped his mouth and stood. “No, sir. I missed the meal, so I’m having a bite now.”
“And you did not think to give the reply to me before you sat down to eat?”
“I gave it to the first footman, sir. I saw him right when I came in.”
“I see. Next time you will put it in my hand. Is that understood?”
“Yes, sir.” James made to sit again, but Banks narrowed his eyes. James stood straight.
“It appears that while you have not yet earned my good graces, you have managed to ingratiate yourself to others.”
James wasn’t certain what the butler meant by that statement, so he stood and remained silent.
Banks cleared his throat. “Lady Philomena has requested you be one of the footmen who escorts the ducal carriage to the card party tonight.”