Murder in the East End - Jennifer Ashley Page 0,49
that,” Cynthia said quickly. “Sometimes being the daughter of an earl has advantages.”
Miss Townsend gave her a nod. “Then we should come up with a plan of action.”
I rose. “Meanwhile, I have errands to run. I only have a half day today.”
“Ah yes.” Cynthia got to her feet with me, but said nothing about what those errands would be, keeping my secrets.
“I will see you out,” Daniel said to me.
I said my farewells to the others and allowed Daniel to escort me down the stairs and outside, but it seemed he had no intention of leaving me there. He thrust his hands into his coat pockets and began to walk beside me down Regent Street.
“What will you do next?” I asked as we went along in the cold.
“Investigate the death of Nurse Betts. Or at least prod Inspector McGregor to and to tell me everything he finds.”
“Is he likely to inform you?”
Daniel adjusted his hat against the wind. “I can make it an order from higher up if I have to. McGregor, though, is a practical man. If he believes I can give him information, he might give me a measure in return.”
I was skeptical, knowing the bad-tempered Inspector McGregor, though I also knew he was an intelligent man, not easily misled.
“How safe are Lady Cynthia, Mr. Thanos, and Miss Townsend investigating with Mr. Fielding?” I asked.
Daniel looked pained. “I’d guess safe enough. He is so adamant to discover the connection between Nurse Betts and the missing children that he will consider the three his partners for now. He is good at using people to his own advantage.”
“I gathered that.”
“Miss Townsend will keep him tamed if the other two cannot,” Daniel said with conviction.
“The mysterious Miss Townsend.” I knew he’d tell me the circumstances in which he’d known her when he was ready, but could not stop myself needling him a little.
“The secrets are not only mine, but hers,” Daniel said. “And those of others. I would take yours to my grave if you commanded me.”
I halted, risking the wrath of those who pressed by us. “Now you are making me feel awful. I am twitting you about having integrity, only because my curiosity is piqued.” I paused awkwardly. “And, if you must know, my jealousy.”
Daniel bent on me a look of amazement. “Jealousy?”
“Of course. The gentleman I care for has spent a sojourn in Paris with a young lady of talent, sense, and rare beauty. And then he can tell me nothing of what went on there.”
Daniel’s shock began to wear off, and his smile widened. “Not what you are supposing.”
I’d learned from Cynthia that Miss Townsend and Bobby had an understanding, but I also knew that some people did not care which sex their lovers happened to be.
“I find nothing amusing in it,” I said stiffly.
Daniel linked his arm through mine and pulled me close to him, continuing our walk. “The fact that you worry I had an affaire de coeur with Miss Townsend gives me hope.”
“Why should it? Jealousy is a terrible emotion, and a dangerous one.” When I’d discovered my husband had been betraying me—for years—I’d been eaten through by rage and resentment. I regretted now the time I’d wasted on that hurt and anguish, though naturally I’d been upset. It had taken me years to realize that time spent on thoughts of my perfidious husband was time squandered.
Daniel continued to look delighted. “I will take it to mean you have feelings for me.”
“Of course I have feelings for you. I’d never let you into my kitchen if I did not.”
We’d reached Piccadilly Circus. An omnibus creaked to a halt on the other side of the circle, the horses weary, the advertising placards on the wagon bright against the gray weather. I’d have to run to reach it before it started again.
Daniel kept hold of my arm. “You are a fine and wonderful woman, Kat Holloway. Someday, I will make myself worthy of your trust.”
I longed to stand and bask in his praise, his smile, the light in his eyes, but the omnibus had already started moving, the wind was sharp, and Grace awaited.
“You do talk a lot of nonsense.” I extracted myself from his grip and hurried for the omnibus.
I heard his laughter behind me, before it was swallowed by the rumble of wheels on stone and the rising wind.
* * *
* * *
I reached the Millburns’ house off Cheapside and spent time hugging my daughter. She was full of chatter about her lessons and