‘Quite, but appearance will matter to a family like that. They engaged both of us on this case, assuming I’d be there. Dammit!’
Jacob pulled a sympathetic face. ‘I’m afraid you won’t be able to swear in front of her either, my love.’
‘Bloody hell!’
‘He did say she had an eye for detail.’
‘We’re the damned investigators, not her!’ Dora knew she had to get her temper in check. It had to be the heat getting to her, the onset of her monthlies, and the prospect of a long dusty walk back to Bruton Mews from Knightsbridge village. Rather than give in to the impulse to growl, she said: ‘Shall we hail a cab, spare ourselves the walk?’
His blue eyes twinkled at her. ‘How about a cab and then an ice cream at Gunter’s?’
The promise of sweet delight swiftly cooled her anger. Dora grinned up at him. ‘An excellent notion.’ She tucked her arm through his and squeezed fondly. ‘That is exactly what the doctor ordered.’
Chapter Five
Gunter’s Ice Cream Parlour
One of the benefits of their office was that it was around the corner from Gunter’s at Nos. 7 and 8 Berkeley Square. The famous cake shop was a popular destination for those who wished to sample its ices in the summer, pastries in winter, and a good place to scout out female gossip and potential clients at all times of the year, or so Dora explained to Jacob when she presented her expenses for another trip for her and Kir to buy treats.
No wonder the boy was saying he liked London, thought Jacob as he held the door open for Dora.
Luck was with them. He pulled out a chair at a prime table in the window and Dora settled herself opposite his. The confectioner’s was busy with the people spoiling their dinner with a late afternoon indulgence. It was a glitter of mirrors and silverware, cakes and jellies displayed on pedestals with gem-like vibrancy. He thought whimsically that it was somewhat like being inside the vault in the Tower of London where the Crown Jewels were displayed and discovering that they were edible. Itwas an image with which a cartoonist could have a great deal of fun, considering the Prince Regent’s famous girth.
‘Signorina Fitz-Pennington,’ said the waiter with a welcoming smile as he trotted over with admirable efficiency. ‘The usual?’
‘Yes, thank you.’ They both looked expectantly at Jacob.
‘What’s the lady’s usual?’ he asked with a raised brow.
‘Burnt almond ice cream,’ the waiter responded promptly.
‘Hmm, interesting.’ Jacob was tempted by the sound of that.
‘If you order something different, then we can go halves,’ said Dora with a gleam in her eye. He’d found her weakness and it was ice cream.
He scanned the list of offerings and picked on the most unlikely flavour just to tease her. ‘I’ll take the Parmesan cheese ice cream.’
Dora curled her lip, then thought better of it. ‘I’ve not yet found an ice I don’t like,’ she said reflectively. ‘Do your worst, sirrah.’
‘Excellent choice, sir. Might I suggest you accompany that with a small cup of Italian coffee?’ said the waiter.
‘Oh, why not?’ said Jacob.
‘I’ll have coffee too please– with cream,’ said Dora.
Orders lodged with the kitchen, Dora and Jacob had time to look around them. The nursery-aged crowd were being ushered out by indulgent uncles and harassed maids who would have to deal with the children’s excitement when they reached home. Several ladies were in earnest conversation, one displaying a ring, glittering evidence of a recent engagement. Then Dora stiffened.
‘What?’ he said softly.
Dora’s expressive brown eyes flicked over his shoulder then back at him. ‘Ruby at six o’clock.’ In other words, Ruby Plum, Dora’s actress friend from the Northern Players, wasdirectly behind him. Embarrassingly for Dora and him, Ruby had recently taken up a new role as mistress of Jacob’s eldest brother, thanks to an introduction they had inadvertently made in the Lakes. She was also approaching her third trimester of pregnancy– the child of an indeterminate father but one his brother had offered to raise and protect. In sum, she was a thoroughly scandalous person by most people’s estimation. Jacob wasn’t shocked by her, but he did find her selfishness unappealing, particularly as Dora didn’t seem to mind being taken for granted. He minded for her.
‘What’s she doing?’ asked Jacob in a low voice.
‘She’s debating whether to notice us.’
‘Is she ashamed of us or does she think we are ashamed to be seen with her?’ It was a fair question. This was a place not normally frequented by Ruby’s kind ofdemi-mondaine, but then again, both he and Dora were hardly irreproachable members of society. ‘What do you want to do?’
‘Oh? I can do what I want, can I, and you won’t be cross?’ murmured Dora. They both knew she would do whatever she liked– it was a freedom she had earned. ‘In that case…’ She waved a hand. ‘Mrs Plum! How delightful!’
