“The thief knew the items wouldn’t be reported right away.” Interesting.
“I’ve written the names and directions of both jewelers. Also of note, these are both located in Hatton Garden. They’re not bold enough to attempt Bond Street or a well-known place like Rundell and Bridge.” Ruthven leaned back as the barmaid set a platter of bread, cheese and thickly sliced beef before him. He tucked a napkin into his cravat and picked up a fork. “I will visit some of the more prominent businesses and request they also inventory their stock. Just in case.”
“You will let me know if there is any movement beyond that area?” asked Elijah.
Ruthven nodded and tore off a bite of bread with his teeth. “Report to me tomorrow,” he said around the mouthful.
Elijah studied the sheet with Ruthven’s scrawled hand as he left the Brown Bear. The area was becoming a bustling center for jewelry design and trade, besides still having a good number of wealthy residences in the neighborhood. Whoever was behind this wasn’t greedy. No, they were patient and methodical. How many pieces had been taken and not yet reported?
He caught a hackney and got off at Holborn, setting off on foot up Hatton Garden and taking notice of the various merchants on both sides of the avenue. At the corner of Charles Street, Eli heard screams and a great commotion. A runaway carriage charged onto Hatton, sending carts and bystanders scattering for their lives.
A woman in front of him, her hand rummaging through a large basket, stepped onto the street in the path of the out-of-control vehicle. Eli leaped forward and pulled her back against him just as the carriage overturned. Her scream blended into the general mayhem, and Eli saw a flash of red. Not blood, but her hair, he thought with relief.
The terrified beast, covered in a sheen of sweat, his eyes rolling white, tried to drag the downed coach. Eli took advantage of the slowed action and plunged forward, grasping the reins and soothing the horse. Pedestrians ran to the carriage, a boy gripping the bottom and swinging up to open the door.
Several men, one with a step ladder, assisted two older ladies from the carriage, both shaken and sobbing. He turned to see the woman he had pulled back from the wreckage with her arm around the tiger, wiping tears from his face. The boy had been tossed from the back of the carriage as it tipped.
“I thought we were done for,” said the driver as he took the reins from Eli. “He’s a bit green, and a mutt tried to take a chunk from his leg. All hell broke loose. Thank ye for the assistance.”
Elijah went to the occupants of the carriage, checking on their condition. It seemed everyone had survived with only a few bruises and scrapes. He wiped the sweat from his brow with his sleeve. If the weather had been bad, or the streets muddy or snow trodden, it could have been much worse.
The woman who had been tending the boy caught his gaze and smiled. He walked toward her. “Thank you,” she called to him.
“Are you all right?” he asked. She was breathtaking. Vivid green eyes, deep red tresses beneath her hood, and a heart-shaped face with bow lips that he would dream of tonight.
She nodded, her chest still heaving from the excitement. “I would have been under that mess if you hadn’t caught me. How can I thank you?”
“By telling me your name,” he said without thinking. She beamed at him, and his breath caught. Kiss me, a voice taunted in his head.
She held out a hand. “Miss Clara Alberts. And you are?”
Eli saw a small dimple in her right cheek. Could there be anyone more beautiful? “Your knight in shining armor, I hope.” Why the devil did he say that? Heat crawled up his neck.
“Except you aren’t on a horse and you’re wearing a greatcoat.” Her eyes danced with humor.
He shook his head. “Mr. Elijah Norton at your service.” He took her hand and kissed her gloved fingers.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Norton, but I’m late. I must get back with this produce and begin lunch.” She started to pass him, but he stayed by her side, matching her pace.
“You’re a cook?” he asked, wondering if any girl had ever possessed such a perfect profile.
She nodded. “My first day. It’s only for the Season, but I hope to get a reference and find a permanent position by the end of the summer.”
“I’d wager you’re an excellent cook.” I sound like a nodcock.
“Thank you.” She continued her brisk walk.
“May I accompany you as far as your place of employment?” That sounded better.
“I believe you’re already doing just that,” she replied with a smirk.
Dimwit! “I?—”
“Truth be told, your presence is welcome. I’m a bit shaken by the whole ordeal.”
It was then he saw the fear in her eyes, and he wanted to pull her to him and swear she would be safe. “I’m your man, then.”
“You know my name and my profession. It seems you are one up on me.” She gave him a side glance. “Do you work in Hatton Garden?”
