There would be the usual rumors and gossip, of course, not to mention the news of Sir Edward’s arrest along with Jacob Howell, sensationalized in the dailies, as they reported the murder of both Ellie Sutton and the earlier murder of Stephen Matthews.
Were there others who had stood in the way of Sir Edward’s ambitions? It was chilling to think that there might be others. Some of it would naturally come out as things had a way of doing. All of it over more than thirty years that Argosy Shipping had been expanding shipping across the globe, only time would tell. And perhaps some of it would never come to light.
Rupert and I enjoyed Mrs. Ryan’s scones while we waited for the cab to arrive.
I ignored the driver’s startled expression at my appearance, as I gave the destination of the Tower and we climbed aboard.
I arrived at the Tower and was greeted at the entrance by Lucy Penworth.
“Are you all right then, miss?” she asked with a curious glance in my direction as I followed her through the maze of hallways and passages.
“Alex was quite concerned about you, but Mr. Brodie assured him that you were all right.”
“Is Brodie about then?”
“He was here early. I’m told that he met for some time with Sir Avery. Then he left. He told Alex there was something he needed to do outside the city.”
Alex popped up out of his chair as we arrived at his little office. Quite spontaneous and then embarrassed for it, he threw his arms around my shoulders and hugged me. He stepped back and apologized profusely.
“It’s just that you gave everyone a scare yesterday, abducted as you were, and put in that dreadful hold of the ship.”
I would have smiled, however...“It will heal,” I assured him about my badly bruised lip.
“Of course, and it does give you the appearance that no one would want to argue with you. I have some cosmetics, if you want to do a bit of a touch-up,” Lucy added.
I had noticed that the freckles across her cheeks were less prominent of late.
“I quite like the look.” Alex attempted to make light of my appearance.
“Is Sir Avery available?” I inquired.
“He did say that he would like to speak with you if you were to come into the offices today.”
Alex escorted me to Sir Avery Stanton’s office.
“I am so very glad that you are all right, Miss Forsythe,” he added.
“Mikaela.” I reminded him of my name, not the first time.
He blushed. “Of course.”
I could see what Lucy Penworth found so endearing about him, with that lock of dark hair that spilled over his forehead and that slightly shy look behind the glasses.
Of course, there was that other side of him that had surprised both Brodie and me, and I wondered if she had discovered that yet. That fierce, brave side that had revealed itself not long ago.
Sir Avery rose from behind his desk and greeted me with a circumspect expression. He was pleased that I had survived the day before.
So good of him, I thought, in consideration of Brodie’s cautious demeanor toward the man—someone for whom Queen and country were more important than any one man. Or woman. I kept in mind the bargain I had made to have Brodie released from Scotland Yard, badly injured and in need of medical care.
I reminded myself that it was something to keep in mind, whenever Sir Avery chose to call in that bargain I had made with him.
“I have heard from no less than Lady Montgomery and the Prince of Wales on your behalf as well as Mr. Brodie’s. You do have friends and connections in high places.”
I smiled, as much as possible. I appreciated that he shared that with me. It might be advantageous at some time in the future.
“I want to thank you once more for intervening on his behalf.”
That smile again, that for a moment reminded me of that Cheshire Cat.
