“They investigate crimes together,” Lily provided.
“Crimes? Most interesting,” Sir James replied. “What sort of crimes?”
“Mostly murder,” Lily replied before either of us could respond. “Her real name is Mrs. Brodie,” she added with a smile that was anything but innocent.
I really did need to have a conversation with her about polite manners.
“Formerly with the Metropolitan Police,” Brodie intervened.
Sir James didn’t extend his hand, but inclined his head in acknowledgement, then turned to me.
“You seem to have made several changes in the time since we traveled together,” he commented with a different expression.
I wasn’t certain whether it was merely surprise or something more as Sir James nodded in Brodie’s direction.
“Mikaela and I shared two travel excursions in the past that I’m certain she must have told you about,” Sir James said. “Egypt, then Vienna and Switzerland. She made it far more interesting than those I usually travel with.
“And how is Lady Montgomery?” he then added. “An extraordinary woman my family has known for many years.”
Still extraordinary, I thought.
“Ye have just returned, Sir James?” Brodie inquired.
“It was time. I’ve been away too long. One begins to miss the damp and cold. You must agree, Mr. Brodie. I detect a faint accent. Scotland perhaps?”
There was that circumspect expression again. “Not for many years,” Brodie replied. “However, there are places one may go as ye have no doubt experienced in yer travels. The Greek islands for example.”
“Have you been there?” Sir James replied.
“I found it to be a welcome change from the cold and damp, as ye said. I was conducting… business there.”
“Most satisfactorily, one would hope.”
That dark gaze met mine. “Aye.”
Polite conversation, with obvious undertones. How very interesting, I thought.
For his part, Brodie was courteous and not the least intimidated by someone of Sir James’ station or experiences.
However, I couldn’t help but notice that reserve that he kept for those he didn’t know, while Sir James was gracious and polite.
As for Lily…
“Her ladyship will be expecting us,” she abruptly announced.
“Of course,” Sir James commented. “Forgive me for keeping you overlong. You must remember me to her. I will be certain to call on her.”
He took my hand once more then with a slight bow of his head. “It has been a pleasure to see you again, Mikaela.” His smile this time seemed almost intimate, then it was gone as he turned to Brodie.
“And to meet you as well, Mr. Brodie. Good day.”
Lily pulled a face as he left the shop. So much for my aunt’s best efforts.
“The weather has set in,” Brodie commented after Sir James had disappeared across the street. He helped us both with our coats.
I thanked the shopkeeper once more for hosting the book signing as Brodie stepped out on the sidewalk to wave down a driver.
“Yer friend seems a commendable sort,” he commented as we settled ourselves in the coach and Brodie gave him the address at Sussex Square.
