I closed my eyes and inhaled that wonderful scent about him that was always there.
“And afterward?” I asked.
His beard brushed my cheek. “It will be verra late.”
“Of course,” I replied.
“Ye’ll be careful with the inquiries on behalf of the new client,” he added then. “If her husband has been keeping other company, he would not want it known.”
“Careful as mice.” When he frowned at me, I added, “I’ll take Rupert with me.”
I felt the faint rumble of laughter in his chest. “The smell of the damn beast would drive away anyone who might follow ye.”
“He can be intimidating,” I admitted.
He shook his head. “He likes ye like no other.” Then looked at me with that dark gaze, his hand pressed against my cheek.
“Something we share,” he added.
Considering the comparison, I wasn’t at all certain that was a compliment.
He kissed me then. It was most definitely far different than a lick on the hand from the hound, and not at all the sort of thing that might be seen on the steps of one’s residence in Mayfair. Or, quite possibly anywhere else.
“Go inside,” he said then. “Before ye catch yer death from the cold.”
And when I didn’t immediately do as he asked, “What am I supposed to do with ye, when ye won’t obey me?”
How amusing. He knew better.
“Ach! Ye are a stubborn one.”
“And you as well, Mr. Brodie,” I replied as I reached up and ran my fingers through the dark softness of his beard, thenkissed him back, not at all the sort of thing a respectable lady in Mayfair would do. And I didn’t give a fig if anyone saw us.
“Wot will Miss Lily have to say about yer wanton ways?” he whispered against my lips.
“Considering her previous place of residence and the profession practiced there, I have a feeling that I might learn a thing or two from her.”
There was no dissuading him from returning to the Agency. That too was something I must admit that I very much admired about him— his dedication when something important needed his attention, in spite of the fact that I would much rather he stayed.
“I look forward to that,” Brodie replied.
“You would do well to remember that when you have only Alex and Sir Avery for company.”
He kissed me again then returned to the coach and gave the driver instructions.
I smiled, the taste of him still on my lips as the coach disappeared through the misty rain.
How was it that I missed him already?
I entered the townhouse, hung up my coat, and informed Mrs. Ryan that Brodie would not be joining us for supper.
Three
Brodie was very late indeed…he had not returned to the townhouse the night before. Not that it was unusual when he was working on some matter for Sir Avery and the Agency, I thought with a frown.
Although usually he was forthcoming about the matter. However, not this time. He had remained quite secretive about everything, which was not like him at all.
Mrs. Ryan provided breakfast for both Lily and myself. Then we were each off. Lily to Sussex Square for lessons much to her displeasure by the expression on her face and no few complaints. While I needed to go to the office on the Strand.
