“Nash sought you out in the crowd tonight because he wants something from you.”
“Yes, I know. You heard him. He wants to discuss our mutual observations on the places we have traveled.”
“No,” Benedict said. “That is an excuse, I’m sure of it.”
Penny smiled coolly. “Do you two think that you might continue this charming conversation at some other time? Perhaps when you are alone? While I will admit that it is entertaining on some level, it is one of those discussions best conducted in private.”
Amity suppressed a sigh. “Good heavens, Mr. Stanbridge and I were arguing over an utterly insignificant matter. I do apologize, Penny.”
“And so do I,” Benedict said. “Not like we haven’t got more important things to deal with.”
“I agree,” Penny said. “Ah, here comes the carriage.”
“About time,” Benedict said. “We are going to be late as it is. The traffic is rather heavy tonight.”
Amity raised her brows. “You mean we actually do have an appointment? You didn’t invent it as an excuse for leaving early?”
“A short time ago I received a message from my uncle,” Benedict said. “He wants to interview both of us this evening.”
“Us?” A flicker of excitement flashed through Amity. “Does that mean you intend for both Penny and me to accompany you?”
“No, only you need go with me. We shall take Penny home first.”
“But why does your uncle wish to see me?” Amity asked.
“I don’t know yet but I suspect that he wants to interview you in depth concerning our experiences on St. Clare and on board theNorthern Star. I confess that my own memories of the first few days of the voyage to New York are rather hazy. In addition, I was confined to my cabin for some time. Even if you are not aware of it, you may have information to give him about events that I don’t possess.”
“I see,” Amity said. “I imagine he is trying to identify the person who shot you.”
“He very much wishes to learn the identity of the Russian spy who murdered Alden Cork on St. Clare. I wouldn’t mind meeting up with that particular agent myself.”
“I doubt if I can assist your uncle but I will certainly do my best,” Amity said.
“Excellent,” Benedict said. He looked at Penny. “We will take you home, Mrs. Marsden. Then Amity and I will continue on to my uncle’s house.”
“Very well,” Penny said. “But I trust that neither of you will continue to quarrel about the nature of Mr. Nash’s intentions.”
Amity smiled what she hoped was an airy, unconcerned smile. “There will be no further arguing about that little matter because there is nothing to argue about.”
“Nash wants something,” Benedict said. “Mark my words.”
Penny sighed. “I fear it will be a long trip back to Exton Street.”
Astonishingly, peace reigned inside the cab until the vehicle stopped in front of Penny’s front door. Amity was surprised to see a hansom waiting in the street. She could just make out the shadowy form of the passenger. An uneasy tingle of alarm whispered through her.
“Someone is here,” she said. “I cannot imagine who would be calling at this hour of the night.”
“Neither can I,” Penny said.
Benedict already had the door open. He stepped down to the pavement. Amity was astounded to see him take a gun out from under his coat. She wanted to ask him when he had started carrying a firearm but there was no opportunity.
“I will deal with whoever is in that hansom,” he said. “Go on into the house, both of you, and lock the door.”
“Benedict, please do not confront whoever is in that cab on your own. There is supposed to be a constable keeping watch tonight. Let him handle this.”
“The house,” Benedict repeated. “I would take it as a great favor if you would move with some speed, Amity.”
“He’s right,” Penny announced.
