A strange heaviness settled on my shoulders as I walked back into my office. It was like all the life had left the room. I stared at my desk, dissatisfied for the first time in ages. The apple and cheese hadn’t quenched my appetite. Mrs. Ashton would bemaking mulligan stew tonight, and if I hurried, I would make it in time for supper. A good meal would resolve my need for food. Nothing could quench my hunger for a certain sharp-tongued widow who could see right into my mind.
Chapter Nine
The Right Honorable Miss Bernice Namath
A fine mist touched my face as I skipped down the outside stairs at the T.J. Moran Publishing House, delighted with my first day of employment. The teasing aspect of my conversation with Moran over my innocent comment brought a smile to my mouth. He had been dogged in his determination for an answer, which spoke of his stubborn nature. The once bustling street was empty of people, the hour growing late and the air heavy with the threat of impending rain.
Nothing could dampen my spirits. What started out to be a questionable day ended on a very high note. The boarding house was within walking distance, and as much as I wished to take a hackney, it was a wasted expense at this point. Once I secured my first month’s wages, I might indulge in such a luxury.
“Mrs. Worth.” A familiar voice called from my left, and I turned my head to see Inspector Ashton approaching. His greatcoat whipped around him, and the hat on his head sat at a jaunty angle. He most certainly was an attractive man, but he was dangerous to my family and me. It would be rude not to stop and say hello, however.
“Good evening Inspector, how are you this evening?” There was nothing better than polite conversation to cover an awkward situation.
Inspector Ashton cocked his head and stared at me, his inquisitive stare full of amusement. “I am quite well, thank you very much. How was your first day with Moran?”
“It was excellent, thank you for asking. Mr. Moran is still in the building if you’ve come to see him.” I resisted the need to lick my lips, my nervousness increasing. The inspector had very arresting eyes that missed nothing.
“Since he lives in the upstairs flat, I assumed as much.” Inspector Ashton angled his head and studied me for a long moment. “You appear to be finished for the day. Surely you’re not planning on walking home by yourself this late at night?”
Even though Moran had clarified why Inspector Ashton had been at his office yesterday, I still feared that my lies would catch up to me. Guilt had a way of latching onto my mind, and everything I said and did seemed suspect. “I’m afraid I need to get home, and the only way to get there is to walk. As you have rightly pointed out, it is late, and I should be on my way.”
“Then I will see you home.” He settled his hands on his hips and glanced around. “The streets aren’t safe for a lady.”
“You needn’t inconvenience yourself. I live close by.” The longer I stood there speaking with him, the weaker my knees became. It was beyond silly to be uncomfortable in his company when he was simply trying to be polite. Yet he disturbed me in many ways.
“It is no inconvenience. I don’t want to frighten you, but a very sketchy man across the street has been eyeing you ever since you walked out of Moran’s office. I wouldn’t feel comfortable allowing you to walk by yourself with such miscreants on the loose.”
I started looking around, trying to gauge the truthfulness of his statement. I didn’t see anyone suspicious until I turned back and noticed a tall, thin man in a greatcoat lurking in the shadows. His hat was pulled low, but I caught a glimpse ofmutton chops when he turned his head. My heart began to race, and my pulse hummed in terror. “Are you talking about the gentleman in the alley?”
He grinned at my observation. “Indeed I am. You have a very good eye, Mrs. Worth.”
“In this case, I wish I didn’t. I suppose I could catch the omnibus home.” And waste precious coin. Except my life was worth more than a sixpence.
“I think we could do one better.” He lifted his hand and waved over the hackney driver on the corner. The man nodded and jumped from his perch to open the carriage door. Before I could comment, Inspector Ashton placed his hand on my elbow and began to walk across the street. “Come along, Mrs. Worth.”
“Really Inspector, a hackney is too much.” And I thought I was bossy, as Moran so concisely called me. The inspector’s strides were long, and I hurried to match them.
“I beg to differ. It looks like rain, and I insist you allow me to escort you home in the conveyance. If not, I promise to dog you the entire way.” The way he watched me from the corner of his eye made my heart race for another reason. His profile was strong with an angled jaw and Roman nose.
Secretly, I was a bit relieved. After he pointed out the miscreant, my desire to walk home had waned. I swallowed my pride and said, “Then who am I to dissuade you from doing something kind.”
The hackney driver held open the door. Inspector Ashton stepped back, motioning me to enter ahead of him. I climbed the one step and gripped the handle on the side of the carriage. As an unmarried woman, it would be scandalous for me to ride alone with him in the conveyance, but as a widow, I could get away with it. Besides, nobody knew my identity. With the secrets that I kept, it wasn’t wise to be seen with an inspector for the Met.
I sat down on the cracked leather seat, wrinkling my nose at the unpleasant smell that I dared not even try to identify. The carriage rocked as he entered and plopped down in the seat across from me. He was a big man, and he seemed to take up every inch of room in the enclosed space. The air was heavy and not because of the stench of the conveyance.
