“Hawksmoor certainly thought so.” Winking, Fi helped Glory don a waistcoat. “He was most appreciative of the unmentionables you recently made for me.”
Livy rolled her eyes as she adhered a mustache above Glory’s lip. “Perhaps that is a bit too much information, Fi?”
“Hello, pot,” Fi retorted. “As I recall, you boasted that Mrs. Q’s stockings helped you smooth things over with Hadleigh.”
A smile tucked into Livy’s cheeks. “When all else fails, hosiery paves the path for marital happiness.”
“I wouldn’t ask, Mrs. Q, but I am in a bind,” Glory pleaded. “My mama plans to return for me in three hours, and during that time I must complete a mission in Whitechapel.”
Yesterday had led to several developments.
First, the Angels had the satisfaction of closing the Mumford-Mills case. Through their viewing holes into Charlie’s study, Glory and her friends watched the touching reunion between the spinster and her beloved bull terrier. Having forgotten her own handkerchief, Glory had to borrow one from Fiona. Afterward, the Angels shared a celebratory toast with their mentor.
“Well done, Angels.” Approval shone in Charlie’s grey gaze. “Due to your efforts, Mrs. Mumford-Mills has been reunited with her faithful companion. I will also be sending a note to my contact at the Metropolitan Police about the stolen dogs being stashed at Eady’s Pet Emporium. With any luck, the police will seize the pets and reunite them with the rightful owners.”
“Before you do that.” Glory cleared her throat. “I have a request.”
“Oh?”
Having gained Wei’s permission, Glory told her group about his quest to gain justice for his family and the role Scott might play.
Her mouth tight, Charlie said, “Such injustice cannot be tolerated. As Mr. Chen has been a friend to us, we will assist him however we can.”
“That is very kind,” Glory replied. “Being a private fellow, however, Wei does not accept help easily. I tried to convince him to let the society help, but he refused.”
“Wei, is it?” Charlie’s gaze was keen.
“Yes,” Glory said steadily, despite her warm cheeks. “It is.”
Charlie sighed. “Sometimes I wonder if I am running an investigative society or a matchmaking service.”
“Why can’t it be both?” Fi quipped.
Charlie cast her gaze heavenward as the Angels pealed with laughter.
“Wei only agreed to let me share his past because it affects the closing of our case,” Glory said when the merriment subsided. “Charlie, could you delay alerting the police about Eady’s? Only a few days, I promise. Wei has contacted Scott, requesting an audience. We are scheduled to meet with him tomorrow.”
“You are going to see Scott without reinforcements?” Charlie frowned.
“Hadleigh and I can accompany you,” Livy offered. “After everything Mr. Chen has done for us, we would like to repay his kindness. Ask him if that would be all right.”
Wei had been open to accepting Hadleigh’s help. At present, he and the duke were waiting for Glory and Livy in a carriage in the lane behind the dress shop.
Sighing, Mrs. Q said, “I suppose I can figure something out.”
“Thank you ever so much!” Glory said gratefully.
“But decisions remain to be made.” A divot formed between the dressmaker’s brows. “The trimmings, for instance, and final adjustments to the cut, not to mention the accessories—”
“No need to worry,” Fi piped up. “Since Livy will be accompanying Glory, I can stay to manage the fashion choices. Glory trusts me, doesn’t she?”
“More than I trust myself,” Glory said honestly. “Thank you, Fi.”
“What are bosom friends for?” Fi placed a hat on top of Glory’s dark wig, adjusting it to a rakish angle. “Voilà. You are ready.”
Livy checked her pocket watch. “We had better not keep the men waiting. They are liable to follow their preferred instinct and go ahead without us.”
Her duke was every bit as protective as Wei.
