“I’m sorry you’re involved in this,” she said with a sniffle. “My father was adamant we speak to you first. He’s worried the man might come after me.”
“Can you describe him? I realize the fog made it difficult, but anything will help,” asked Mr. Cooper, opening a small notebook, a pencil in one hand.
“He was tall… lean. He wore dark clothing and a neckcloth around his face. But it had slipped to his chin. I saw a dark beard, or he was unshaved. So dark hair, I assume, but he wore a cap. When he got closer, it was his scar that stood out. A long, jagged scar down the side of his face.” She shivered.
“You were able to see his face even with the fog?” Ben finished writing and looked up at her.
“I can’t say I saw all his features clearly—just the beard and that scar.” She shivered again, remembering his gaze so void of emotion. “He’d just stabbed a man, and he seemed so… calm.”
“Which side?”
Kitty stared at him a moment, then realized what he was asking. “The right side of his face.”
“Do you think you could identify the man if you saw him again?”
She shrugged, uncertain. “I’d know that scar. That moment will haunt me until I’m old and gray.”
“Well, that’s the plan,” said Mr. Cooper, then rushed on. “I mean, not for anything to haunt you but to see you grow old and gray.”
Kitty smiled, the weight on her chest easing. “Thank you, Mr. Cooper.”
He opened his mouth to say something, then seemed to change his mind. Instead, he rose from the chair and tucked away his notebook. “If I learn anything, I will return tomorrow morning or tell you, Mr. Felton. In the meantime, I’m in agreement that you should remain out of sight.”
“Do you think I’m in danger?” she asked, the knot in her stomach tightening. His hesitation told her all she needed to know. Yes, she was.
“I believe we should stay on the side of caution until we learn who the victim was. It could have been a footpad setting on a random passerby. If so, I doubt very much he would waste too much time searching for you, Miss Felton. He’ll assume you would prefer to stay out of it.”
But his tone carried concern. His honey-brown eyes held hers, and for a moment, she thought he would reach out and touch her. In comfort?
Pa walked the solicitor to the door, Terry standing next to the opening, ready to follow the older man out. But he shut the door after thanking Mr. Cooper again, then returned to sit at the table.
“I think we did the right thing, Kitty,” said her father, though his doubtful tone didn’t match his words. “The Peelers have an excellent reputation. If anyone can help us, it’s them.”
“I hate for you to take my route for me,” she said, despising the thought of being cooped up for days, though she had been able to create two new bonnets yesterday.
“I don’t mind, luv,” he said, then cleared his throat as he sat back down. “I think it would be best for you to stay with your brother until we know you are safe.”
Kitty knew from his eyes that he expected a fight. “I don’t know if either man saw me waking Mr. Lockton. If they did, the murderer can easily find out who I am. I wouldn’t be any safer with Joe, and we would put his wife in danger.”
Her father sighed loudly. “You’re right. I’m not thinking.” He put his head in his hands. “I admit I’m cold right down to my soul, worried for you.”
She went to him and wrapped an arm around his shoulder, returning the comfort he’d recently given her. “We’ll get through this, Pa. We’ve been through worse—think of Mama.”
He nodded, took in a ragged breath, and met her gaze. “We have, haven’t we? And this will be a grand adventure you can tell to your babes someday.”
Kitty cleaned their rooms before her father went to bed, then took out her basket of bits, a short claret-colored pelisse of sturdy cotton, and a matching pair of gloves. As she worked, trying this paste jewel, different lace, or sequins, her mind returned to the frightening scar and where she might stay to keep danger at bay from both herself and her family.
Her lids grew heavy, and she moved to the rocker to rest her eyes for just a moment. An image of Mr. Cooper filled her head, his sweet smile, the concerned dark-gold eyes, the thick blond hair—combed nicely today. That thought made her smile. Her first of the day.
Would he be able to protect them? Perhaps he could find her a place to hide away. There was something strong and solid about the solicitor. Kitty inexplicably knew she would be safe with Mr. Cooper. Physically.
But her heart? She wasn’t so sure.
CHAPTER 7
The Dog’s Bone
“We’ve go’ a fine roasted fowl with parsnips and peas,” said Bess, watching Gus out of the corner of her eye. “Anyone interested?”
