Zach had thought about that too.
“If we encounter Plunge, act like we are of the belief Madame Lucienne is his cousin and make no more of it than that,” Forrest said. “Zach could mention last night and say he is pleased they are both unhurt. Then we set someone to watch both of them.”
Zach agreed that they definitely needed watching. Mary would not tell him anything if he simply did what he wanted and yelled at her, demanding answers.
But he would get those answers and sooner rather than later.
CHAPTERTWENTY
“Do not wander off, Mary,” Phillipa said. “There are undesirables here as well as nobility. It would not do for you to fall prey to one of them.”
“Your touching concern warms me,” Mary said with insincerity.
“I was serious,” Phillipa said. “I may not understand you, but you are my sister, and I wish no harm to come to you.”
“Really? Well, thank you. You take care also.”
Phillipa gave her a tight smile, which she returned.
They were walking through the gates of the fair her family were attending today. They had two maids and a footman with them. Their father had been busy.Lucky him.
Were Zachariel or Monty here?
Last night had not gone to plan. They’d entered Madam Bolade’s and had located the Frenchwoman who worked there. With a few questions, they realized she was friends with the young girl who had been murdered outside the brothel.
She’d been scared and didn’t want to talk, but Monty had handed her some money, which helped loosen her tongue. She had told them she met with the Frenchman. He lived with three girls, Marie, Nita, and their friend Ottilie, and she had not liked him. He’d told her she could live there under his protection for a portion of any money she earned, as a bed had become available. She’d left after saying she’d think about it and had not gone back.
Francine had said he’d felt evil. She hadn’t given much of a description, only that he was tall, thin, and dark haired. But the vital piece of information she had shared was that Marie had told her there was a fourth girl who had arrived from France and had been living at Leander Lane. She had left for work one day and not returned. Julia was her name. Ottilie, Nita, and Marie had worried over what had happened to her.
Mary been about to ask another question when the door opened, and Zach had walked in.
Frozen with shock, Mary had left the talking to Monty, who had handled it like he always did by falling back into his Plunge persona.
Zach had left, and Monty and Mary soon after for fear of him trying to speak with them again.
Why had he been at Madame Bolade’s? She had a feeling it was not to participate but something more, as it had been at Lady Louise’s.
“Miss Mary Blake!”
She turned, and there Monty was, in his Lord Plunge persona. A peer who had been living a lie for many years to protect his king and country.
“Lord Plunge.” She curtseyed as beside her Phillipa and Lady Blake did the same.
“May I borrow your dear youngest daughter, my lady? I have an issue I need help with. There are bolts of satin, and I cannot—”
“Of course,” her mother said quickly. “We shall be there.” She pointed to where tea was being served. “Please bring her back to me soon. Aggie will accompany you of course.”
Phillipa sniffed and looked down her nose at Monty. “Mary has very little taste.”
“My dearest Miss Blake.” He bowed. “You are the brightest rose in a bouquet of many this day. I fear the sun did not truly begin to shine until you arrived!”
Mary bit the side of her mouth to stop from laughing.
“Yes, well, thank you,” Phillipa said stiffly. “Go on and look at your satin.”
“I have two footmen with me for safety,” he continued, undaunted by her sister’s hostile glare. “One never knows when an undesirable may get too close. I also have lavender water on my lace-edged handkerchiefs to help with any vile smells.” He smiled. “I have spares if you are in need.”
Phillipa shuddered, and her mother shooed him away from her.
