The man was tall like Gray. He wore black trousers and a gray jacket. Under his arm, he held his hat. He was also very handsome. But Ellen did not feel her heart flutter like she experienced when Gray was nearby.
“I was riding past and saw you come in here with a lady on your heels. I felt it necessary to follow.”
The man pushed Gray in the shoulder, and he stepped back, leaving room for him to enter.
“Good day. I don’t believe we had time to become acquainted when we met briefly at Gray’s house. I am Mr. Hellion.” He bowed. “This idiot’s cousin.”
“Miss Nightingale.” Gray waved a hand her way.
“You have a lot of family for a man who does not seem to want any,” Ellen said.
Ramsey barked out a laugh. “He’s always been uptight. Does he still do the even number thing and have a passion for uniformity?”
She nodded. “We just took tea, and he had to—”
“Yes, thank you, that will do,” Gray said, shooting her a mock glare. “Why are you in this neighborhood, Ram?”
“Appleblossoms Bakers is the only one in London who has perfected apricotines.”
“You’ve been back in London less than a month. How is it you know this?” Gray asked.
“Delores Fancy is Mother’s maid. She told her about them, and as I am my mother’s favorite son—”
“Only son,” Gray interrupted.
“She, of course, informed me, and I had to test Delores’s claim in saying they were the best. As it turns out, I am pleased to assure her they are.” Ramsey Hellion slapped his hat against his thigh as he talked. “What has you both in here?” The man’s eyes went from his cousin to Ellen, and she saw the speculation.
“Investigating,” Gray said.
“Really? That’s exciting. Can I assist you in any way?”
Gray pinched his nose. He didn’t even want Ellen here but needed her. The man liked to work alone, that much she knew.
“Are you a detective, Ram?”
His cousin smiled. “No indeed, Gray, but I’m sure I could be a civilian aiding you in your investigations like Miss Nightingale. Because while I know we are making advancements, I doubt a woman in Scotland Yard is one of them.”
“I would make an excellent detective,” Ellen said.
“Oh, I’m sure you would, Miss Nightingale,” Ramsey added.
“I’m Ellen,” she added.
“Ramsey.”
“If you two are quite finished,” Gray gritted out.
“Quite,” Ramsey said with a wide smile, and Ellen thought he had perfected the art of annoying his cousin over the years they’d spent together. Ellen found she liked Gray’s cousin very much.
“Is there any chance at all that you will leave? This is a murder scene, Ramsey.”
“And Ellen is helping you?”
“She is.” Gray didn’t offer more.
“Very well, I shall step next door and purchase some apricotines and sit on the doorstep like a forlorn child until you are finished being officious.”
Ellen giggled as he headed back out the door, whistling.
