“I love my daughter, and unlike you, did not run from my responsibilities to her and the rest of our family.”
The barb struck with the accuracy of a well-aimed arrow, and Mungo clenched his fists.
There had always been guilt, but he’d justified his actions every time he’d regretted them, replaying his father’s words inside his head. But now, seeing his brother, he suddenly wasn’t so sure if he’d made the right decision.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
“Hurry,” Theo said as they reached the gate at 11 Crabbett Close, all talking at once. The door was open, so they filed through.
He’d found them on the return journey from Appleblossoms Bakers and informed them that Mungo’s brother had arrived suddenly with the news that his daughter had gone missing. This caused a stir with everyone in their small party, as they had never met any members of Mungo’s family.
“Quick, I hear raised voices,” Matilda said, ducking under Eliza’s arm as she hung the coats on the hook. “We need to find out how we can help.”
“I don’t think?—”
They fled before she could finish the sentence, with Mrs. Fletcher herding them to the parlor from behind. Eliza hesitated, unsure of her next move.
Mungo had found her in Nicholson’s Book Shop, weeping over the book her father had read to her every night as a child. She’d loved that time she’d spent with him, just the two of them examining every word and picture on the pages.
Eliza’s mother used to tease them about their nightlyritual, but it had been something she’d treasured. Then he was gone, and she’d never seen that book again until today. When she’d found it there before her on that shelf, the tears she hadn’t shed for her father in many years had come.
Mungo had been the one to find her, and she knew he thought her silly, but she didn’t care. The man was ill-mannered, but then he’d handed her a handkerchief, and she’d wanted to cry harder.Damn him.
And now, lessons were clearly going to be delayed even further today.
Eliza entered the kitchen and found Mr. Greedy in there with Mr. Dumple.
“Have you heard the news?” Mr. Greedy said. “Seems our Mungo’s brother has turned up. Been many a year since they’ve seen each other, and now they’ll need to work together to find that poor niece who is missing.”
“I’m sure they will.” Eliza didn’t comment on the fact that the news was fresh, and it was unlikely Mungo wished for people to be discussing it. She knew what Crabbett Close was like. The locals were wonderful, but fierce gossips, and nothing was kept a secret.
“When did he last see his brother?” Eliza took a biscuit from the plate Bud held out. One bite told her it would be her new favorite flavor, like most of the things created in this kitchen.
“Not in many years, I believe,” Bud said.
“Mungo left home when he was just a young lad. He and Bramstone traveled the world together,” Mr. Greedy said, as if he were in Mungo’s confidence, which he in no way was. In fact, she doubted anyone, but perhaps Bramstone Nightingale, could truly claim that.
The door to the kitchen opened, and Theo appeared. “Miss Downing, your presence is required in the parlor also.”
“I—pardon?”
“My uncle wishes you to come to the parlor.” Theo held the door open. “He says it’s urgent, Miss Downing.”
Eliza shot Bud a look, but the woman simply waved for her to follow Theo.
Brushing down her skirts, she left the kitchen. The hum of voices grew louder as they reached the parlor.
Eliza walked in before Theo and found many of the family there. Her eyes went to Bram, who smiled at her reassuringly, and then found Mungo, who looked ready to commit murder.
“Miss Downing, I’d like you to meet Mungo’s brother, Mr. Fraser.”
She dropped into a curtsey. He looked nothing like his brother. He was elegant and had a polite smile. Mungo always looked a little wild and grumpy.
“Good day to you.”
“As you probably already know, Mr. Fraser’s daughter has gone missing here in London, and we are going to find her, but I wanted to ask you something,” Bramstone said.
“Of course.”
