Though he could also be wrong. His mother and those in her circle thought him proper as well, but when in private with a woman he wanted, all propriety disappeared. Except, those experiences were with women who were far from proper, which begged the question once again, what would Miss Cordelia be like in the throes of passion or was she too controlled to allow her to experience such?
He shouldnotbe thinking about an innocent miss in such a way.
Miss Cordelia would be a neighbor and possibly friend. A helper to Ianthe andthat was all.
Their first stop was Grayson Inn and Stables. “If anyone is new to the area, they likely come here first as it is the coaching inn,” Miss Cordelia explained. “They may even take rooms, though there are two other inns, and we will visit those as well.” The three of them entered and Miss Cordelia made the introduction and then went about asking if anyone new had arrived.
Mr. Grayson seemed suspicious and said that he couldn’t provide that information.
“Why would anyone visit here,” Miss Adriana whined. “There are far more exciting places to be than Bocka Morrow.”
Her words seemed to erase some of Mr. Grayson’s suspicions.
“I was simply curious.” Miss Cordelia shrugged. “Good day, Mr. Grayson. Adriana and I will now show Lord Bentford the rest of Bocka Morrow since he will now be living here and is unfamiliar.”
“Have a pleasant day,” he called after them.
“You know Grayson wouldn’t tell you if the most exciting person in England had arrived at his inn,” Miss Adriana chastised.
“Who would be the most exciting person?” Damon found himself asking.
“The Prince Regent, of course,” she answered. “Though he’s probably not even heard of Bocka Morrow and if he had, would never visit.”
Damon knew Prinny and preferred that he not visit. With Prinny came an entire entourage of people. Though Damon enjoyed himself when in their company, they would expect to remain at Nightshade Manor instead of an inn if they knew he was in residence, which Damon could not allow and would thus be out of favor with the future king.
His life had certainly changed when he became a guardian, though it hadn’t hindered his enjoyment found outside of the home all that much. Now that they were in Bocka Morrow, his life would likely resemble more a monk than anything else.
The Vail sisters pointed out the various shops along one side of the street as they strolled to the docks, but they didn’t go into any of them and only stopped when they reached theCrown and Anchor, which was the ale house Edward had mentioned. He took a step toward the door but both Miss Cordelia and Miss Adriana held back.
“You go on, we will wait out here,” Miss Cordelia insisted.
Of course, proper misses should not visit ale houses, and he shouldn’t have even thought to do so while they were with him.
“Those who are bent more toward illegal trade and who are not necessarily pleasant gather here,” Miss Adriana explained.
Their reputations would likely be ruined if they entered; however, Damon would return later because if there was someone coming to Bocka Morrow to do his family harm, they’d more than likely be found here.
“The Mermaid’s Kiss is a local inn, and their taproom serves a nicer clientele,” Cordelia offered.
Now that he knew where the three inns were located, he would be visiting each, though it was likely theCrown and Anchorwould be the place he visited most.
They turned and made their way up the opposite side of the street, but again, they did not enter any establishment until they reachedThe Hourglass.This is where Miss Adriana could obtain her cream and she entered ahead of him.
“Other than the inns, Brighid also knows when there are new arrivals to Bocka Morrow and learns who they are.”
Such wasn’t a surprise since witches were always in fear of discovery. Damon held the door for Miss Cordelia and followed her into the apothecary.
Brighid studied the two of them with interest, and he recalled her earlier attempt at matchmaking.
However, before he could ask about strangers after they reached the counter, the witch took his hand and stared into his eyes.
A chill ran up his spine. She had the sight, of that he had no doubt. Few witches possessed such, but Damon had the feeling she could see right into his heart and soul.
“You believe you want one thing when it is another that you need.”
Save him from well-meaning Romanis and witches who spoke in riddles.
“How is that?” he asked.
