“Gordon would sometimes come with a man we assumed to be powerful, but we never found out his name.”
“I hope you’re not lying, because there will be consequences,” Daniel grunted. “We were told that we’d find Gordon here, and we found an almost empty place. It seems to be a shady place for shady people striking shady deals. The man can’t simply disappear from what seems to be his nest. Who pays him?”
“W-we never got the name,” the man responded, still looking petrified. Daniel wondered if the thug was truly afraid of him or afraid of what would happen if he pointed his fingers at Moses Gordon and his client. “I—I swear on my mother’s life, that is all I know. Whatweknow.”
Frustration bloomed hot in Daniel’s chest. Looking at the man, logic told him that the thug was telling the truth. Still, it was difficult to accept.
The trail was still hot, but for how long?
The following morning was bright and hopeful for Lucy. At least, it felt that way when the sun rays streamed into her room. She was standing before her mirror, breathing in, while her maid Anna laced up her stays.
“I am almost done, My Lady,” Anna murmured, her fingers skillful and practiced as she pulled.
Without warning, the door swung open. Both women gasped.
Lucy quickly pressed her gown to her chest as Joshua casually entered the room.
“Joshua!” she exclaimed, blushing furiously. “I am not yet fully dressed. You must wait in the hallway.”
Her brother did not leave her room. Instead, he remained there, looking unperturbed.
“Nonsense, Lucy. We are siblings, and I’ve known you since you were a babe. There’s no need for such modesty around me, especially since you are almost ready for your outing with the Duchesses of Hawksford and Wolfcrest.”
Indeed, Lucy planned to shop with Victoria and Daphne. She had chosen a soft, pale gown which flattered her figure. She was quite pleased with her selection, but her brother’s lip curled as he looked at her.
“You cannot possibly wear that,” he said sullenly.
Her brow furrowed. “Why ever not? It is one of my best and newest gowns.”
“You need something more modest,” he replied, crowding her personal space. “Your dress will attract every passing rake. However, if you want to attract a genuine suitor, you must show your virtue and your intellect. What better way to do it than with a more modest gown?”
“Still, the weather does not warrant such a dress, Joshua. Victoria will certainly advise me to wear something lighter, like the dress I am wearing now,” she protested quietly.
“Your friend is quite flamboyant, and she can afford to do so as a married woman,” Joshua argued. “But you—you are a Coulson. People will find ways to suggest anything scandalous about you. The gray high-neck gown is a perfect choice.”
“B-but it’s too drab and heavy. I will be a melting?—”
“Not drab. Dignified,” Joshua interrupted, giving her a wide smile.
She noted that his smile never quite reached his eyes. What was going on with him?
“You should show them that you are a woman of substance. Go on, Anna. Fetch Lady Lucy the gray silk dress.”
The maid had no option but to go fetch the dress.
Lucy felt trapped. Earlier, she felt a bit of hope, with the promise of the sun warming her skin as she and the twins walked around town. However, her brother’s overprotectiveness had crushed it yet again. It was suffocating, leaving her with no choice but to obey.
As Victoria’s carriage stopped in front, Lucy was already wrapped in the dress that made her feel heavy with grief. She tried not to pull at the high collar, which was scratchy.
“Good heavens!” Victoria exclaimed as soon as Lucy joined her in the carriage. She was positively glowing from pregnancy, while Lucy looked pale and miserable. “Why are you dressed for a funeral? You’d melt soon in this weather!”
“I believe we should think of what we are shopping for and not what I am wearing. I do feel a little chilly,” Lucy lied.
Victoria narrowed her eyes at her. Lucy knew full well that she could never really deceive her friend.
“You might be right, Lucy. We should focus on what we are shopping for.”
The dressmaker’s shop at least cheered Lucy a bit. It was a beautiful sanctuary of lovely pastels, with the fabrics smelling heavily of perfume. Madame Cecile hovered around them, ready to provide them with assistance.
