Lissa looked in the window to see what appeared to be both a seamstress and milliner’s shop. “Please, go ahead. I can wait here with Mr. Taylour.”
Mrs. Kingman frowned, clearly not happy with the arrangement.
Anthony held his hand out to the large window of the shop. “Might I suggest that Mademoiselle Lissette and I stand here, so I can be sure she is safe, and you can still be in view of both ladies?”
“An excellent idea, Mr. Taylour. Thank you.” Mrs. Kingman gave Anthony a grateful smile and motioned to Ellie to follow her inside.
Happy to have Anthony to herself, Lissa looked up at him. “That was most ingenious. Now perhaps you can tell me what progress you have made on Lord Weaponeer.” She kept her voice lowered, not wishing any passerby to hear.
Anthony chuckled then waited as a person did, in fact, walk by. “I do like that name, though I’m not sure it applies as of yet. But I have made some interesting observations, one of which I would appreciate your insight on.”
Thrilled that his investigation moved forward, she nodded. “What can I help you with?”
He looked across the street, then behind him before glancing past her and finally answering. “He left a cobbler shop with a large, odd-shaped package, and while I do not know that it was a weapon, I also don’t know that it was not, but I have tried to think of what it could be and have nothing to compare it to. It was definitely not a new pair of hessians.”
This sounded promising. “Please. Tell me what it looked like.”
“It was round like a parasol, but instead of having a long handle, it was half that length and pressed the outside paper in a cylindrical fashion. From the way he carried it, I would say it was not light, perhaps as heavy as a wall shield. Do you know of any weapons that fit that description?”
As she thought of what it could be, she noticed Ellie inside exclaiming over a hat, which would no doubt be purchasedforthwith. “It could be a shield, but the protruding element doesn’t fit. I will definitely need to research this.”
Instead of being disappointed, he grinned. “I’m very pleased that you are willing to do so. I have many avenues I’m pursuing, which take most of my time.”
That he had then taken time from his tasks to escort her to Talley on the Green meant that much more. “We are friends and we aid each other in our pursuits, do we not?”
“Indeed, we do. In fact, as soon as your instructor and classmate exit, I suggest we go to the Woodcock Inn for refreshments. It will be an opportune time to further your personal goal. I know many of the tradesmen in town, and already spoke to the vicar to understand who might best suit your needs.”
She greatly appreciated how seriously he took her goal, but she wrinkled her nose at him. “It’s me, remember? You can state simply that you determined who was wealthy enough for my grandmother.”
“I stand corrected. I am still adjusting to thinking of you as I always have instead of a lady of breeding, which is particularly difficult when you look so lovely in that dress and bonnet. I have no doubt that you will draw the attention of many a gentleman.”
She sighed. Though she understood, she didn’t like it. It must be why he was acting the gentleman. “Remember, I do not seek a gentleman, just a wealthy man.”
He gave her a short bow. “I will keep that in mind, my lady.”
At his address, she opened her mouth to curse at him when she noticed the laughter in his eyes. Nowthatwas the Anthony she’d always known. But before she could reply in kind, Mrs. Kingman exited the shop with Ellie.
“Oh, Lissette, I found the most perfect gift for the duchess.” Ellie touched her own bonnet. “It’s a hat with little paper bookson it! They will deliver it on the morrow. It will be a surprise, so please do not say anything at dinner.”
“I will keep your secret. I promise.”
Mrs. Kingman looked upon Ellie with affection. “It truly is perfect for Her Grace. Mr. Taylour, I do believe you said something about cocoa?”
“Indeed I did.” Anthony gestured toward the end of the street. “If we continue in this direction, we will come upon the Woodcock Inn.”
“Then let us go there directly. I find I’m quite parched.” Mrs. Kingman took Ellie’s arm, and they moved forward. Lissa took Anthony’s offered arm, and they followed.
As they entered the dining room, she could see there were private rooms off it and hoped they would not be secluded. Fortunately, Anthony made the arrangements and they were soon seated at a table, cocoa and rout cakes ordered.
Mrs. Kingman looked about. “This establishment is the most crowded we’ve seen today.”
“It always is at this time.” Anthony nodded toward the room. “It is where much business is conducted. I believe your husband has come here on occasion, Mrs. Kingman.”
Mrs. Kingman’s eyes widened. “He has?”
Anthony nodded sagely as he sat straighter in his chair. “Yes, I have seen Mr. Kingman here. He has an excellent reputation among all.” He nodded toward a table in the corner. “There are two people your husband regularly does business with, as one is the silversmith and the other is a purveyor of scents. Both are quite well established and comfortable. I imagine that has much to do with your husband’s success.”
“Oh.” Mrs. Kingman, who was only recently married, seemed quite impressed. “Is there anyone else he does business with here?”
