“I am at a particularly tense part in my latest novel, so I will retire to the parlor and read that, if you do not need me.”
“Well then, enjoy your book, and I shall ready myself to depart.”
After kissing her aunt’s cheek, she headed for the door.
“Alice.”
Turning, she found Aunt Gwen’s eyes on her.
“Are you happy, my dear?”
“Why are you asking me that?” Alice tried to make light of it, because the deep ache inside her chest told her that was never likely to happen again. Not the kind of happiness that reached every inch of her body. She could laugh and smile, and be content. But happiness? No.
“I worry about you. Charles has been gone a while now, but I fear you still feel his loss keenly.”
“He was my brother,” Alice said with more force than required.
Her aunt’s eyes softened. “I know, my love. Just as I know you loved him very much. Seeing as you had hopeless parents,you and he were very close, and I do not say that lightly, as one was my sister.”
“It’s all right, Aunt Gwen—”
“It’s not, dear. But alas, there was little I could do about it.”
“Why are we having this discussion now?”
Her aunt’s eyes looked sad. “Because I see the turmoil inside you when you believe no one is looking. I worry for you, Alice. Worry that you will never find happiness, or marry—”
“I have no wish to wed.” The words came out flat and cold.
Her aunt sighed.
“There is no need to worry about me, Aunt Gwen.” Alice softened her tone. “Really. I am fine, and happy here with you. If you are happy, that is?”
“Of course I’m happy. I live here in this wonderful townhouse with you. I get to visit with my friends. Before I came to live with you, my life was uncertain. I just worry about you, Alice.”
She went back to her aunt and hugged her close. “There really is no need. I am fine, and happy with everything, just the way it is. Now I must hurry to change, or the twins will be here, and I will not be ready.”
Her aunt rarely asked her questions like that. In fact, for the most part they just rubbed along together, sharing a house, yet doing what they wanted. Why had she asked those questions of Alice now? Had someone been talking to her? Alice hoped not; she didn’t need anyone meddling in her affairs now.
After changing, she made her way back down to the front entrance, where her butler now stood.
“A missive has arrived for you, my lady,” he said, holding it out to her.
“Thank you, Phipps.” Taking it, Alice opened it.
A man meeting the description of Kenneth Jackson entered the Black Dog in Wapping. He’s been seen there twice now, and asking plenty of questions. I will meet you there at midnight.
It could be another dead end, Alice thought, tucking the note into her reticule. Or it could lead her closer to Jackson. Either way, she would be attending, even if she must enter the Black Dog in Wapping, a place she’d never been before.
Usually, she met an informant in the small park, a ten-minute walk from here, with Ezra. Alice wondered why now she was being told to go to the alehouse?
It matters not, Alice, only that you have another lead.What she had to do now was notify Lord Stafford, or she could deal with it and speak to him tomorrow?
Then she remembered the solemn nod he’d given her when Alice had asked if he too had suffered at Blackwood Hall. He had a right to know what she’d found, just as she did to avenge her brother. She had to tell him, as he’d promised to tell her if he had a lead, as had she.
A knock sounded on the door, and Phipps opened it, and there stood Thaddeus, looking his usual well put together self.
“Imagine my shock that a Thomas twin is punctual,” Alice said.
