“More or less. Lucky for them, my profession does come in handy—when they decide to acknowledge it, that is.”
“You know, I keep forgetting that you are a Sherard,” Liza said, taking the final trick.
“That’s the aim. Could prove useful to remain inconspicuous for this particular investigation,” Byron said. “They asked me to come up as soon as I can.”
Mira swallowed. “When are you leaving, then?”
He set his remaining cards on the table. “That depends on when you are able to get away from Swan Walk.”
She blinked, looking up at him. He gave her that devilish smile he always had when he thought himself particularly clever. “After all, what is a detective without his secretary?”
“Byron, you know we can’t use that excuse anymore.” She glanced over at her uncle.
“Yes, of course,” his expression softened. “You are much more than my secretary.”
A warmth bloomed in her chest and she smiled, averting her gaze.
Walker cleared his throat. “I highly doubt Uncle will allow it.”
“Oh, I don’t know,” Liza said, a twinkle in her eye. “I think it all rests on how we present the idea.”
“It sounds like you have a thought.” Walker leaned closer.
“I do, although I’m not sure you’ll like it. It involves Aunt Eleanor.”
Walker let out a rush of air. “Oh goody.”
“My mother’s family is actually from Bath. When my grandparents died they left the house to Aunt Eleanor.”
Walker frowned. “If she’s got a house in Bath, what is she doing living with you and your parents?”
“Well, last year much of the city center was under construction due to the Roman ruins found near the Grand Pump Room.”
“Roman ruins?” Byron’s eyes widened. “That sounds fascinating.”
“I’m sure it will be. They are building a museum or something over top of it so people can see the ruins. But because of the construction, society is a little less, well, sociable. And Aunt Eleanor gets so lonely, I suppose she makes excuses to visit us.”
“I can understand that,” Mira said.
“She’s been talking about going back to take the waters,” Liza continued. “So I think it would take little to convince her and Mamma to go to Bath for a short holiday. And I do believe it would be appropriate to bring a small party with us.”
“Who would make up this sociable party?” Walker asked, a smile overtaking his features.
“The four of us, of course.” Liza picked up the stray cards, stacking and straightening the deck. “We’ve been courting for several months now, Walker, and we haven’t seen much of each other in that time. It would be a good opportunity for proper socialization, with the added benefit of making more room at Swan Walk while your aunt and uncle arrange everything for the move to Spenston Park.”
“Why, Liza, that’s brilliant!” Mira laughed.
Liza tucked a stray hair behind her ear. “I know. Shall I go and ask Mamma?”
“By all means,” Byron said.
“Wish me luck,” Liza grinned at them and moved toward the other conversation, discreetly brushing out her skirt.
Walker sighed. “I didn’t think I could love her more, but shekeeps surprising me.”
“And to think, just a few months ago, you couldn’t stand her,” Mira teased.
“I think the poets were wrong. I think hate is much more blind than love.”
