The boy had not spoken with such animation since arriving in London. Had not asked for anything beyond his mother and father, whom Edward could not give him. And now here he was, planning and hoping and looking forward to something.
Because of her.
She would return. She had promised Oliver—and from the warmth of her eyes and the stubborn set of her chin, Edward knew she would keep that promise. Which meant he would see her again. Stand beside her again. Feel the pull of her presence again.
He did not know whether that prospect filled him with dread or anticipation.
He suspected, with growing unease, that it might be both.
CHAPTER 7
“This one is rather particular about teeth.” Mr. Colborne squinted at the letter in his hands, his spectacles perched on the end of his nose.
The candles in his cramped office guttered in the predawn breeze, casting wavering shadows across the stacks of paper that threatened to consume every available surface.
Sophia took the letter and scanned its contents. The applicant was a widower of forty-three, possessed of a comfortable income and a townhouse in Bloomsbury. He sought a companion of gentle disposition, moderate education, and, as Mr. Colborne had noted, excellent dental health.
“Mrs. Hartley,” Sophia said.
Mr. Colborne frowned. “The widow from Cheapside? She is hardly of his social standing.”
“He does not mention social standing.” Sophia moved to the writing desk and pulled out parchment. “He mentions gentleness. Education. Teeth. Mrs. Hartley possesses all three, and she has been seeking a match for six months without success. They will suit each other admirably.”
“But what will people say?—”
“What they say is not our concern.” Sophia dipped her quill in the inkwell. “Compatibility is our concern. Leave the gossip to the ton.”
She composed two letters: the first, to the widower, suggested a chance meeting at the botanical lecture series held each Thursday at the Royal Institution. The second, to Mrs. Hartley, encouraged her attendance at the same event.
You share more than you know with a certain gentleman of discerning taste,she wrote.Trust in the possibility of connection and let your natural warmth speak for itself.
She signed with her flourish and set down the quill.
“The sealing wax.” Mr. Colborne hovered at her elbow. “You have used the rose-scented variety. Should we not reserve that for higher-paying clients?”
“The rose-scented wax is what we have.” Sophia folded the letters and applied the seal. “And Mrs. Hartley has waited long enough. She deserves our best effort, regardless of her fees.”
Mr. Colborne sighed but did not argue. He retreated to his desk and returned with a small leather pouch. “Your payment. The new rates have proven successful, I am pleased to report. Applications have increased rather than decreased.”
Sophia took the pouch and felt its weight. Heavier than last time. Enough to make a real difference. “Thank you, Mr. Colborne.”
“Thank yourself.” He offered a rare smile. “Your instincts remain impeccable. I only wish you could take credit publicly.”
“Someday, perhaps.” She tucked the pouch into her cloak. “For now, anonymity serves us both.”
She bid him good morning and descended the creaking stairs. The street below lay quiet, the first light of dawn beginning to soften the darkness. She pulled her hood low and walked quickly, her destination fixed in her mind like a splinter she could not remove.
Drakeston’s townhouse loomed at the end of a fashionable street, its facade as respectable as its owner pretended to be.
Sophia circled to the back entrance and knocked twice.
A servant appeared, his face carefully blank. He recognized her. They all did, by now. He stepped aside without a word and led her through the servants’ corridors to a study at the rear of the house.
“Wait here.” He closed the door behind him.
Sophia stood in the center of the room, unwilling to sit, unwilling to touch anything. The study smelled of old tobacco and something sour beneath it. Ledgers lined the shelves. A portrait of a stern-faced woman hung above the fireplace, her painted eyes following Sophia across the room.
The door opened.
