“She needed a clean sheet,” Harmony blurted out.
Mrs. Short and I looked at her.
“She just came in to ask me if I had a spare. I was about to check.” She cleared her throat and waited for Mrs. Short to move aside to let her through to the cart.
I followed, squeezing past the scowling Mrs. Short.
Harmony bent to check the contents of her cart. “I can spare one. No need to go to the linen cupboard.” She straightened. “I’ll be up in a moment to change the bed, Miss Fox.”
Mrs. Short put out her hand for the sheet. “I’ll do it.”
Harmony hesitated then went to pass her the sheet. I snatched it off her before she could.
Mrs. Short’s brows arched so steeply they almost joined her hairline. “What are you doing?”
“Changing my bed, and if you ask me why, I’ll need to speak to my uncle about your inappropriate interest in my personal affairs. Good day, Mrs. Short.”
It was immensely satisfying to see the housekeeper’s jawslacken and eyes widen. My satisfaction dissolved after hearing her scold Harmony for fraternizing with a member of the Bainbridge family.
After leavingthe clean sheet on my dressing table, I spent some time browsing the library. The small room off the main sitting room was packed full of tomes the discerning guest would like, but there wasn’t a single medical text among them. It didn’t really matter anyway, as I doubted I’d find what was wrong with Lord Wrexham’s face by searching for the symptom. It would be a near-impossible task.
I was careful when leaving the library to check the sitting room and make sure my aunt and cousin weren’t present. I didn’t want to be invited to afternoon tea. Not when I had somewhere to be by five.
Fortunately I didn’t recognize anyone, and was able to leave without being stopped. With hat, gloves and coat already in hand, I headed for the front door, only to change my mind and divert to Peter. The front desk was quiet at this time. New arrivals had already checked in for the day and most guests were either taking tea or out.
He smiled upon seeing me. “Any advances in the investigation today?”
Goliath entered the hotel and loped over. “Frank’s in a mood.”
“When is he not?” Peter muttered.
“True enough. How’s the investigation coming along, Miss Fox?”
“Slowly, but I’m glad you’re both here. Do either of you know someone who can follow Lady Wrexham for a few days? I’d pay all travel expenses and a small daily wage.”
“My little brother would do it,” Peter said.
“Shouldn’t he be in school?”
“Try telling him that.”
“I have a cousin who’d do it,” Goliath said. “Big strapping lad who can look after himself.”
Peter rolled his eyes. “Well that’s no good, is it? He’ll stand out like a giraffe.” He turned to me. “Youdon’t want someone who’ll look out of place on a Belgravia street. My brother shines shoes when he’s not making trouble. He can set up a stand near the house.”
“And if Lady Wrexham leaves when he’s got a customer?” Goliath asked.
Peter shrugged. “He’s quick on his feet. He’ll think of something.”
I gave Peter the address then headed out, waving at Frank as I passed him. I reached The Nag’s Head at five past five and spotted Mr. Adams seated alone at the same booth as last time. He looked up when I slid onto the seat opposite.
“You’re here without your chaperone, Miss Fox. Is that wise?”
“We’re in a popular pub filled with people. Why wouldn’t it be?”
He drew on his cigarette and blew the smoke towards the ceiling. “You made my master very angry today. Perhaps he’ll set someone on you to teach you a lesson.”
Was he threatening me? Warning me? Or simply toying with me? What would Harry Armitage say if he were here? I wasn’t sure, but I knew he wouldn’t be baited. I gathered up all my bravery and leveled my gaze with Mr. Adams’. “I have a task for you. Do you want to know what it is?”
