Temperance’s eyes widened. “She’s not having a tantrum as well, is she?”
“Mrs. Davenport isn’t the tantrum type. She embraces a more attack-you-with-guilt strategy, something that, in my humble opinion, is just as effective as physical violence.”
“Too right you are,” Temperance agreed. “My cousin’s wife, Fanny Flowerdew, married to Wayne Flowerdew if that was in question, is a master with using guilt. Why, if I had a penny for all the times she reminded me that it’s because of her generosity I have a roof over my head, I’d be a rich woman and wouldn’t need to accept their charity.”
“We wallflowers do seem to bear some difficult burdens at times.”
“I wish I could disagree with that, but no truer words have ever been said.” Temperance readjusted her hat, tugged the wide strap that was attached to her bag higher on her shoulder, and sent Gertrude a nod. “I won’t keep you. And no need to worry that I’ll bother Mrs. Davenport. I was actually here to speak with you, but it’s not a matter of grave importance, so perhaps we can make arrangements to meet at a later date.”
“Since you’ve never sought me out before, you obviously have a matter ofsomeimportance to speak with me about, so perhaps you’d care to walk with me to the nearest hansom cab. I’m more than happy to share my cab with you if you need a ride back home.”
Entwining her arm with Temperance’s, and not wanting to linger another second on the front stoop because she didn’t want Mrs. Davenport to burst outside and deliver a speech she’d probably already composed—one that would undoubtedly be filled with emotional pleas to cajole Gertrude into remaining her companion—Gertrude steered them down the steps. It wasn’t until they reached the corner, though, that she realized Temperance seemed to be dragging her feet.
“Am I walking too fast for you?” Gertrude asked, slowing her steps.
“Your pace is fine, it’s just that I don’t have funds with me to pay my share of a hansom cab,” Temperance admitted.
“How did you get here then?”
“I walked, and before you look more horrified than you do right now, know that I enjoy walking. It’s very good for a lady’s constitution.”
“A notion I should take to heart since I’ve recently decided I need to pursue more active endeavors, but for today, and because it will allow you an opportunity to tell me why you sought me out, we’ll enjoy a hansom carriage, the fare paid for by Mrs. Davenport.” Gertrude smiled. “It’s the least she can do for all the trouble she’s causing me.”
Not allowing Temperance an opportunity to argue, Gertrude tightened her grip on Temperance’s arm and plowed forward, keeping up a brisk pace until they reached the next block. To her relief, especially since she was becoming a little winded, an entire line of hansom cabs came into view.
“Doesn’t Mrs. Davenport keep a carriage in the city?” Temperance asked as Gertrude directed them toward the cabs.
“She does, but this is one of those occasions where I feel drawn to use a public form of transportation. Mrs. Davenport owns somewhat distinctive carriages, barouches, buggies, and even a delivery wagon or three, and because of their distinctive characteristics, it’s for the best if I’m not seen exiting one of those today.”
Temperance stopped walking. “You do realize you’re being annoyingly vague, don’t you, and somewhat mysterious now that I think about it.”
Gertrude took a second to rub a stitch that was forming in her side, brought on, no doubt, by practically galloping down the street. “Forgive me, I know I’m not being very forthcoming. However, the reason why I can’t use Mrs. Davenport’s carriages would be best left unexplained. In all honesty, the less you know about where I’m going, or the tricky task that’s ahead of me, the better.”
Temperance flipped up the brim of her hat, narrowing her eyes at Gertrude. “I’m far less delicate than you think.”
Gertrude could feel the very corners of her mouth begin to curve. “Are you, now?”
A jerk of her head was Temperance’s first response before she drew herself up. “I realize you’re only familiar with the meek and timid Temperance Flowerdew, but I was not always timid, and certainly not meek. I’ve recently decided to abandon my mantle of meekness and resume the demeanor I once possessed, one that allowed me to experience a life of adventure. That right there is exactly why I’m going to insist you allow me to travel to whatever destination you’ve got in mind, no matter how tricky the situation may turn out to be.”
Gertrude’s lips stopped curving at once. “You’ll do no such thing. I would never be comfortable involving you, even with that past life of adventure you claim to have led, into what amounts to nothing less than a bit of skullduggery on Mrs. Davenport’s behalf.”
The second those words left her mouth, Gertrude longed to call them back. Temperance was looking more determined than ever, and she was striding off in the direction of the hansom cabs.
“I’m definitely coming with you now,” Temperance called over her shoulder right before she broke into a run, reached the first hansom cab, then jumped inside before the driver could get down from his seat and get the door for her.
Wondering what Temperance would do if she simply chose another cab and left her friend behind, Gertrude’s wondering came to an abrupt end when Temperance leaned out of the still-open door.
“If you’ll recall, Gertrude, I’m currently without funds, so unless you want me to end up in debtor’s prison because I can’t pay the fare for this cab, you’ll put all thoughts of leaving me behind aside.”
“The world’s gone mad,” Gertrude mumbled before she walked over to the hansom cab, assured the driver she was in possession of funds, gave him directions to the docks, then climbed into the cab and took a seat directly beside Temperance because the cab only offered one bench seat. Taking a firm hold of the strap above her head, she held on tight as the cab lurched into motion.
“This is so exciting, my first adventure in what feels like forever,” Temperance said, folding her hands demurely in her lap as the cab trundled down the road. “However, since I did insinuate myself into your situation against your wishes, do feel free to withhold the location of our final destination.” She smiled. “That will be my punishment for being so forward.”
“Since we’re traveling in a hansom cab that has windows on either side, it’s not going to come as much of a surprise to you when it pulls to a stop down on the docks. Although, just so we understand each other, you will remain in the cab while I go about the daunting business of dealing with a most delicate matter, and on that point I will hear no argument.”
“You can’t go strolling about the docks on your own.”
Gertrude rolled her eyes. “I’m not going to be strolling the docks. It’s more a case of my returning to a certain ship and retrieving something Mrs. Davenport apparently left on board the other night.”
