“I know I promised that, but in this particular circumstance, I’m essential to finding success with this scheme,” Adelaide argued. “It would look beyond suspicious if I’m not involved.” She drew in breath before she smiled. “However, I’ll swear here and now that I’ll head for home the second the salon is over and will even use one of my carriages to get there that evening instead of taking the El.”
Gideon rubbed a hand over his face because even though her plan was probably the most viable solution to getting information out of Lottie, or to flush out anyone else who wasinterested in acquiring the diary, he knew Adelaide—and knew if something could go wrong, it would.
Nevertheless, when he caught her gaze and discovered that her eyes were sparkling with anticipation, instead of telling her there was absolutely no way she was going to become actively involved with planning and hosting a book salon, he inclined his head ever so slightly.
“Excellent,” Adelaide exclaimed before she suddenly threw her arms around him and gave him a tight hug, and just like that, any thought of taking back his agreement to let her host a book salon disappeared into the chilly air.
Twenty-Six
“I’m certain I don’t need to remind you of this, Gideon, what with how many years you have vested in the intelligence world, but possessing such a miserable demeanor right before everyone arrives for an exciting new venture for the bookshop is certain to draw more than a few questions,” Adelaide said, earning a wince from Gideon before he was smiling one of his most charming smiles.
“Better?”
“If you can maintain that look once our guests arrive, certainly, although I have no idea why you’re looking so worried in the first place. You should be impressed as well as satisfied that we were able to fine-tune our plan and see it executed a mere three days after our meeting with Sophia.”
“It’s not as if we had any choice about that,” Gideon pointed out. “Camilla allotted us only three days to get everything in order, threatening to convince your mother you needed additional ball gowns made if you weren’t back to attending all the social events she scheduled for you.”
“She can be ruthless when she sets her mind to it,” Adelaide muttered before she brightened. “But since we met her deadline,I have no need to fear the horror of more fittings. And as an added bonus, because I was given a small reprieve from the frivolities of the Season, I’m sure I’ll be far more affable in general once I return to attending numerous society events per day.”
“I’m not sure you should mention that last bit to Camilla. She might take that as affirmation she was right about you not being fully committed to the plan of having society embrace you as an original.”
Adelaide waved that aside. “It’s not as if I don’t enjoy being invited to numerous events because people actually want me there instead of receiving invitations because it’s expected, given my Knickerbocker lineage.”
“I’m sure that is a novel experience for you, but I know you enjoy your bookstore more, along with being involved in a case for the accounting firm.”
“I wouldn’t think that would even be in question,” Adelaide said, smiling as her gaze traveled over the bookstore, pleasure running through her as she took in the tidiness of the shop, the gleaming surfaces of all the tables, and the scent of lemons that permeated the air. “There’s something remarkably gratifying about getting this shop in hand, although it’s not nearly to where I want it to be. I must admit I’m looking forward to starting a true renovation just as soon as the Season winds down.”
“I’m sure the Bainswrights are pleased to have left their shop in such capable hands.”
“Indeed, although selling it to me was a bittersweet moment for them.” Adelaide bent to retrieve a few books from a crate she’d packed up from her private collection and set them on the counter. “Mrs. Bainswright got rather teary when she handed over the keys to the shop after Father’s attorney went with me to settle the purchase.” Adelaide grinned. “That state didn’t last long after Mr. Bainswright announced he was taking her off to warmer shores for the entirety of the winter, followed byspring in Europe, something they’d only dreamed about but are now able to afford after selling their shop to me.”
Gideon returned the grin right as the front door opened and Vernon and Edna strolled in, followed by Leopold, with Jeromy Hopkins, William Osborne, and Clement Robards trailing after them.
“Looks like you were successful in getting the word spread,” Adelaide said.
“Only if Lottie shows up,” Gideon countered before he strode forward to greet the arrivals, barely having time to release Edna’s hand before Vernon thrust a covered dish his way.
“I know Adelaide said she was going to provide the refreshments,” Vernon said, “but my cook makes an excellent shrimp hors d’oeuvre I thought everyone would enjoy.”
“I’ll put it with the rest of the food Adelaide’s staff has set up near the biography section,” Gideon said, moving across the room to hand the dish to one of the Duveen maids who was manning a table that sported pastries, cheese, fruit, and a variety of other treats, along with beverages.
“Are refreshments going to be a regular circumstance once the store reopens for good, and we can hopefully hold regularly scheduled salons?” Clement asked, moving up next to Adelaide.
Adelaide smiled. “I believe that’ll be a given since you and I both know that once we begin discussing books, we could be here for hours.”
“Indeed we could, and speaking of books, I heard through the grapevine that you were going to be putting up some of your personal collection for sale this evening.”
“Rumor would be right about that because, yes, I am.”
“Why?”
She gave an airy wave of her hand. “I’ve decided I have too many books, and many of them are very similar in nature. Besides, books should be appreciated to their fullest, not stored on shelves where they’re not getting the attention they deserve.”She smiled. “I thought, what with the annoyance I evoked when Mr. Bainswright gave me permission to snoop in that crate and pick out a few treasures before anyone else, that I should offer all of you first access to my collection before I begin putting those books on the shelves for other customers to purchase.”
“Since you just saidyou’llbe putting books on the shelves, should I take that to mean the other rumor I heard about this shop is true and that you’ve taken over ownership from the Bainswrights?” Clement asked.
“They wanted to retire.”
“Can’t say I’m surprised about that,” William Osborne said as he moseyed up to join them. “The Bainswrights were positively ancient, and over the past few years, Mr. Bainswright was less than receptive to little suggestions we tried to impart to enhance this fine store. I know I’m not alone when I say I’m looking forward to any improvements you may care to make, Miss Duveen. If you need any assistance with tracking down suppliers to purchase books from, national or international, I’d be more than delighted to help.”
