AJ studies me for a moment, those roguish eyes holding me captive. Then a smile spreads across his face. “A peacock.”
“What?” My thoughts struggle to pivot.
“Yes! That’s it. I’ve been trying to decide what your gown is meant to be. It’s the colors of a peacock, isn’t it?”
Unease twists within my ribcage and it suddenly feels imperative to have an answer. “You never—”
“And that brooch. What a stunner. You must have worked hard to earn such a piece.”
“It was a gift from Lady St. Laurent. But AJ, won’t you—”
Then the server is at my elbow, offering tea with a smoky flavor. “Lapsang Souchong, my lady?” The private matter cools in the presence of a stranger.
“Rather strong, isn’t it?” AJ’s smile is enormous.
It bothers me a bit, that smile. I cannot recall why. What were we talking about?
“You’ll want milk and honey with it, luv,” says AJ.
“More honey, then,” says our server. “Fetch you anything else, my lady?”
My lady. AJ calls me that.
Why are my thoughts so scattered? They’re like dandelion fluff on the wind. “No, thank you. This is perfectly fine.” Oh. Yes. My questions.
The server pours us each a cup and leaves with a quick bow.
“AJ.”
There’s a small crack in the merriment on his face. “Chimney sweep, errand boy, night watchman, beadle, turnkey, and in a pinch, organ grinder. Yes, with a monkey. That’s most of my illustrious working career, and yes, I can provide references if my lady should desire.”
My cheeks flame. I cannot tell if he’s irritated or amused.
The server returns and places a cream jug on the table directly into the thick tension between us, then scurries away. We are silent as we sip, and AJ looks out over the tearoom.
When I’ve finished mine, AJ says, “There. Now you have something for your memory book.” A gentle smile. “You’re a veritable encyclopedia of teas now.”
“I suppose so.” I gift him with a smile. “Although, I believe today’s entry will focus on shocking poor Eleanor.”
AJ flicks an expertly furtive glance her way. They’re whispering. That twit Eleanor is whispering to the other servers and looking at me. Atus, actually.
“I do believe she’s eyeing your brooch with the look of a viper.”
I place my hand over it, remembering the Christmas Lady St. Laurent gifted it to me—and thus, gifted me a place in her family. “Let her be jealous. I’m wearing it.”
“Until it tears that thin fabric.” He lifts it, testing its weight. “Might I put it in my pocket to keep it safe? It must be worth more than two qu—”
“I shan’t hide it away on her account. Nor do I care what it’s worth. Besides, it isn’t the brooch.” I smile at him. “I’m afraid she’s eyeing the strange man who intercepted my long wait for a missing husband.”
AJ’s eyebrow rises playfully. “Scandalizing the town, are we?”
I think of the post office. “You have no idea.”
“Well, then. We—”
“Of course! AJ! There’s one place that will have to know where to find Dunn House. Come, let’s visit the post office again.”
“Again?”
