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“Certainly not. I should call you whatever you prefer. I shall see you in an hour, then,” he said, standing then leaving, as if all had been decided.

It had not been. He did not need assistance. And he had not expected to see Miss Orris Gray ever again.

Plans changed, though. All the time, it seemed.

Chapter Thirteen

Samuel had come in excited, the tap of his boots echoing down the hallway. He had run into the salon where Orris, her sisters, and cousin were seated. “I have news, family. I shall assist Mr. Fain, after all. On my own,” he said.

“If I did not know any better, I should believe you are on the verge of fits, Husband,” Myrtle chided with a slight tilt of her head to the side.

He swallowed hard before straightening the fine, embellished lapels of his jacket. Pulling on his lapels, he smirked at Myrtle. She was seated on the settee, her smile bright as she surveyed him. Love radiated from them both, even when they teased one another.

“I am simply happy to assist someone in locating their lost friend. Anyone should be excited over such an endeavor.”

“I can appreciate your enthusiasm, Husband. Shall we change into our investigation attire?” Myrtle chided.

Orris stood from her seat on the lounge, clasping her hands in front of her. She was thrilled to help Mr. Fain, but Myrtle was right. They should all go along to assist. “Thank you, Samuel. I hope this means we can go along with you on this outing.”

“No, that is not what I said. I am going to help him. I will bring back information to you both,” Samuel said, arms over his chest, as if he were not going to hear any debates on the topic.

“How does this make sense, Brother?” Orris protested. “If we all go, we can help find the man sooner.”

Samuel frowned. “If your mother knew you were out on the streets asking questions, she would, justifiably, be furious. No, it is better if you do not jeopardize your good names by being seen in the seedier parts of the city. I should hardly blame her.”

It was as if Mama had possessed him. She was surely speaking, though utilizing his mouth and vocal cords. “I think I have proved how resourceful I can be in helping. Last year, I was part of Myrtle’s plans to find the person responsible for murdering Melody Wesleigh.”

“She was, indeed,” Myrtle said.

Violetta piped up from her needlework. “Please, all of you. Listen to reason. This season, I should like to be married. I do not want our name tarnished by anything unseemly.”

She had been wholly forgotten, at least by Orris, since she knew her sister had only grown more resistant to such unsavory things as stepping even marginally outside societal rules. She was only interested in teas and balls and suitors. She didn’t even read anymore.

“Violetta, I believe we are all aware of your concerns,” Orris said. “Wrinkling your dress. If you remain home, that should not be an issue.”

“Rather my dress than my reputation,” Violetta snapped.

Orris winced, realizing she would have to deal with the mounting tension between them. Trying to control the tremble in her chin, she blinked away. Then again, she thought, was she even ready to hear the reason? If she could say such a thing in front of others, what would Violetta hurl at her in private?

“All right, both of you. We will stay home and allow Samuel to bring us back information. If we are needed to lend a hand or help hunt the missing man down, we shall be available, shall we not?” Myrtle was becoming more adept at defusing arguments, even if she was not a full-time resident with her sisters.

Their statements crashed together. “Fine,” Orris said.

“Fine by me,” Violetta blurted out, shifting away from Orris on the lounge.

“Very well,” Samuel said. He did not appear appeased by the compromise. At least he was not protesting outright.

Orris could deal with that.

“Good,” said Myrtle. “Now, we shall go change. I am going with Samuel, but dinner will be served in a short while. You all should go change as well.”

Orris nodded in agreement.

“It’s dinner time already?” Gladys had hardly said a word until now, her nose stuck in a novel. Likely one of the romantic variety. “Orris, do you mind if I borrow another gown for tonight? The modiste says it will take some time for my new wardrobe. Thankfully, she believes the dresses will be complete before the next ball, this coming Saturday. And we are to go to the pleasure gardens, soon. Perhaps I will not be so dependent on the kindness of family.”

“Yes, please. I have not worn half the clothes. They shall be put to good use,” Orris said, not truly caring about anything other than finding Mr. Fain’s friend.

“Now that that is settled, we shall retire for a time. See you all at dinner,” Myrtle said, grabbing Samuel’s arm and leading him to the door.