Infernal Vices (Resurrectionist Book 3) by Isobel Starling

Author:Isobel Starling [Starling, Isobel]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Decent Fellows Press
Published: 2024-08-23T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 17

MR. MOUNTJOY

Sunday 27th February 1898

After our dalliance at my club some two months ago, Sebastian left a note on the pillow which said:

If you need to correspond for any reason write a note addressed to Mr. Mountjoy and have a runner leave it with a reception clerk at Claridges. It will find my hand.

I respected his need to work and so had used this way of communication only once. But now, after his prolonged absence, I began to worry.

Claridges Hotel had reopened a year ago after its original premises on Brook Street, Mayfair were demolished in 1894 to make way for the new building. It was now a five-star affair and sister to the Savoy. I still did not know how addressing a letter to an unknown man at Claridges would lead to it reaching Sebastian, but events were proceeding that he needed to know about. Or at least this is what I told myself as I penned the letter. I knew in my heart of hearts that I missed him terribly, and if there was anything I could do to bring him back to me, I would do it. And so I tasked a runner to take the letter to Mr. Mountjoy at Claridges and sent up a prayer of hope it would find my lover’s hand.

****

Another day passed with no word from Sebastian and I did not understand the silence. I was already riddled with doubt and confusion. Had I done something wrong? Was Sebastian in trouble? Was he even in the country? So much about him was still a mystery to me. I went about my work day in a daze unable to shift the feelings of unease. It was not like him to be incommunicado for so long.

Today I had a meeting with my accountant at half past twelve. I decided to walk instead of taking a hack. It was a pleasant first day of March and arriving on foot would help me blow away the mental cobwebs.

I left my office with plenty of time to spare so I could take a shortcut through Grosvenor Square Gardens and enjoy the gifts of nature. My heart lifted at hearing the birds singing in the trees and observing the joyful spring crocuses, in violet, yellow and white popping their heads up and embracing the sun. I thanked God for this blessed day and tried my best to adjust my anxious headspace. I was being ridiculous. Sebastian was clearly busy and would come to me when he could. He said he loved me, and I loved him dearly in return. Sebastian had revealed his heart to me and I could not dare consider his affection to be a falsehood. I scolded myself, for I really should be more trusting.

I walked along the wide path and observed nannies from the aristocratic houses that lined Grosvenor Square pushing perambulators or walking with their boisterous charges. I smiled as a little girl with hair as black as night paused to sniff the spring flowers.

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