Lady Margaret's Mystery Gentleman by Christine Merrill

Author:Christine Merrill
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2020-10-06T17:10:40+00:00

* * *

The next day, he went to Bond Street far earlier than was needed and wandered to the side-street shop where they were to meet. He should have kept to the original schedule for it gave him far too much time to think about the fact that she might not be coming at all. Perhaps he had already ruined his chances with her and would spend the day waiting in vain.

But shortly before the appointed time, Alister Clement appeared, loitering outside the shop as David was doing. It gave him hope, for he doubted that Peg would stay at home and send her sister out alone. A short time later, Clement snapped to attention and disappeared into the shop, returning with Lady Olivia on his arm.

David waited a few moments until they were out of sight before entering the shop himself to retrieve Peg. She was there, admiring a case of painted fans, hardly recognisable under the heavy veil he had suggested she wear.

He came up beside her and touched her lightly on the arm. ‘Our coach awaits.’

She raised her head in recognition, but said nothing in response until they were shut up in the carriage and safely alone. Then, she raised her veil and turned to stare at him, her expression sombre. ‘What are your plans for the day?’

He reached into his pocket and found the letter he had written her on the previous evening, thrusting it towards her. ‘First, my apology for yesterday.’

Her eyes widened and as she read, her harsh expression eased into something warmer. When she was finished, she tapped the paper lightly against her knee. ‘This is...’

‘Insufficient. I know,’ he said. ‘There is so much more I could say.’

‘No,’ she said hurriedly, folding it and tucking it into her reticule. ‘It is fine as it is.’

He smiled, relieved. ‘That is good to know. I did not mean to offend you. And I am sorry that my friend was not more worthy of your sister’s affections. But you must believe that I am not like that.’

‘I think it will take more time for you to prove the fact to me,’ she said with a slight smile. ‘That is why I am giving you a second chance to do so.’

He relaxed back into his seat as the tension of the previous day released. ‘Thank you.’

‘Now, will you tell me our goal for the day?’ she asked, adjusting her bonnet.

‘We are going to interview a member of your brother’s club,’ he said. ‘That is why you must be veiled. We cannot have him recognising you as Scofield’s sister—for your sake and for the sake of the investigation.’

‘Of course,’ she agreed, dropping the lace back into place. They had arrived at the little house again, and he let them in using the key, escorting her to the sitting room and waiting for a knock at the door. He went to answer and returned to introduce her to the visitor.

‘This is Mr Hathaway,’ he said to Peg, offering the man no return introduction to her.

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