by C. J. Archer
He piled his plate with sausage, boiled eggs, bacon and toast from the sideboard and poured himself a cup of coffee. He smacked his lips as he sat down. “Delicious.”
He seemed in no hurry to give his report. Going by his tired appearance, the night had been a busy one.
Willie, however, was in no mood to wait for him to finish eating. To her credit, she did wait until he’d eaten a sausage before asking if Bunn and Amelia had been caught.
He licked sausage grease off his lips then dabbed at the corners of his mouth with exaggerated care. Next came a sip of coffee, a clearing of his throat, and another sip.
We held our breaths, waiting for him to speak, but Willie cracked before he did.
“Jasper! Have they been caught?”
“Not yet,” he said, quite oblivious to the frustration he’d caused. “But I’m sure they haven’t left the city. My men questioned staff at all the main railway stations and the docks, and no one matching their descriptions has been seen. We’ll catch them soon, Willie. It’s just a matter of time.”
Brockwell left after breakfast. Willie walked him to the door where he pecked her cheek and waved goodbye, just like a husband heading off to work for the day. It was all rather domestic, yet Willie had no idea. I would not be the one to tell her.
I made Christmas decorations with Aunt Letitia after breakfast. I avoided all conversation about the kidnapping so as not to upset her, and I was grateful she didn’t ask any questions about it. I wasn’t even entirely sure she knew Willie had been kidnapped.
“I must write some Christmas cards this week,” she said as she cut out felt angels. “Remind me to send Richard and Beatrice’s to Rycroft Hall.”
“They’re leaving London?” I asked.
“In three days, so her letter tells me. She invited me to go with them, but I’d rather stay here with you and Matthew.”
“That’s very sweet of you to say, thank you. We’re happy to have you. It’ll be our first Christmas together.”
She held up her garland of angels. “And what a wonderful time we will have in the city. I will miss the countryside, though. It’s quite lovely at this time of year with the frost on the lawn. Not that I venture outside much in winter, so I suppose it doesn’t really matter where I am, as long as the company is good.” She pulled a face. “Being cooped up with Beatrice, Richard and Charity all day, day after day, is quite a challenge for my nerves. The house is large but not large enough.”
I couldn’t help my chuckle.
“India, do you really think Charity told the Masons about Catherine and Cyclops?”
“Who else can it be?” I said.
“Who indeed.” She clicked her tongue. “Horrid girl. It’s no wonder she hasn’t found a husband.”
Bristow entered and announced Lord Farnsworth was here. “I asked if he wanted to be taken to Mr. Glass’s study, but he said he wishes to see the ladies of the house.”
“Show him in then fetch Willie.” I wasn’t sure I could stand a dose of Lord Farnsworth with only Aunt Letitia to lean on. He seemed to prefer Willie’s company anyway.
Lord Farnsworth entered and bowed. “Good morning, ladies. What a lovely day it is.”
Aunt Letitia glanced at the window. “It’s raining.”
“Sleeting, in fact, yet lovely, nevertheless. I find any day where I am breathing to be marvelous.”
“I quite agree, my lord.”
I wasn’t sure if Aunt Letitia was humoring him or entirely genuine. She seemed immune to his ridiculousness, but that could have been because he was a lord and she believed civility to members of the upper class was imperative for keeping the world from descending into chaos.
On the other hand, she could be civil towards him to ensure he felt welcomed enough to return frequently. It wouldn’t surprise me if she had her sights set on him marrying Charity, and these little visits were her way of sowing the seeds.
Willie entered and Aunt Letitia put her decorations down and bestowed a smile on her. “Look who it is, Willemina. Aren’t we fortunate to have Lord Farnsworth here this morning? Tell him how much we enjoy his company.”
“We enjoy your company,” Willie said, taking a seat.
I narrowed my gaze at Aunt Letitia as she smiled at Willie then turned it onto Lord Farnsworth. Neither of them noticed, but it rather knocked the wind out of my sails. If Aunt Letitia was considering Willie as a potential wife for Lord Farnsworth, she was going to be disappointed. It was obvious they were merely friends. I would have to warn Aunt Letitia not to try to match them. Willie’s romantic life was complicated enough.
“Tell his lordship what you’ve been up to, Willemina,” she said.
Willie froze. She glanced at me and I froze too. It would seem Aunt Letitia knew about the kidnapping after all.
“Willemina,” she said tightly. “Tell him how you have been spying on Charity.”
Willie and I both relaxed.
“Spying?” Lord Farnsworth cried. “For any particular reason or simply because you didn’t have my company to occupy your time?”
Willie grinned, earning a nod of satisfied approval from Aunt Letitia. Good lord, she was considering matching them.
Willie told him about Cyclops and Catherine, and Charity’s interest in Cyclops and the trouble this had caused in the past. “I’m trying to find out if it’s true that she informed Catherine’s family,” she finished.
“Any luck?” he asked.
“Not yet.”
“They’re leaving for the countryside soon,” I told her.
Willie was considering this news when Aunt Letitia piped up. “Willemina wore a dress.”
Lord Farnsworth threw his head back and laughed.
Willie glared at Aunt Letitia, but Aunt Letitia barreled on, heedless of the fire she’d lit. “She looked very fetching in it. Very elegant indeed. Quite the sophisticated lady.”
Lord Farnsworth pressed his lips together and nodded along, trying not to let another burst of laughter escape. The effort made his eyes water.
“Does anyone else think Charity would improve if she had a hobby?” I said quickly to distract everyone from the topic of Willie in a dress. “I think the reason she’s so interested in Cyclops is because she considers him dangerous, even though he’s very sweet.”
“You mean she’s bored,” Lord Farnsworth said, having recovered from his laughing spell. “That could be the problem. I know I crave dangerous friendships when I’m bored. That’s why I enjoy Willie’s company.”
Willie looked pleased. “I’m dangerous?”
“You do carry a gun. And your cutting remarks at the card table invite danger from time to time when uttered to an opponent with no sense of humor.”
Willie all but preened.
“I have a proposal,” Lord Farnsworth went on.
Aunt Letitia sat forward. “You do?”
“Why don’t I look into the Charity problem?”
Aunt Letitia sat back with a sigh.
“What do you mean ‘look into?’” I asked carefully.
“I’ll question the staff, delicately of course. My rank opens doors, so it won’t be difficult.”
Willie screwed up her nose. “That won’t work on servants. They’re more likely not to tell you anything because you’re a toff, and a dandy at that.”
“A dandy?” He snorted. “I am most certainly not. I’ll have you know that I can box quite well. Just because I like to wear elegant clothing and style my hair in the latest fashion does not mean I’m a dandy.”
Willie gave a half-hearted apology but didn’t retract her statement.
“How about a wager?” Lord Farnsworth said. “If I find out Charity was the one who told the Masons about the lovers, you have to accompany me to a night of cards.”
“Agreed.”
“Wearing a dress.”
“And if you don’t?”
“I have to wear a dress.”
Aunt Letitia choked then tried to cover it by pretending t
o cough.
Willie smiled and thrust out her hand. “You got yourself a wager, Farnsworth.”
They shook on it.
Lord Farnsworth made his excuses, his eyes gleaming from the thrilling adventure that awaited him in pursuit of the truth.
After he was gone, Aunt Letitia blocked Willie’s exit from the drawing room, her brow drawn together in a severe frown.
“It was just a wager between friends, Letty,” Willie said. “I couldn’t refuse it.”
“That is not what irritates me.” Aunt Letitia poked a finger into Willie’s shoulder. “I am trying to make a good match for you, and all you can do is make him laugh in a most ungentlemanly manner.”
Willie gave her a blank look.
“You can’t get better than Lord Farnsworth. Honestly, Willemina, at your age and with your…interesting character, you’re lucky someone of his caliber has taken an interest in you.”
“He ain’t interested in me any more than I’m interested in him! Not for marriage, anyway.”
Aunt Letitia looked put out.
Willie placed her hands on Aunt Letitia’s shoulders and dipped her head to meet her gaze. She had quite a sympathetic look on her face, which surprised me. I thought she’d be cross.
“Farnsworth and I are just friends, Letty. Like me and Duke.”
“Oh. Not like you and the detective inspector?”
“No, not like that.”
Aunt Letitia sighed and patted Willie’s hand. “That is a shame.”
Willie kissed her cheek. “I know, but there ain’t nothing you, me or him can do about it. I am what I am, and I like what I like. Ain’t no explaining it.”
Aunt Letitia moved aside and Willie passed her to leave.
“Are you sure he’s interested in you as a friend and not a woman?” Aunt Letitia called out.
“I reckon he likes me as both. The two things can exist together. Men and women can be just friends without either party wanting more.”
Aunt Letitia watched Willie leave then returned to the sofa and sat beside me. She picked up her garland of angels and spread her hands wide to survey her handiwork. “She is quite wrong, India. She just doesn’t know it yet.”
There was still no word from Brockwell about the whereabouts of the fugitives by mid-afternoon. I became quite restless. Since there were only so many Christmas decorations I could make without going mad, I went in search of Matt. I found him in his study, legs outstretched under the desk, contemplating the view out of the window. I took a moment to admire his handsome profile before entering.
“You look thoughtful,” I said.
He took my hand and directed me to sit on his lap. His warm arm settled around my waist and he leaned into my shoulder with a sigh. “I wish they’d been caught.”
“The police are doing everything they can.”
“That doesn’t make the wait any easier.”
I pulled back to look at him properly. “You’re not considering helping Brockwell, I hope.”
“I doubt he’d find my assistance all that helpful. Besides, this is a task that requires manpower and feet on the ground. There’s nothing I can do.”
Cyclops and Duke had joined the police in the search, with Brockwell’s approval, but Matt hadn’t asked. I suspected he was staying home to protect the more vulnerable members of his family, namely Aunt Letitia and me.
“If we can’t go in search of the fugitives, we should address the matter that we had to set aside when Willie was kidnapped,” Matt said. “What to do about Whittaker. Do we tell Barratt that it was most likely Whittaker who sent someone to rough him up?”
“I think he ought to know,” I said.
Matt didn’t look so sure. “Barratt will probably confront him about it and that could jeopardize our investigation into Whittaker’s affairs. I don’t want him knowing we’re suspicious of him or he’ll be more careful.”
“Very well. I agree.”
“On the other hand, Barratt has the resources of his newspaper at his disposal. He could get access to information we can’t.”
“Then we’ll tell him what we know about Sir Charles but ask him not to confront him over the beating. Until we know more, he mustn’t tell anyone.”
“Including Louisa,” he added.
“He has already asked us not to inform her about the beating, so I’m sure he’ll keep this investigation into Sir Charles from her too.”
“I’m not so certain. I wouldn’t keep something so important from you.”
I cupped his face. “But our relationship is vastly different from Oscar and Louisa’s.” I kissed him lightly on the lips. “Now, if you’ve got nothing better to do, we could visit Fabian. I’d like to continue with our flying carpet experiment. Your company would be very welcome.”
“I’d only be in your way there. Why not send for him? That way I can keep working while you two cast your spells in the library.”
It was a good compromise, and I got up to summon Bristow. The butler, however, was approaching the study when I entered the corridor.
“You have an excellent sense of when you’re needed,” I said, smiling.
He bowed. “Thank you, madam. I like to be helpful. In this instance, however, I didn’t know I was required.” He held out a note. “This arrived for you and Mr. Glass. I thought it might be urgent.”
I thanked him and opened the letter. My gasp brought Matt rushing out of the study.
“What is it?” he asked, peering over my shoulder.
“It’s from Mr. Bunn and Miss Moreton,” I said. “They’re demanding I use my magic on Mr. Bunn’s leather or they’ll blow up the Hyde Park bandstand at four.” I glanced at the clock on the mantel. “That’s less than an hour away.
Chapter 7
“I have to give them what they want,” I said to Matt. “I have to use the extension spell on Mr. Bunn’s leather one.”
“No. We have to stop them.” He strode off toward the stairs.
I ran to keep up. “Where are you going?”
“To tell Willie to fetch Brockwell.”
“And where will you go after you’ve done that?”
He didn’t answer.
“Matt!”
He did not turn around.
“Don’t you dare go to the bandstand and try to stop them! It’s far too dangerous.”
“We’re closer to Hyde Park than Brockwell.” He raced down the stairs, shouting for Willie.
She emerged from the drawing room, scissors in one hand and paper in the other. “Stop your hollering. I’m trying to concentrate on my cutting.” She held up a rather complicated looking pattern for a star.
“Bunn and Amelia are going to blow up the bandstand in Hyde Park unless we stop them,” Matt told her.
“Unless I give them what they want,” I countered.
“Christ,” Willie muttered. “We’ve got to tell Jasper.” She handed the scissors and pattern to me. “I’ll leave now.”
“Don’t go all the way to the Yard,” Matt said, following her down the stairs. “Go to our closest station and get them to send a telegram. It’ll be quicker. The deadline is four.”
“Bristow!” Willie shouted. “Bristow, we need you!”
“Matt,” I said as Bristow emerged from the service area. “Stop and listen to me a moment. The letter tells me to go to the corner of Oxford and Regent Streets. My presence there will be confirmation that I’ve agreed to use my magic.”
“I won’t allow you to be manipulated.”
“We don’t have a choice!”
He accepted his coat from Bristow. “I think the bomb’s a hoax. I don’t think they plan to detonate it.”
“How can you be certain?”
“They’ve given us the location of the bomb, and it’s nowhere near the corner of Oxford and Regent Streets.”
“So?”
“Amelia must be standing by the bandstand ready to detonate the bomb or diffuse it, depending on your answer. Even if the detonator is contro
lled by a timing device, she’ll need to be nearby to diffuse it if you give in to their demand. Either way, Bunn would have to communicate your answer to her instantly at four. It’s not possible.”
“I suppose you’re right.”
“They’ve also given us an entire hour to look around the area and cordon it off so no one can go near the bandstand, including Amelia. If she tries to get close enough to detonate it, she’ll be arrested. They won’t risk that.”
“Then if it’s a hoax, why are you rushing to the bandstand now?”
He wouldn’t meet my gaze which meant he wasn’t entirely convinced by his own argument. “Waiting for Brockwell will take too long,” he said. “If I go now, I can alert the police patrolling Hyde Park and we can clear the vicinity.”
Willie hurried outside, letting in a cold blast of air. I shivered and rubbed my arms.
Matt gently grasped my shoulders and kissed my forehead. “It’ll be fine.”
He took his gloves and hat from Bristow then gave me another kiss.
“Be careful,” I said lamely as he too stepped outside.
I tried to ignore the hammering in my heart as I watched the street from the library window, but it was no good. Indeed, it became worse as the danger Matt was potentially walking into hit me. This could be a way of luring him out and kidnapping him, forcing me to do as they wished to free him. There might not be a bomb at all. Matt would resist a kidnapping attempt and that could result in grave injuries. If he needed his magical watch to survive, no one there would know. I’d once had to place the watch into his own palm when he was unconscious. If I hadn’t been there…
I jumped up from the window seat and called for Bristow. He didn’t lecture me as I put on my coat and gloves, but I could see the censure in his eyes. He suspected where I was going and didn’t want me to leave. I didn’t have the will to reassure him when I was so wretched with fear.
“Do not let in a soul unless it’s one of us,” I said. “And don’t let Aunt Letitia leave.”
Outside the rain had stopped but the leaden sky threatened to dump more on the city at any moment. I raced to Hyde Park. Matt had a point when he said Mr. Bunn couldn’t get word to Amelia before four if I turned up at the corner of Oxford and Regent Streets. The bomb had to be a hoax meant to draw Matt to Hyde Park.
