by Jen Turano
Temperance’s eyes widened. “She’s not having a tantrum as well, is she?”
“Mrs. Davenport isn’t the tantrum type. She embraces a more attack-you-with-guilt strategy, something that, in my humble opinion, is just as effective as physical violence.”
“Too right you are,” Temperance agreed. “My cousin’s wife, Fanny Flowerdew, married to Wayne Flowerdew if that was in question, is a master with using guilt. Why, if I had a penny for all the times she reminded me that it’s because of her generosity I have a roof over my head, I’d be a rich woman and wouldn’t need to accept their charity.”
“We wallflowers do seem to bear some difficult burdens at times.”
“I wish I could disagree with that, but no truer words have ever been said.” Temperance readjusted her hat, tugged the wide strap that was attached to her bag higher on her shoulder, and sent Gertrude a nod. “I won’t keep you. And no need to worry that I’ll bother Mrs. Davenport. I was actually here to speak with you, but it’s not a matter of grave importance, so perhaps we can make arrangements to meet at a later date.”
“Since you’ve never sought me out before, you obviously have a matter of some importance to speak with me about, so perhaps you’d care to walk with me to the nearest hansom cab. I’m more than happy to share my cab with you if you need a ride back home.”
Entwining her arm with Temperance’s, and not wanting to linger another second on the front stoop because she didn’t want Mrs. Davenport to burst outside and deliver a speech she’d probably already composed—one that would undoubtedly be filled with emotional pleas to cajole Gertrude into remaining her companion—Gertrude steered them down the steps. It wasn’t until they reached the corner, though, that she realized Temperance seemed to be dragging her feet.
“Am I walking too fast for you?” Gertrude asked, slowing her steps.
“Your pace is fine, it’s just that I don’t have funds with me to pay my share of a hansom cab,” Temperance admitted.
“How did you get here then?”
“I walked, and before you look more horrified than you do right now, know that I enjoy walking. It’s very good for a lady’s constitution.”
“A notion I should take to heart since I’ve recently decided I need to pursue more active endeavors, but for today, and because it will allow you an opportunity to tell me why you sought me out, we’ll enjoy a hansom carriage, the fare paid for by Mrs. Davenport.” Gertrude smiled. “It’s the least she can do for all the trouble she’s causing me.”
Not allowing Temperance an opportunity to argue, Gertrude tightened her grip on Temperance’s arm and plowed forward, keeping up a brisk pace until they reached the next block. To her relief, especially since she was becoming a little winded, an entire line of hansom cabs came into view.
“Doesn’t Mrs. Davenport keep a carriage in the city?” Temperance asked as Gertrude directed them toward the cabs.
“She does, but this is one of those occasions where I feel drawn to use a public form of transportation. Mrs. Davenport owns somewhat distinctive carriages, barouches, buggies, and even a delivery wagon or three, and because of their distinctive characteristics, it’s for the best if I’m not seen exiting one of those today.”
Temperance stopped walking. “You do realize you’re being annoyingly vague, don’t you, and somewhat mysterious now that I think about it.”
Gertrude took a second to rub a stitch that was forming in her side, brought on, no doubt, by practically galloping down the street. “Forgive me, I know I’m not being very forthcoming. However, the reason why I can’t use Mrs. Davenport’s carriages would be best left unexplained. In all honesty, the less you know about where I’m going, or the tricky task that’s ahead of me, the better.”
Temperance flipped up the brim of her hat, narrowing her eyes at Gertrude. “I’m far less delicate than you think.”
Gertrude could feel the very corners of her mouth begin to curve. “Are you, now?”
A jerk of her head was Temperance’s first response before she drew herself up. “I realize you’re only familiar with the meek and timid Temperance Flowerdew, but I was not always timid, and certainly not meek. I’ve recently decided to abandon my mantle of meekness and resume the demeanor I once possessed, one that allowed me to experience a life of adventure. That right there is exactly why I’m going to insist you allow me to travel to whatever destination you’ve got in mind, no matter how tricky the situation may turn out to be.”
Gertrude’s lips stopped curving at once. “You’ll do no such thing. I would never be comfortable involving you, even with that past life of adventure you claim to have led, into what amounts to nothing less than a bit of skullduggery on Mrs. Davenport’s behalf.”
The second those words left her mouth, Gertrude longed to call them back. Temperance was looking more determined than ever, and she was striding off in the direction of the hansom cabs.
“I’m definitely coming with you now,” Temperance called over her shoulder right before she broke into a run, reached the first hansom cab, then jumped inside before the driver could get down from his seat and get the door for her.
Wondering what Temperance would do if she simply chose another cab and left her friend behind, Gertrude’s wondering came to an abrupt end when Temperance leaned out of the still-open door.
“If you’ll recall, Gertrude, I’m currently without funds, so unless you want me to end up in debtor’s prison because I can’t pay the fare for this cab, you’ll put all thoughts of leaving me behind aside.”
“The world’s gone mad,” Gertrude mumbled before she walked over to the hansom cab, assured the driver she was in possession of funds, gave him directions to the docks, then climbed into the cab and took a seat directly beside Temperance because the cab only offered one bench seat. Taking a firm hold of the strap above her head, she held on tight as the cab lurched into motion.
“This is so exciting, my first adventure in what feels like forever,” Temperance said, folding her hands demurely in her lap as the cab trundled down the road. “However, since I did insinuate myself into your situation against your wishes, do feel free to withhold the location of our final destination.” She smiled. “That will be my punishment for being so forward.”
“Since we’re traveling in a hansom cab that has windows on either side, it’s not going to come as much of a surprise to you when it pulls to a stop down on the docks. Although, just so we understand each other, you will remain in the cab while I go about the daunting business of dealing with a most delicate matter, and on that point I will hear no argument.”
“You can’t go strolling about the docks on your own.”
Gertrude rolled her eyes. “I’m not going to be strolling the docks. It’s more a case of my returning to a certain ship and retrieving something Mrs. Davenport apparently left on board the other night.”
Temperance’s mouth dropped open. “Good heavens. Do not tell me that you’re about to try and retrieve, or rather make off with, that painting Clementine’s been going on and on about, because . . .” She raised a hand to her chest. “That’ll get you a direct ticket to jail. Talk of that painting going missing has already been bandied about, thanks to dear Clementine, and if it goes missing now, the first person the police will interrogate will be you.”
For a second, Gertrude could only stare at Temperance, having absolutely no words at her disposal to respond to what was a farfetched deduction, until a thought struck that had her mouth moving again. “Do not tell me you suffered a slap from Clementine because you were arguing with her about my suspicious behavior.”
Temperance waved that directly aside. “Of course not. Clementine slapped me because I hadn’t disclosed to her that my very good friend, Mr. Gilbert Cavendish, is the half brother of an honest-to-goodness earl, and as such, he could, although it’s highly doubtful, inherit an earldom over in England.” She drew in a large breath before she continued. “She’s also annoyed that I never mentioned I was good f
riends with Mr. Gilbert Cavendish, grew up in a house right next to his, and . . . I certainly never bothered to disclose that Gilbert, as the son of the Seventh Earl of Strafford, possesses the honorary title of Lord Cavendish, which Clementine evidently finds very appealing.”
“I thought Clementine was intent on securing Harrison’s affections?”
“Oh, she is, but Clementine’s nothing if not greedy. I do believe she’s now interested in securing the affections of both Harrison and Gilbert, and will then choose the gentleman who can give her the greatest advantages within society in the end.”
Gertrude’s brows drew together. “She certainly doesn’t seem to lack any confidence about her appeal to members of the gentlemen set.”
“Quite, although she’s a lady who doesn’t believe in taking any chances when she sets her sights on something she really wants. She’s intolerant of anyone thwarting her plans, which is why I set out to speak with you today because—” Temperance paused—“Clementine has apparently decided I’m standing directly in the way of something she may want to acquire, that something being Gilbert. And to make certain that my standing in the way doesn’t continue, she’s convinced her father, Mr. Wayne Flowerdew, that I’m going to ruin her chances of securing a happily-ever-after. That means I’ve been given one month to secure employment and remove myself from the Flowerdew residence.”
“You’re being kicked out of your home because Clementine believes you’re her competition?”
Temperance grinned. “I didn’t think of it like that, but yes, apparently, she does believe I’m competition. How lovely.” Her grin faded. “Although that’s hardly going to be of comfort when I’m cast out on the streets in a month with not a penny to my name.”
Gertrude took hold of Temperance’s hand. “While I do know that Mrs. Davenport is now in need of a new companion, I’m afraid I’m not comfortable referring you to her. She’s a peculiar woman, prone to unusual habits, but . . .” She smiled. “Miss Henrietta Huxley recently remarked that she would like to add you to her list of wallflowers she wants to take in hand, so she may have some suggestions for you on how to proceed with your life.”
Temperance’s eyes widened. “The very idea that Miss Henrietta Huxley longs to take me in hand is downright terrifying. However, returning to the far more troubling matter you mentioned first, do not tell me Mrs. Davenport has released you from service?”
“I haven’t been fired,” Gertrude said. “I tendered my notice because I’ve finally had enough of her questionable antics. Not to delve too deeply into the matter because the less you know the more believable you’ll be if I run into unforeseen circumstances, she’s now put me in the undesirable position of tidying up a mess that may ruin my friendship with Harrison, along with his entire family.”
Temperance looked out the window for a second, then nodded, just once. “It seems to me as if the only acceptable option is for you to divulge all to me, and then I’ll take over and tidy up Mrs. Davenport’s mess. That way you won’t be in danger of ruining your chances with Harrison, and I’ll be able to say I was of great importance in assisting you to the altar.”
Gertrude blinked. “I’m afraid you may be suffering from inaccurate information. Making it to the altar, let alone walking down it with Harrison waiting for me at the end, is highly unlikely. He enjoys my company as a friend, but that is as far as our relationship will ever go.”
Shoving the brim of her hat away from her face again, Temperance peered at Gertrude for a long moment. “How is it possible you haven’t realized Harrison holds you in the highest esteem?”
“I know he holds me in esteem, but it’s of the friendship variety, and certainly isn’t the type of esteem where one expects a proposal.”
Thankfully, the hansom cab took that moment to turn down Twenty-Eighth Street, jostling Gertrude and Temperance in the process, but unfortunately, Temperance shoved herself upright and pinned Gertrude with a far-too-knowing gaze.
“I do not claim to be an expert on gentlemen, but I am a wallflower. That means I’m observant as most of us are, and I’ve observed Harrison regarding you with more than friendship lingering in his eyes.”
Something that felt very much like hope slithered up Gertrude’s spine. “You truly believe he fancies me?”
“Indeed, but because I’ve also observed that he’s somewhat obtuse when it comes to feminine matters, I do believe you’re going to have to take the lead with him, delicately of course, and allow him to know you fancy him as well.”
Gertrude raised a hand to her chest. “I could never.”
“You can if you don’t want him to eventually end up with one of the many society ladies rumor has it are about to descend on him in hordes.”
“I wouldn’t know how to go about that type of business.”
Temperance smiled. “I’m afraid I won’t be much assistance, what with my limited knowledge of gentlemen, but perhaps Miss Henrietta Huxley will have some suggestions. She did proclaim an interest in taking some wallflowers in hand, didn’t she?”
Before Gertrude could do more than grimace at that thought, the hansom cab pulled to the side of the road and came to a stop. Glancing out the window, she felt her nerves begin to jingle.
“It seems we have arrived,” she said, reaching for the reticule that was tied to her wrist. She opened it and pulled out the note Harrison had sent her the day before.
“Have you written down instructions on how to proceed?” Temperance asked, holding out her hand.
“No, which means there’s no need for me to hand this over, nor is there a need for you to try and take it so that you can bolt out of the carriage and proceed in my place. This is simply a note Harrison sent me yesterday, asking me to look after Edwina. I’m going to use it to get on board the Cornelia, saying I’m supposed to meet Edwina on the yacht.”
“What are you going to say when you’re told Edwina isn’t on board, or . . .” Temperance’s eyes widened. “What are you going to do if Edwina is on board?”
“She’s not on board, because Mrs. Davenport told me Edwina is spending the day shopping.”
“But what if one of the other sisters is on board?”
“Then I’ll simply tell them I’ve come to see about Mrs. Davenport’s reticule. But I’m hoping I won’t have to address that situation because I have no idea how I’d explain why that reticule ended up in one of the rooms by the library, or why it was stuffed into the very back of a desk in that room.”
“Should I not inquire as to how Mrs. Davenport’s reticule got stuffed into a desk?”
“Probably not, nor should you inquire about the contents that may or may not be lurking in that reticule.”
Leaving Temperance with her mouth slightly agape, Gertrude drew in a breath, reached for the door, and stepped from the cab. Telling the driver she’d be back directly, Gertrude squared her shoulders and walked toward the dock, her feet dragging the closer she got to the Cornelia. Heading up the plank that had, thankfully, been left down, she reached the deck, drawing the immediate attention of the few members of the crew who were polishing brass fixtures.
“May I help you with something, miss?”
Clearing her throat while praying she would be able to get a reasonable answer out of her mouth, Gertrude directed her attention to the man who’d posed the question. “I do hope so,” she began, holding up the note. “I’ve been asked by Mr. Sinclair to keep an eye on his sister, Edwina, while he’s away, and I’m supposed to meet her here this afternoon.”
The man frowned. “I’m afraid Miss Sinclair is not here.”
“I’m sure she’s simply running a little behind schedule,” Gertrude said, stepping closer to the man and waving the note from Harrison so that he could see Harrison’s signature scrawled across the bottom. “Would it be permissible for me to wait for her in the library? I noticed the other evening that it’s very well stocked, which will allow me to pass the time quite pleasantly while I wait for Edwina.”
The man looked at the letter Gertrude was still fanning herself with, then smiled and nodded. “That will be fine. Would you like me to escort you there?”
“That’s very kind, but I do remember the way, and I wouldn’t want to disrupt your work.”
Not allowing the man an opportunity to argue, Gertrude began walking, her heart beating so rapidly she was all but certain the men still polishing the brass could hear it. Breathing a sigh of relief when she looked over her shoulder and found no one following her, she increased her pace. Once she reached the stairs, she hurried down them to the next level, then walked through the companionway, pausing when she reached the library.
Because Mrs. Davenport had been somewhat rattled when she’d followed Gertrude out of the drawing room after Gertrude had given her notice, the location of the missing reticule was less than clear. All Mrs. Davenport could remember with any certainty was there’d been a desk in the room she’d darted into to get rid of her reticule after Harrison heard her jingling, a room that was in the near vicinity of the library.
Knowing there was nothing to do but get on with the daunting matter at hand, Gertrude started with the door closest to her, finding herself in a storage area with no desk in sight.
Moving on to the next door, she found no success in that room either, but when she opened the door to the third room, she smiled. Bolted to the floor was a lovely desk, one with large drawers. She strode over to it and made short shrift of pulling out the drawers, her smile widening when her fingers closed around a beaded object that could only be Mrs. Davenport’s reticule. Tucking it under her arm, she walked out of the room, then froze on the spot when she encountered a woman in the hallway—a woman who’d frozen as well, and a woman Gertrude had the sneaking suspicion just might be related to Harrison and his sisters given that she had the distinct look of a Sinclair about her.
“Well, well, well,” the woman began in a voice as cold as ice. “What do we have here?”