This was exactly the turn of events Will wanted. His voice was calmer than he felt as he anticipated the chase. “Well then, suits.”
The clerk motioned Will to the back of the shop, and said something that sounded almost like “quite an armful.” Even if Will couldn’t understand all the words, the clerk’s tone was insolent. He had the sudden urge to plant the young man a facer for referring to her in that manner.Damn. He couldn’t even ask about her now.
“I’ve told you before, Mr. Linden”—a thin, bespectacled, older man who spoke the King’s English entered from a side room—“keep your mind on your work and not on the ladies.” The man addressed Will. “I’m Mr. Smith, the owner.”
“Munford. I’ve recently arrived from England.”
“We are glad for your custom, sir. If you’ll follow me, we’ll get you measured.”
A half hour or so later, the bell on the door rang. Will looked over to see Andrew enter and give a short nod. That must mean his meeting with Howden had gone well. Good, perhaps this endeavor would go smoothly, giving Will the opportunity to discover more about the delectable Mrs. Villaret.
Smith stepped back and made another notation in his notepad. “If you’ll come back around in the morning, Mr. Munford, I’ll have a coat for you to try on.”
“Thank you. Do you know of an inn or tavern nearby, where I might get cold water to drink?”
“The Happy Iguana is down the street. Turn right when you go out the door. It’s got a bar downstairs and a dining room on the first floor. If you get tired of water, the rum is excellent, as is the brandy.”
“Thank you again, Mr. Smith.” Will slid a glance at Andrew before walking out the door. They could talk at the tavern. “I’ll see you in the morning.”
As Will stepped onto the pavement, he searched the street, but, of course, there was no sign of Mrs. Villaret. Surely there must be a way to find her. All he had to do was figure out how.
Chapter 3
An hour later, Eugénie and her friend entered the large parlor on the lower level of Whitecliff House. Cicely’s apartment consisted of one large room, flanked on one side by her bedchamber and dressing room, and on the other by a small parlor with her piano and books.
Cicely called for coconut water. After her maid left, she motioned to a settee positioned against the back wall. “No one can hear us from here. Now, tell me what is wrong.”
With her flaxen curls and wide cornflower-blue eyes, Cicely gave every indication of being a silly widgeon, yet she had the sharpest mind of anyone Eugénie knew.
She chewed her lower lip. “I need to look at the business’s books, without Mr. Howden catching me.”
“Because?” Cicely asked, drawing the word out.
“He’s been telling Maman that it is losing money.”
Cicely heaved a loud sigh and made a “come on” motion with her hand. Eugénie told her about her previous attempt to view the ledgers and Mr. Howden’s threat to quit.
“Hmm.” Cicely pursed her lips in thought. “I know my father hasn’t heard your family’s company is in poor condition.”
“Mr. Howden said he was keeping it a secret.” Eugénie untied her hat and flung it down next to her. “It’s bad enough that Papa is . . . gone.” She fought the tears threatening to fall. “That is dreadful, but now Maman worries all the time about money as well. Nothing cheers her.”
“And you can’t talk her round?”
“Not on this.” Eugénie pressed her lips together. It hadn’t been for lack of trying either. “She is too frightened.”
“Well, then”—Cicely drew out a long pin, then plucked her bonnet from her head—“we shall pick an evening and go to the offices. It will probably be better if I invite you to spend the night with me. That way we’ll only have to worry about sneaking back into this house, and that is easily done.” She frowned. “We won’t have much time.”
“Yes. That is an excellent idea. It would be just my luck that one of my sisters would awaken if I attempted to steal back into my house.” As her friend was an only child, she had the floor beneath the main one to herself. No one would notice them leaving or returning. “Do you know what to look for?”
“Of course.” Cicely grinned. “My papa has been showing me what I need to run the company. After all, I do not have a brother to take it over. Of course, his fondest wish is that I will marry a gentleman in shipping. Just don’t tell anyone. Mama says it will scare potential suitors away.”
The tension threatening to make Eugénie’s head ache eased. Perhaps now she would be able to protect her family. “I’m so glad I decided to confide in you. I knew I’d have a hard time doing it myself.”
“You’re not alone.” Cicely hugged Eugénie. “I’ll do everything in my power to help you. We shall involve my papa if need be. Now tell me, what do you think of the blond gentleman we saw earlier?”
“I do not think anything of him, but I do wonder what he wants with Mr. Howden.” Eugénie couldn’t help but scowl. Something felt very wrong.
Cicely closed her eyes as if she were in pain.
