Mr. Barnes did not react to the sight before him but kept his expression neutral. “A Mr. Gregory is here to see you.”
Atlas gave Mr. Barnes a nod. “Please send him to my study. I will be there shortly.”
Mr. Barnes retreated and Atlas’s attention swung back to me. “I regret to end our time together, but Mr. Gregory has traveled some distance to see me.”
My shoulders sank. I had been ready to tell him everything. Why must he have company now? “May I speak with you later?”
He released my hand. “I should hope so. Augusta is going to have to share you, because I plan to monopolize all your time this afternoon.”
I was tempted to squeal with delight as Augusta had earlier, but I refused to embarrass myself further. I ought to at least try to rememberMother’s rules. Unless, of course, Atlas kissed me again. Then I would forget them entirely.
Chapter 31
Atlas
Ifound Mr. Gregory waiting patiently in my study in front of my bookshelf. I was happy to see him, but his timing left much to be desired. At least it was not news of further trespassers on the property. Everything had been silent, and as much as I wanted answers, I preferred it that way.
When Mr. Gregory noticed my presence, he quickly bowed. “Good day, my lord.”
“Welcome to Rosemont Court.” I dipped my head in return and motioned for him to sit. This was only the second time we had met, our first in Warwick, but he had earned my respect. He was efficient and thorough, two qualities I needed him to have.
“What news do you have for me?” I took my own seat and folded my hands together on my desk.
Mr. Gregory’s nondescript suit was wrinkled from his journey, and he adjusted his spectacles before leaning forward to explain. “I was in the area, having followed a lead to the closest station, and thought I would report in person.”
“I am glad you did. Please, proceed. I am anxious to know what you’ve learned.”
Mr. Gregory chucked. “My clients usually are. After we parted last, I met with the Radley’s carriage driver. He said he took both the governessand a kitchen maid to the train station after they departed the house. Unfortunately, I could not discover where they went after that. Until yesterday.”
He was too good of a storyteller. I wanted him to blurt out his findings. The suspense was killing me. “And?”
“I tracked down a family friend of Mrs. Radley who happened to have arrived at the station, returning from a trip of her own, just before Miss Palmer boarded. This family friend distinctly remembers Miss Palmer catching the southeast-bound train to Liverpool. So, of course, I took the train to Liverpool myself. I spoke with several drivers who are the regulars at the station there, and one remembers giving a ride to a young lady by the name of Miss Palmer about a month back. He said he will think about it and see if he can remember where he drove her. Of course, it’s a small chance he will, but there is a chance.”
I stared at him, tracing the information in my head. Liverpool was not too far from here. A missing piece I had been searching for suddenly slid into place. The result created an image in my mind—clear enough that it stared me in the face—daring me to believe it. Exhilaration and disbelief wrapped around me until my chest grew tight.
No. It was a ridiculous thought.
Wasn’t it?
“Could she be so close?” I said out loud to myself.
Mr. Gregory gave a succinct nod. “I suspect we’ll find her in a week or more.”
I wondered if it would be much sooner. “Thank you, Mr. Gregory.”
The investigator stood just as the housekeeper entered with the tea things. Tea. Right. “Won’t you stay and rest for a moment, Mr. Gregory?”
He shook his head. “I thank you, but no. I do not rest while the trail is hot, my lord. Lesser detectives have lost their leads while sipping tea.”
I gave a soft laugh and nodded, my mind racing a million different directions so that simple conversation seemed beyond me.
Mr. Gregory stepped out, and to my surprise, I heard Briggs in the corridor address him.
“Briggs,” I said, in greeting. “I was unaware that you were in town.” No matter how anxious I was for answers, it would have to wait. “Please, come in.” I waved Briggs inside, and he took Mr. Gregory’s seat.
With hands folded primly in his lap he said, “How is Mr. Gregory? Did he find Miss Palmer?”
“Not yet, but he had news of a promising lead.”
