Before Jane could reply, the upholstered divan seat took to the air and landed on the floor with a thwump. Startled, thepair turned to find Lady Darrowby emerging from the divan, her coiffure having replaced the cushioned bench.
The duchess returned their astonished looks with a demure smile. “Given that Lady Darrowby was serving as an inspector whilst the pair of you were still being toted about in prams, I should think that unnecessary.”
Served as a ... great gadgets, how many surprises could one night hold? Margaret blinked as the duchess extricated herself from the divan as though she’d had more than one occasion to emerge from the piece of furniture situated flush upon the wood floor. “You’re a lady inspector?”
“Former lady inspector.” The duchess restored the cushioned seat to its place and lowered upon it gracefully. “As per the bylaws of the Daughters of Genius Society, I was forced to retire upon wedding my covert asset.”
Margaret blinked again. “The Duke of Darrowby was a covert asset?”
“Indeed, covert assets aren’t a rarity, I assure you. The Daughters of Genius Society has always utilized them. Quite strategically and conscientiously, of course. Why, the duke was just one of many covert assets who assisted me in cases over the years, though he was the only one to win my affections and thus end my career. Not that I regret it, mind. My Mickey is an absolute dear, and the way he leads one in a waltz is most ... invigorating. I do, however, still lament that the Widow didn’t acquiesce to my request for members of the D.O.G.S. to be referred to as ‘secret agents’ and use code names. For example, I proposed to be called Agent Buttons. Does that not sound mysterious? Alas, the Widow argued code names were an unnecessary convolution and the termsecret agentwould never catch on as it was too preposterous to consider for practical implementation.”
Margaret gaped indecorously. For Lady Darrowby to have petitioned the Widow about such matters ... why, she must’vebeen present at the society’s inception. A founding member, as it were. “Does Mumsie know about this?”
“Heidi? Not a word of it! When I was an inspector, we didn’t travel in the same social circles, and by the time we were fortunate enough to cross paths, I’d long since gone inactive. The only reason I’m telling you now is because Elenore—ahem ... Professor Quimby thought I ought to be made aware of recent developments, seeing as they were taking place in my home.” Lady Darrowby gave one of the divan’s armrests a pat. “Thus why I was ensuring the old secret passageway remained in working order, just in case. A lady can never be too prepared, polite, or armed.”
Armed?“Duchess Darrowby, are you carrying?”
“Always. I’m never without my favorite pistol. My father was an avid marksman and taught me well. I’m proud to say, in my career as a lady inspector, I never missed a shot. If one must incapacitate a belligerent, one ought to do so properly. Now, I shall leave you to your work, inspectors. You mustn’t fritter away time listening to an old woman reminisce about her glorious youth.”
On the contrary, Margaret felt as though she could listen to Lady Darrowby reminisce for several enraptured hours rather happily, but the woman had already risen and taken her leave, exiting the library with a graceful air of nonchalance that belied the astonishing nature of her entrance.
Margaret blinked. “Did that . . . did that really just happen?”
“The Duchess of Darrowby popping up from the furnishings like a jack-in-the-box? Indeed, it did,” Jane confirmed with an insouciant nod.
“Great gadgets!” Mind spinning, Margaret found herself eyeing the room’s other fixtures warily. “If there’s a duchess in the divan, one can’t help but wonder if there’s a baroness concealed behind every bookcase. Or a countess lurking behind the curtains. Or a—”
“The duchess was quite right, Maggie. Delay only serves to heighten nerves and suspicions, and you’ve obviously enough to spare as it is. Best to find calm in focusing on the task at hand.” Jane nodded toward the library door. “Are you ready to recruit Mr. Noble?”
Not unless abundant politeness could make up for an absence of preparedness and arms. Margaret straightened in her wheelchair, regaining control of her whirling wits by calmly smoothing a few wrinkles from her cerulean tea gown. Just focus on the task at hand. Focus and follow the proper protocols. Before her mind could throw a wrench of self-doubt into the newly turning cogs of her resolve, she nodded.Lord, give me strength.“Send in Mr. Noble.”
“That’s the spirit, Maggie. Just remain tranquil and rely on your training. You can do this. Besides, I’m fairly certain your prospective asset won’t require much convincing.” Jane smiled, as much as she ever did, the expression suppressed and fleeting. Then she was gone.
What exactly had Jane meant by that last remark? Margaret hadn’t time to ponder before Mr. Noble entered the room. He took in the sight of her alone in the library, glanced over his shoulder at the guarded door, and then slowly made his way her direction. His cheeks were rather flushed. Poor man must’ve grown overheated in the corridor. “Are you unwell, Mr. Noble? You look a little feverish.”
Turning an even deeper shade of crimson, the man tugged at his collar. “I’m q-quite well, thank you.” Mr. Noble’s gaze dropped to the floorboards as though embarrassed she’d mentioned his health, which struck Margaret with immediate remorse. She knew all too well how uncomfortable it could be to have one’s well-being, or lack thereof, made a topic of discussion.
Badly done, Margaret.“Do, please, take a seat.”
Mr. Noble raised his eyes to meet hers once more, a lock ofbrown hair breaking free of its pomade to sweep across his brow. Without a word, he lowered into the wingback.
Odd, the chair hadn’t felt so terribly close when Jane had occupied it moments earlier. A strange, fluttery sensation upset Margaret’s stomach. Nerves, no doubt. Best to forge ahead and settle this quickly. “I assume Professor Quimby has read you in on ... well, everything.”
“Indeed,LadyMargaret. She has.”
There was no trace of aggravation or annoyance in Mr. Noble’s use of her title. For some reason she couldn’t deduce, he was taking the night’s series of extraordinary events remarkably well. “Since you were granted entry to the library, I can also assume the chief deemed you a trustworthy candidate for the position of covert asset.”
“Indeed, Lady Margaret. She did.”
“Excellent. Then, I suppose, the only thing left is for me to officially confirm whether you are willing to act as my covert asset on this investigation, Mr. Noble.”
“Quite, Lady Margaret. I am entirely at your disposal.”
Was ... was that a smile tugging at the man’s lips? Warmth swept over Margaret from head to toe. Gracious, the man’s fever must be catching. “Well. Then.” She cleared her throat, now suddenly all too dry. “I—”
“There are two matters Professor Quimby admonished me to appriseyouof before we commence working together, Lady Margaret.”
“Oh?” Margaret tilted her head. “Go on.”
