Page 10 of The Viscount of Shadows

Claudia scoffed. “And yet the Galway sisters have snagged dukes; why should that stop you? Never say anyone is above you. It puts you at a disadvantage in life. Just a bit of advice. From a colleague.”

“But not from a friend?” Edwina asked shyly.

And here it is.

Claudia should throw up that frosty, defensive wall she had used many times over the past several years. “I think it best we stay co-workers.”

“Oh, what utter nonsense,” Edwina exclaimed, ignoring Claudia’s detached tone. “We live here together; we will work on some cases as a team. Why not? When was the last time you had a close friend?”

Claudia pursed her lips. “My mother. And she died ten years ago.”

Edwina slipped her arm through Claudia’s, causing her to stiffen. “Then it is high time you had one. I will tell you now, I am persistent, but I will not badger you. You will warm to me; wait and see. We can start by sharing a cup of tea and a plate of biscuits tonight. Mrs. Bartle makes the most delicious, frosted shortbreads. Eight o’clock. Let me know if you are available.”

For the life of her, Claudia could not bring herself to shake off Edwina’s arm and say something horrible to her to drive her away. “Fine,” she mumbled. “I will let you know.”

Edwina chortled cheerfully. “That’s the spirit.”

Edwina then winked and headed toward Sybil to discuss the Sir Tristan case.

Perhaps taking this job was not such a sagacious decision after all.