Page 46 of The Viscount of Shadows

Claudia plopped down next to him, pulling him into her arms. His head rested against her breast, and her heart thumped madly, in tune with his. Her fingers tangled in the lock of hair falling across his forehead. Her soothing touch cooled his fevered brow—and aroused him to the point of pain. No other woman ever affected him like this.

“That may not be wise.”

Disappointment shot through him. “I think we make a formidable, splendid match. We would be foolish not to pursue it.”

Claudia kissed his forehead, then gently pushed him aside and stood. She frowned as she collected the garments from the trunk. “What happened down here and what was said, it is best it stays here. You know that.”

Oliver knew nothing of the sort but had no strength to argue the point.

She turned away, removing the knife holder, then pulled on the trousers and rolled up the cuffs. Claudia tore off the chemise, wrapped it around her chest, and hurriedly dressed in the flannel shirt and wool coat. Tying her hair in a knot, she tucked it up under the workman’s peaked cap. She then pulled up the trouser leg and strapped on the knife holder.

“I am about seven inches over five feet, tall enough to pass for the height of most men. Once outside, I’ll smudge dirt on my face and hands.” Claudia faced him. “How do I look?”

“Eminently kissable.”

Claudia crossed her arms and huffed. “You are incorrigible. You are not going to let this go, are you?”

“About the solid and lasting bond forming between us? No, I will not let it go. You should know it now: I can be a stubborn bloke.” Oliver paused. “If anything were to happen to you—don’t go. Do not leave me.” Now, he certainly sounded pitiable, but Oliver was more afraid of her well-being than his selfish needs.

“I know these streets. I lived in this area for close to two years. Danaher and his men will not catch me.” Then she gave him a teasing wink. “I promise I will be careful.”

“Listen. Simpson may not be at the station, as he mentioned working night shifts. He is staying in rented rooms not far from here. Go there first.” He gave Claudia the address. “Say The Sentinel sent you.”

Claudia picked up the near-empty water jug and placed it in his shaking hands. “Be prudent with the water.” Then she handed him a tin. “There is a little cheese and a biscuit left. Please nibble at it. You must keep your strength up. I will return, I promise.” She brought over the bucket to him. “Do you need to urinate?”

“I can manage,” he croaked. “Douse the lamp before you go.”

She did, and darkness covered them like a cloak.

“Make certain the coppers clear this place out. There should be no clues left as to our identities,” Oliver croaked. His throat was killing him, and fatigue was again rolling over him.

“Yes. Of course.” Claudia took a step toward the stairs. Then halted. “If anything were to happen to you—please stay safe.” Then she ran back to him and kissed him hard on the lips. She was gone before he could muster any semblance of stamina to kiss her in return.

* * *

Edwina Callen paced back and forth in the Duke of Chellenham’s drawing room. Althea sat beside her duke fiancé on the sofa, her bandaged leg resting on a pillowed stool.

“I have only known Claudia briefly, but she would not stay out all night and the next morning without sending word. Miss Althea, you made that stipulation quite clear in our training,” Edwina declared.

“Yes, I certainly did. Always let others know where you are,” Althea replied. “What has Claudia told you?”

“I last saw her at afternoon tea yesterday. She mentioned she was about to head to Notting Dale to follow her subject. She always returned around one or two in the morning on previous nights. Sometimes, I waited up for her. Last night, I was too tired and went to bed around half past eleven. When I arose in the morning, I saw her door was shut and assumed she was sleeping late as she had been since accepting this case.” Edwina wrung her hands in agitation. “Oh, if only I had checked earlier!”

Althea could not help but be worried. This is the first time someone from their agency has not checked in. “Her subject is Bryan Wollstonecraft, Viscount Tensbridge’s younger brother, correct?”

Yes, it is,” Edwina replied.

“I should head to Oliver’s and see if he knows anything,” Damon interjected.

Althea held out her hand, and Damon took it and squeezed it assuredly. What would she have done without this beautiful man by her side these past weeks? He was with her every step of the way during her operation and continued recovery. When the kindly Doctor Stevenson initially told her that she might have to use the cane for a few years, Damon held her as she cried out her crushing disappointment. Thankfully, that feeling passed, for many had it worse off.

Damon had reassured her that all would be well and that she could continue with her investigative agency. And so far, that had come to pass. Althea felt more robust each day and eager to begin her new life, blending being a duchess with her professional life. It would be a challenge, but one she happily accepted.

And Damon’s much younger half-siblings coming to live with them after their marriage? Althea looked forward to that, too. Damon had already hired a governess and a nurse to assist. The future looked bright, indeed. But back to the matter at hand.

“Yes, by all means, go to Oliver’s. I will go with Edwina to Cleveland Street. We will meet you there.”

Damon kissed her forehead, then headed into the hall, shouting for the butler and footmen.

Althea’s brows knotted in worry. Claudia’s first solo case, what if she had run afoul of some nefarious criminals? The agency never had any dealings with Notting Dale before. Perhaps they should have canvassed the area more thoroughly before sending in a novice.

Enough doubting.

The young woman was confident, capable, and resourceful if Althea gained anything from her initial interview and subsequent dealings with Claudia Ellingford.

Hopefully, there will be a logical explanation for her absence.

Althea stood, leaning on her cane for assistance. “Come, Edwina. We will locate her. Let us go to Cleveland Street and start the investigation.”

Nothing will happen to Claudia, not while Althea drew breath.