Page 16 of A Wicked Business

“The latest novel?” Charles asked, his expression thoughtful. “I believe you have mentioned how much she loves to read.”

Felix nodded. “That would be perfect, and something sweet to eat whilst reading it. She adores marzipan fruits, that much I do know.”

“A splendid idea,” Charles replied. “Consider it done.”

“I do,” Felix remarked with a grin as they crossed the road towards Gunter’s. The place was packed, and it took them some time to queue up and make their order. Felix chose three flavours: white coffee, chocolate and maple. Charles was more circumspect and contended himself with two scoops of vanilla, which Felix thought dull but paid for without protest.

They wandered the square, eating their ices, until a familiar voice hailed him.

Felix turned in a circle until he located the voice, hardly surprised to see Cat. The daughter of a marquess and wife of another could be so badly behaved as to shout across a crowd with no fear for her reputation, unlike other, lesser females.

Felix sighed and raised his hand and then felt a jolt of recognition as he noticed the other occupants of the carriage. An odd feeling surged through him upon recognising Lady Belinda. The practical side of his nature told him he ought to pretend an urgent appointment and leave as quickly as he could, but every atom of the rest of him was drawn towards her as if she were reeling him in on a line. It was not a pleasant realisation and yet he found he did not wish to fight it.

“You remember how you wished to meet Lady Belinda,” Felix asked Charles, depositing his empty ice cream cup on a table set up for the purpose.

“Well, I was interested in meeting such a driven young woman,” Charles admitted with a nod. “It’s rare for one of her class to wish to do such things, you must admit.”

Felix gestured to the carriage. “Perhaps, but now’s your chance, though I must warn you, Charles, her maid is a little… unconventional.”

Charles did not have time to query this statement as they were drawing near so simply nodded his understanding.

“Cat, I cannot seem to escape you these days. Aren’t you desperate to leave the city yet?”

“When you are so delighted by my company, certainly not,” Cat replied tartly, making him laugh.

“Lady Belinda, Miss Bodrott,” he carried on politely. “How are you enjoying Gunter’s?”

“Very much, I thank you,” Lady Belinda replied with a smile.

“Lady Kilbane, Lady Belinda, Miss Bodrott, may I introduce my secretary, Mr Charles Kirby?”

The ladies nodded their agreement, apart from Miss Bodrott, who was staring at Charles with obvious interest, so Felix did not think she minded the introduction either.

“Charles, may I present The Marchioness of Kilbane, Lady Belinda Madox-Brown and Miss Doris Bodrott?”

“A pleasure to meet you,” Charles said with a nervous smile, bowing and blushing a little as he noticed Miss Bodrott’s intent perusal of his person.

The maid then shifted closer to her mistress and whispered something to her that made Lady Belinda smile. Poor Charles blushed harder.

“Miss Bodrott is curious to know what a secretary does, Mr Kirby,” she told Charles.

“Oh, well, many things,” Charles said. “Keeping records, of course, keeping Mr Knight’s diary, writing letters and reading such correspondence as Mr Knight has no time for, dealing with clients where necessary, as well as more mundane tasks… like keeping the coffee coming when Mr Knight is working late,” he said modestly. “Purchasing things when the need arises,” he added as an afterthought.

“What sort of things?” Miss Bodrott asked with interest.

“Oh.” Charles turned a brighter shade of red, which Felix thought was interesting. “Well, that depends,” he said, casting an uncertain look at Felix.

“Don’t give away my secrets, Charles,” Felix murmured wryly.

“Oh, Felix, you’re not the kind who gets his secretary to buy presents, are you?” Cat said in disgust. “Not really?”

“Well, no,” Felix began, feeling guilty all at once. “Well, sometimes, yes,” he admitted, shrugging. He could not tell a barefaced lie in front of Charles after just having asked him to do just that.

“I’m sure Mr Knight is a busy man and has little time for shopping,” Lady Belinda said, giving Cat a fierce look that told her to pack it in.

“Thank you, my lady,” he said, surprised at her coming to his rescue. “I’m afraid that is exactly it. Also, I find giving presents rather complicated. Especially as my sisters and my mother are so adept at finding something they know I’ll love. I’m afraid it is not one of my talents, whereas Charles is a genius,” he added, slapping Charles on the back.

“What was the last gift you bought, Mr Kirby?” Miss Bodrott asked.