Page 19 of A Taste of Miss Honey

“Not Jack?” she asked, feeling utterly dreadful at having missed her visit to him.

Angel smiled. “No. Though he’s weaker, isn’t he? I was rather shocked at how frail he’s become.”

“His spirit is still as fierce as ever.” Izzy smiled, not liking to confirm the words though she knew they were true, as she led Angel through to the parlour and closed the door so they could speak in private.

“That it is, which is what makes things so difficult. He’s a cantankerous old goat and won’t let anyone have a moment's respite.” Angel laughed as she undid her bonnet and threw it down on the sofa. “Lord above, would you listen to me harping on? Here I am, not back in town five minutes and I’m already bending your ear with complaints.”

“Don’t be daft. I may take my turn after,” Izzy told her with a smile, wondering if she dared to involve Angel in her trouble. She trusted her implicitly, but if she had her own difficulties, it would not be fair to add to them. Izzy sat down and patted the cushion beside her until Angel sat at her side.

The young woman sighed and leaned into Izzy, her expression rueful. “Go ahead. I’d love to listen to troubles other than my own. It’s all Papa’s fault, of course.”

“Oh, dear.” Izzy winced. Angel’s father was a feckless idiot, and that was the kindest way she could think to describe him.

“We’re up River Tick without a paddle,” Angel said with her usual candour. “Papa has ruined us, and Pops is furious. He’s told Papa that’s it, there’s no more money to be had. Mama has begged and begged, but Pops just shrugs and tells them to sort their own problems out. He gave them a fortune, and they squandered it. He’s too old to care.”

Izzy regarded her friend, noting the sadness behind the words, but there was something else. “You don’t believe him.”

Angel shrugged. “He’s the stubbornest man that ever lived, and if he’s decided Papa is not to have another penny, then he shan’t have it. But no, I don’t entirely believe him.”

“He’ll leave it to you.” Izzy knew she was right the moment she said it.

Angel spread her hands in a helpless gesture. “Perhaps. But for now, I’m home because Papa couldn’t pay the bills for the fancy school they sent me to. Not that I care. Lord, Izzy, you cannot imagine what a lot of dull little spoiled princesses they were! How I longed for you to come and get into trouble with me. As it was, I had to do it alone.”

“I never doubted that you would.” Izzy snorted, knowing her friend of old.

“Ah well, one must live life to the full, Izzy my love. No matter how dull it appears to be.”

Izzy smiled. Normally, she’d agree wholeheartedly with that statement, but right now, a dull day seemed desperately appealing.

Angel’s expression grew serious, and Izzy could see how worried she was. “Will you come and see him, Izzy? I know a visit from you would perk him up. It always does.”

Izzy nodded, hearing the anxious quaver behind the words. She reached for Angel’s hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. Her throat tightened as she fought back the desire to confess everything, to unburden herself, knowing that Angel would move heaven and earth to help her. But it wasn’t fair. She could not put this on Angel when she was worried about Black Jack. “I will. Of course I will, only… not for a day or two.”

She swallowed, knowing things would likely have resolved themselves by then. Either Boreas would show signs of improvement, or… he would not.

Angel met her eyes, smiling, but thoughtful. “You are up to something, my love.”

Izzy fidgeted, taking off her glasses and cleaning them on her skirts. “Oh, no… I—”

Laughing, Angel put out a finger and pressed it against Izzy’s lips. “No. No fibs. You don’t need to tell me a thing. I respect your privacy. Only know that I am here if you need me. Day or night. No matter how nefarious the problem. I’ll even help you bury any bodies.”

Izzy choked, torn between laughter and hysterical tears. Still, she knew what Angel meant, and the knowledge buoyed her. “You do not know what that means to me, Angel.”

Angel’s mouth kicked up at the corners. “Yes, pet. I do. Believe me, I do.”