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“Why bother asking for advice from ladies about what gentlemen find enticing when I can ask—”
“A cat?” Annalise raised a brow.
“A gentleman.”
Lavinia and Annalise exchanged a look.
Annalise pursed her lips. “I said no such thing.”
“I told you, she made a leap.”
Olivia wasn’t listening to them anymore, however. She stood and collected her gloves. “Thank you for a delightful conversation. Have a wonderful trip.” She gave Annalise a hug and stormed out of the sitting room.
Annalise and Lavinia just stared in her wake.
* * *
Annalise settled into a carriage a few minutes later. Blake sat there, scribbling something in his journal.
“Oh, thank God. I thought I lost you and was about to come and fetch you myself.”
Annalise settled next to him and leaned against his shoulder. He thumped on the roof, and the carriage lurched into motion.
“It was difficult saying goodbye to Miss Gale,” Annalise breathed.
“I am certain she will be well.”
“Oh, she will. I think she forgot all about me the moment she jumped out of the basket. It is I who shall be missing her.”
Blake tipped her chin with his fingers, forcing her to look up at him. He dipped his head and pressed his lips against hers. “I shall make every effort to divert your mind,” he whispered against her lips, then lowered his head and captured her mouth in a scorching kiss.
* * *
In the meantime…
Jarvis sat in a chair in his study, rubbing his shoulder with a pungent ointment. He detested the smell. He detested even more that he had to endure it twice a day. But if it meant his shoulder would stop hurting, and he would get his full range of motion back, he would endure it. He needed to make a full recovery, and soon.
The thief-takers were already on his tail every time he went on a mission, but as he’d learned a few months ago, apparently, there was someone else looking for him, too. He couldn’t fathom who that might be, but he needed to find out.
A light rap sounded on his door, and at his command to enter, the butler came inside.
“A missive for you, sir.”
Jarvis outstretched his hand. The butler handed him the envelope and disappeared.
Jarvis opened a missive and read a few lines in a familiar scrawl.
Need your assistance at your earliest convenience. The matter of utmost urgency.
O.
The End.
