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“Of course you may,” said Beatrice. “Mina would be delighted, wouldn’t you Mina?”
“Er... delighted.” She happily relinquished her knitting basket. She understood that Beatrice wanted Drew to leave in order for the ladies to continue their meeting. She rose. “It was lovely to meet all of you.”
“We hope you’ll be back to give us that demonstration... the one with the knitting needles,” said MissBeaton.
The maid brought her pelisse and bonnet and she hurried Drew out of the house and away from the professional-minded ladies and their plans for infiltrating all-male societies.
“You can’t burst in anywhere just because you’re a duke,” Mina scolded.
“I have an invitation you won’t want to refuse. I found the Princess Eve and I was thinking you might want to see it.”
“I thought you said a gin house was no place for a lady.”
“It’s not a gin house, it’s a gin palace and there’s a difference. I’ve never heard of a gin palace but apparently they’re going to be all the rage soon.”
“What’s the difference?”
“The gin palace is housed in a very respectable old building in Hanover Square, and it’s been renovated to the highest standards. They haven’t opened to the public yet, but they will soon. The quality of the gin will be vastly superior, as will the refreshments, décor, and clientele. I thought you might like to accompany me.” He ducked his head as he entered the carriage after her. “Because you’re very observant. And I’m liable to overlook something obvious.”
She smiled, her heart warming. He might not have admitted it to himself yet, but he needed her help.
He trusted her. They were truly a team.
“I’d be delighted,” she said.
A young maid with light brown hair braided into a crown on top of her head and frightened green eyes answered Drew’s knock on the door of the Princess Eve. “May I help you, sir?”
“The Duke of Thorndon and companion. We’re here to inspect the premises.”
The girl startled, her cheeks flushing. “Oh, Your Grace, we weren’t expecting you. We’re not open yet.”
“I know that, I just want to have a look around. I may be interested in making an investment in the place.”
“What’s your name?” asked Mina.
“Elsa, miss.”
“It’s going to be a grand success, isn’t it, Elsa?” Mina asked. “Just look at those chandeliers.”
“Oh yes, a great success. I-I’ll just go and fetch someone to speak with you.”
“No need for that,” said Drew, leading Mina into the wide hallway. “Is MissOlivia Lachance here?”
“MissLachance has gone away, Your Grace. I don’t know when she’ll return.”
“How long has she been gone?” asked Mina.
“Two or three days, I believe.”
“Well, which is it?” asked Drew. “Two or three?”
“I-I’m not sure, Your Grace. I really must find someone else to speak with you.” She curtsied and scurried away.
“Rafe left two days ago,” said Drew. “They could have left together. To Gretna Green.”
“I don’t think so. He said he was going to set a trap for someone. That maid is nervous about something,” said Mina. “She jumped when she heard your name.”
“I agree. She knows something. Why does her name sound so familiar, as if I’ve heard it recently?”
