Page 42 of The Moonstone Pirate
“I cannot afford to have you tip them off or scare them away.”
“Then they are suspects,” Thaddius remarked, his eyes growing wide.
“Two among dozens. Do not make too much of it. If it turns out they are the culprits, this will put you and other innocent parties in danger. We do not want these lords to panic and do something foolish because they are worried you, or some innocent maid on your staff, know too much. Go about your business as usual and leave the investigation to us.”
The young innkeeper’s eyes were still wide, and his face had now paled. “Very good, my lord.”
Draco took another moment to finish this next report to the Home Office, adding a request that the Crown agents dig into a connection between Healey, Burke, and Driscoll, in addition to Driscoll’s toady friends. However, he left out mention of theDroghedafor now, a decision he hoped he would not come to regret. “Here, Thaddius. Make sure this one also gets on the mail coach to London. Need I remind you that no one must see any of my correspondence? Keep close watch on your mail pouch until it is loaded onto the coach.”
After handing this last missive into Thaddius’s shaking hands, he strode out of the inn. His next stop was Mrs. Halsey’s tea shop, because he was hungry and wanted a quick bite.
“Botheration,” he muttered upon finding Imogen, Deandra, and his uncle seated at one of the dainty tables having tea and cakes.
Deandra squealed and waved him over.
“What are you doing here?” he asked none too politely, taking no pains to hide his displeasure. What did Imogen not understand about staying safely close to home?
Imogen regarded him innocently. “Do join us, Lord Woodley. I was showing Deandra and your uncle around the village, and we ended our tour here. We just came from the army hospital, but did not go inside because there is a fever going around the wards. I thought Deandra and your uncle should have a glimpse of it even if we did not enter. But we were able to take a quick tour of Fort Arundel.”
Deandra nodded. “The fort is most impressive.”
“Major Brennan was kind enough to show us around,” his uncle added. “You must ask him for a tour, Woodley. I’m sure you will find it fascinating.”
“I’ve seen it.” Draco frowned at Imogen.
She squirmed in her chair. “Um, we intend to return to Westgate Hall as soon as we finish our tea. I’m sure you noticed the Burness carriage waiting for us across the high street. There’s plenty of room if you wish to ride back with us.”
He settled in the empty chair beside her, an ornate wrought-iron thing not meant to support a man’s weight. This tea shop was full of frills and cozy charm, adorned with doilies and floral drapes. Few men would stop in for tea and cakes unless it was to escort his lady companions. However, the pies and other confectionery treats were excellent, so no man ever complained. “Where is Parrot? I thought I told you to take him everywhere with you.”
“He is with me, but Mrs. Halsey would not allow him in the tea room proper. He is having water and cakes in her garden just out back.”
Draco rolled his eyes. “Cakes? Is that dog not spoiled enough?”
Deandra giggled. “Now that you are here, do stop scowling and order something for yourself.”
He nodded because he was hungry. However, he was not pleased to see them treating the murder so lightly.
Imogen sighed, clamped her lips shut, then sighed again.
“What?” He could see she was eager to question him but hesitated to ask him anything in front of Deandra and her father. The restraint was obviously a struggle for her, but he did not care. “You know I am not going to discuss the murder.”
She sighed again and stared down at her strawberry tart. “I know.”
Draco noted her dessert. “Looks delicious.”
She glanced at him and nodded. “It is my favorite. But everything here is delicious.”
He ordered a mint tea and two slices of peach pie with an added dollop of clotted cream, which he devoured because he was famished by the time he dug into the first slice. Besides, peaches and cream reminded him of Imogen’s delicate scent, and it appeared he was famished for her, as well. “Lord, that’s good.”
Imogen’s tension eased, and she smiled at him. “Ella and I would stop in every afternoon over the summers. Mornings were taken up visiting the injured soldiers, then here for our treats before returning to Westgate Hall. Do you have more to do in town?”
He shook his head and finished the last of his tea. “No, it is home for me next. I’ll need to wash up and make myself presentable before I join your family for supper.”
“My uncle will not be offended if you come as you are. Nor will Aunt Phoebe. We are not guided by London rules of etiquette here. Our suppers at Westgate Hall are casual affairs.” She sighed when he remained expressionless. “But I see that I have not persuaded you. All right. We shall see you later.”
They bade farewell to Mrs. Halsey and her daughter, then Draco went around back to fetch Parrot for them.
The dog leaped to his feet the moment he noticed Draco. His tongue lolled out from the side of his mouth and his tail wagged furiously as he approached. “Parrot, we have only been separated a few hours. You would think I hadn’t seen you in years.”
