Page 40 of The Highland Heist
“I appreciate your vigilance,” Frederick said, “but little girls are not allowed in gambling houses here.”
“Then how are they to trick the dealers?”
Grace didn’t know very much about gambling, but that question alone told her volumes about what Zahra’s father had asked her to do for him.
“Perhaps they use their own wits or fates.” Frederick answered, his voice so gentle. What a father he made! “But my goal is not to gamble, but to find answers so that you, me, and your”—he looked up at Grace—”your new mother, Grace, can return to Britain and introduce you to your little sister, Elizabeth, as well as your new home at Havensbrooke.”
Grace almost smiled. Frederick had been resistant to publicly connect himself to his little illegitimate daughter in the past, but perhaps time and perspective had changed those concerns. Little Lily could certainly benefit from knowing her father loved her enough to claim her as his own for the whole world to see.
Grace joined them on the settee.
“Zahra, lamb, we appreciate your desire to keep us safe.” Frederick’s words tumbled forward in a gentle rumble. “And I’m certain you have a keen mind, but it’s important for you to not put yourself into harm’s way.”
“Though it was very clever to hide beneath a table.” Grace offered. “My usual hiding spot of choice was behind the doors.”
“But right now, with dangerous things happening around us, it’s important that you do as we ask. Do you understand?”
She studied Frederick without assenting.
“Unless it’s an emergency,” Grace added. “Like in Egypt, when you ran back to find Frederick while I was tied up in that burning house.”
Frederick sent Grace a look she didn’t fully interpret, but she had the strangest feeling she might not have been saying what he’d wanted her to say. In any event, Zahra could certainly benefit from the encouragement.
“And for now, it is best if you stay here with Grace while I make my way to the Lucky Coin alone, do you understand?”
She nodded this time. “But I will still keep my ears open.”
Frederick sighed in the same way he’d done with Grace on several occasions. Grace really hoped she was able to give dear Frederick a son, because for some reason, she felt as though a boy might cause much less sighs than he seemed to experience surrounded by females.
“Very well. I feel certain Grace will appreciate your extra set of ears, especially when listening for a little baby in need.” He set her on the ground and nudged her toward the door. “Now, will you run along to see how Miss Cox fares?”
“So you can speak to Sayyida alone?”
Grace grinned. The little girl really was too clever.
Much more clever about interpersonal situations than Grace had been at her age.
“I do.” He gave her a mock-serious look and Zahra’s lips almost tipped, until she dashed out of the room.
Frederick turned back to Grace. “If I’m to get back before Detective Johnson returns, I’d better leave now.” He touched her arm. “Be careful, darling.”
“And you.”
He’d just made it to the threshold of the door when Grace stopped him. “Frederick.”
He turned back toward her. “Yes?”
“Why do you refer to my sister as Mrs. Dixon and not Lillias? She is your sister-in-law, after all.”
He looked away and after a slight hesitation met her stare. “Don’t know for certain. The way we began and the way in which she almost manipulated the situation into marriage with her, I just can’t force myself into a more intimate level of acquaintance.” His shoulders slumped as if the admission took some strength from him. “I don’t trust her, Grace.”
At the moment, Grace found it hard to trust her sister too. “You think she’s lying?”
“Not about the facts, but about her motives. She’s desperate, and desperation rarely leads to clear thinking. I hate to say this, especially about your sister, but keep your guard up, won’t you? And use that clever mind of yours.”
Her smile crooked a little at his benedictory tease. “I will.”
Chapter 11
