Page 28 of A Dangerous Scheme (Regency Spies & Secrets 4)

“Couldn’t he just see them for himself?”

Before she could reply, Mr. Stewart stepped into the room and gave her a stiff bow. “Good afternoon, Miss Locke,” he said. “I hope I am not disturbing you.”

“You are not.” Daphne gestured towards her grandmother and provided the introductions. “Mr. Stewart, allow me the privilege of introducing you to my grandmother, Lady Frances.”

Mr. Stewart gave her a brief smile. “It is a pleasure to meet you, my lady.”

Her grandmother’s critical eye swept over him. “Would you care for something to drink, Mr. Stewart?”

“If it isn’t too much of an imposition,” he replied, stepping further into the room.

“Nonsense,” her grandmother replied. “We are always eager to make new friends. Won’t you sit down?”

Mr. Stewart stepped over to an upholstered armchair and sat down. “You are most generous.”

Daphne moved to sit on the edge of her seat, then poured two cups of tea before extending one to Mr. Stewart.

“Thank you,” he said as he accepted it.

She picked up her cup and took a sip. She attempted to come up with something witty to say but found herself at a loss for words.

Her grandmother’s voice broke through the silence. “Where do you hail from, Mr. Stewart?”

“London,” he replied.

“What a terrible place to live,” her grandmother declared. “The smell wafting off the River Thames is atrocious.”

“That it is,” Mr. Stewart agreed. “I’m afraid it is a smell you become accustomed to after living there for a few years.”

“The only time we went to London was when we visited my husband’s relatives,” her grandmother shared. “They preferred to live there than in the country.”

“Many people prefer the bustling streets of London over the quieter lifestyle of the countryside.”

“Which would you prefer?”

Mr. Stewart paused. “I have never considered that question before, partially because my life is in London.”

“If you can, you must retire to the countryside,” her grandmother pressed.

“I shall heed your advice, my lady.”

Daphne spoke up. “How long have you lived in London?”

“For most of my life,” he replied. “I attended Cambridge, and I suppose I never saw a reason to leave home after that.”

“My husband went to Cambridge, as well,” her grandmother said. “It is a fine university.”

“That it is.” Mr. Stewart put his teacup on the table and turned his attention towards Daphne. “I was hoping to speak to you about the conditions in the mines.”

Her grandmother raised her hand. “I do not wish to have my mood sullied,” she declared. “Why don’t you speak of this unfortunate subject as you tour the gardens?”

“I am not opposed to that, assuming Miss Locke is in agreement,” Mr. Stewart said.

Daphne set her teacup on the tray. “I think that sounds like a splendid idea.”

Mr. Stewart rose and offered his arm. “Allow me to escort you.”

As they walked towards the rear of the townhouse, she glanced over her shoulder and saw a maid trailing behind them at a discreet distance.

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