Page 48 of Solving Sophronia

She continued on as if she hadn’t heard him. “It will require some deception.” She grinned, showing her dimples. “But you must trust me.”

“The plan, my lady?” Sergeant Lester prompted.

“No time to explain.” She pushed her notebook into her bag. “I have too much to do. Come to my house this afternoon at three o’ clock—yes that should be enough time while my family is away—and I will reveal all.” She whirled and hurried from the room.

Jonathan and Sergeant Lester stared at one another, and Jonathan wondered to what he had just committed them.

Chapter 14

The carriage came to astop, jolting Sophie from the spinning thoughts in her head. She looked through the window, recognizing the storefront of theIllustrated London News.

The balloon article!In all the excitement she’d completely forgotten the work was due. Thank goodness Jasper kept better track of her errands than she did. She couldn’t ask for a better driver.

She hurried through the office door, hoping the errand would be quick and wondering how she could possibly get everything done in such a short time. There were lists to make and messages to send, and she needed to speak with Mimi.

Sophie walked straight through the maze of activity to the editor’s desk, taking out her notebook from her bag as she greeted Mr. Leonard.

“There you are, Miss Propriety.” He blew out a puff of smoke and glanced at the clock, his frown making his similarities to a walrus all the more apparent. “Just a few moments shy of deadline.”

“I’m sorry, sir.” She turned quickly through the pages, searching for the article and drawing, and as she did so, some of the other papers slid out onto the floor.

Mr. Leonard picked up the drawings from the murder investigation, his brows rising as he glanced at them. “What have we here?”

“I beg your pardon.” Sophie snatched them from his hand, replacing them with her article and balloon drawing. “Here they are.” She stuck the pictures back into her notebook. A drop of sweat dripped down her back.Calm down, Sophie.

Mr. Leonard took the article and sat back with his pen. He slashed lines through words, muttering to himself as he read.

As the editor worked, Sophie considered what exactly to do first.I shall need to find a tailor who will work fast, and a cobbler...

Mr. Leonard circled an entire paragraph, drawing an arrow showing where it should be moved. He made a few notes at the end of the story, then put the paper into his basket.

Oh, and a barber...

The editor glanced at the balloon drawing and handed it back to Sophie to take to the engravers.

She crossed the room to the engravers’ corner.I wonder if there is time for dance instruction. The waltz, at the very least. The steps are easy enough if he can just master the rhythm...

Mr. Potts scowled when she approached.

“How do you do today, sir?” She smiled as she handed him the illustration.

“More lace.” He grunted, tossing the paper onto the table.

Sophie opened her mouth to say something complimentary but was interrupted by a woman’s voice calling to her.

“Lady Sophronia!” Mrs. Ingram waved and motioned her over.

“Please excuse me.” Sophie was glad for an excuse to leave the crotchety man. She crossed through the crowded office. “Mrs. Ingram. How very nice to see you.”

“I’ve the information you requested.” The research assistant pushed aside a mess of wayward curls and dug through a stack of papers, sliding out a folder. She turned it, glancing at the name on the edge. “Tom Stackhouse. Tragic story.”

Sophie had almost forgotten that she’d requested the information in the first place. “Thank you very much.” She opened the folder and glanced inside, seeing articles and reports, then closed it, deciding to read it later. She had enough on her mind today. “I am much obliged,” Sophie said. She opened her bag to put the folder with her notebook, but the notebook was gone.

She found it right where she’d left it, on Mr. Leonard’s desk, and stuck it into her bag. “Good day to you, sir.” She called the farewell as she rushed through the door and back into the carriage.

Once the carriage started moving, she sat back, heart beating, and sighed loudly.I must calm myself, or I shall truly be fit for Bedlam.

Za

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