Page 62 of Inventing Vivian

Chapter 16

Vivian took a notebook andpencil from her handbag and started drawing schematics of her ideas. If she could conceal a camera inside a bag or a top hat... She muttered to herself as she worked, erasing a section. “No, that won’t do at all; it prohibits access to the plates.”

Sophie moved aside the carriage window curtain. “Where did you say we were going, Vivian?” she asked.

“Blackfriars,” Vivian said. She turned to a clean page and glanced up at her friend.

Sophie still watched through the window. “I think Lord Benedict was very pleased to see you at the station house today.”

“Was he?” Vivian asked, feeling the jolt in her chest that had become a regular occurrence when she thought of the man. She hoped her voice sounded innocently curious and that the dim light in the carriage hid her blush.

Sophie looked at her, a teasing smile pulling at her lips. “Surely you noticed.”

Vivian shrugged. “I think he was worried for his friend and grateful we were there for support. He was probably mostly grateful for Jonathan’s help.” She looked back at the notebook and returned to her drawing, hoping her friend would drop the topic.

“That must be it,” Sophie said, not quite hiding the tease in her voice.

The carriage stopped on Thames Street, and Devon helped the women alight. He put his hand into his coat, looking down the dark alley before nodding to Vivian that it was safe.

Sophie’s eyes were wide with excitement and a hint of fear. She followed along closely behind Vivian as they made their way between broken crates and rubbish to Mr. Barnaby’s door.

“Barnaby’s Mudlark Emporium?” Sophie read. “What on earth is this place?”

Vivian glanced back to the mouth of the alley, then to her companion. “Mr. Barnaby is a tinker.”

“An inventor like you?” Sophie guessed.

“Yes. But...” Vivian shifted, not knowing exactly what words to use. “He is very secretive. And there is more to his enterprise than simply selling found objects; I am sure of it. He...” She winced, wanting to say this correctly. “He may be involved in slightly... ah... illegal ventures.”

Sophie looked at the sign again. “You trust this man?”

“I do. And Devon does.” Vivian flicked her eyes back toward the carriage.

“Then, he may be exactly who we need to carry out a plan, especially when the police can’t help us.” Sophie’s expression still held a bit of worry, but she looked more curious now.

Vivian gave the secret knock and opened the door.

When they stepped inside, Sophie gasped. “Oh my.” She held her handkerchief in front of her nose.

Vivian smiled, remembering her first impression of the place. It was staggering, to say the least.

“What is all of this?” Sophie asked.

“Treasure, Lady Sophronia.” Mr. Barnaby stepped out from the shadows at the rear of the shop.

Sophie squealed and jerked back. “How do you know my name?” She looked between Mr. Barnaby and Vivian.

Mr. Barnaby shrugged. “Keep my ear to the ground, I do. Like to stay informed.” Although he maintained a jaunty smile, he studied the women with shrewd eyes. “Now, what can I do for you ladies this fine day?”

“I’ve come to ask for your help,” Vivian said.

“Aye, miss. Assumed as much.”

“Yes, I... we...” She shook her head, frustrated that she hadn’t planned ahead how to explain. “I’m sorry; the whole thing is rather complicated.”

Mr. Barnaby leaned his shoulder against a shelf and crossed his arms, waiting.

“You see, last night, two valuable jade horses were stolen from a shop in the Limehouse district,” Vivian said. “In the process of the robbery, a man was killed.”

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