Page 35 of A Kiss from the Marquess

Soon the carriage rolled to a halt, and Simon hopped out. “I’ll see you at home, Jarvis.”

“You’re certain you don’t want me to wait, my lord?” he asked hopefully.

“No, thank you.” Simon waited for him to pull away before considering his options.

Emerson would obviously recognize him if he saw him, so it was important to find a place where he was hidden yet close enough that he wouldn’t lose the man. Simon settled on waiting beside a tree across the street. Chances were the man wouldn’t look in this direction, especially since the street was rather busy at this time of day.

At one minute after six o’clock, the door to the museum opened and the remaining visitors who’d been inside filed out. A few minutes later, several employees departed as well. Soon Emerson emerged, wearing the same brown suit he’d worn nearly every time Simon had seen him. He paused at the top of the steps to glance about.

Simon eased behind the tree. He breathed a sigh of relief as the man descended the stairs and headed north to walk at a leisurely pace, in no hurry to return home. Did that mean there was no Mrs. Emerson awaiting him?

Maintaining a fair distance between them, Simon followed. He tried to keep his gaze on the ground so that if Emerson looked back, he’d be unlikely to recognize him. They walked for nearly half an hour before entering a residential area. Simon glanced around with interest, wondering if they were close to Emerson’s home.

Fewer people were nearby, so Simon slowed his pace, keeping Emerson just in sight. At last, the man approached a modest two-story Tudor-style home and inserted a key in the door.

Simon walked slowly past but could see little in the windows. He crossed the street and walked by the home again and this time was rewarded with movement visible inside. An older man and woman who looked as if they could be his parents were speaking with Emerson. Did he live with them?

Well aware he couldn’t linger outside their house for long without drawing notice, Simon glanced around, hoping a neighbor might be willing to share a few details with a nosy stranger. Sure enough, an older gentleman approached with the aid of a cane.

Simon forced a smile. “Good evening, sir.”

“And to you.” Wrinkles creased his eyes and white muttonchops lined his jaw. He looked friendly enough.

“A fine day it has been,” Simon said, wishing he was better at exchanging pleasantries.

“Indeed.” The man paused and glanced up at the sky. “Though my bones suggest it might rain tomorrow.”

“I shall keep that in mind. Do you live in the neighborhood?”

“Indeed, I do.” He pointed at a house two doors down from where they stood.

“I don’t suppose you know John Emerson?” Simon gestured toward the house he’d been watching, hoping Emerson didn’t choose to emerge and see him.

“Why, of course. Known him since he was no more than ten years of age. His parents have lived there since before I came to live in the neighborhood.”

“He seems like a nice chap, eh?”

“Indeed. He visits his parents every evening. I don’t know why he doesn’t continue to live with them, given how often he visits. His father is in poor health, so it’s good that he does.”

“How kind of him.” Simon waited, hoping the man might share more.

“I heard he found a position at a museum recently. He’s always been fond of books and the like, so I suppose he must enjoy it.”

“I’m sure.” Simon hesitated, wondering how much more he dared to ask. “Pardon my curiosity, but you don’t happen to know if the family is experiencing financial woes, do you?” At the alarmed expression the man gave him, Simon added, “I would like to help them if they are.”

“Oh. I see.” His expression turned thoughtful. “I don’t think so. Nothing I’ve seen would indicate that. Otherwise, I believe John would move back home.”

“That makes sense.” Money wasn’t the only reason someone might resort to thievery, but it was certainly the most common. “Thank you for your time. Have a pleasant evening.”

The older man wished him well and continued toward his house.

Simon glanced toward the Emerson’s window one last time and saw the three had settled into chairs for a visit. The scene was cozy, the flickering flames of a fire visible. The woman sat forward in her chair, her attention riveted on her son, apparently delighted with his visit. The father nodded as he listened to John.

Simon’s chest tightened as a memory from long ago with his own parents drifted through his mind. He quickly shoved it away as he started the walk home, having learned not to dwell on them. They only made him long for what couldn’t be. Yet the prospect of spending the evening alone didn’t have the same appeal as it had in the past. There were advantages to having a family. If only the risks weren’t so high.

Chapter Ten

Norah waited inuncomfortable silence with her maid and footman in Simon’s entrance hall late the following morning. James and Dorothy’s disapproval of the visit was obvious but couldn’t be helped. Heaven forbid if Ella discovered she hadn’t truly gone shopping.

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