He exited the shop, shouting for his coachman to open the carriage door. “For pity’s sake, hurry.”
The burly fellow scrambled into action. “Stone the crows. What happened to her, sir?”
“Miss Darrow tripped over the hem of her pelisse and tumbled down the stairs.” It was Delphine’s pelisse and far too long for her. “Fetch her valise from the first-floor landing and secure the front door. The key is in the lock. Hurry, man. She needs a physician.”
Reminiscent of the day Miss Darrow helped bundle him into a vehicle, Theo used brute strength to place her on the seat. Once inside, he drew her onto his lap and continued speaking, willing her to wake.
“There’s something to be said for Keats.” He stroked her hair from her brow, his stomach twisting into knots. “The line he draws between good and evil is often unclear. Perhaps it’s a testament to his humble beginnings.”
His hopes of rousing a response came to nought.
Godby reappeared. He threw the valise atop the box, settled on his perch and flicked the reins. The carriage lurched into motion seconds before the nosy silversmith came dashing across the street.
Theo checked his pocket watch. They would miss their appointment with Pickering’s mobile library. But all was not lost. They could break the black wax, open the ominous note and force the librarian to confess. They could interview the barrow boy, assuming he was unharmed. Any insignificant detail might be pertinent to the case.
As the carriage raced towards Aldgate, Theo found himself staring at Miss Darrow’s lips. They were soft and plump, but that’s not what made their kisses unique.
An unknown ingredient had roused a fever in his blood—a secret something entwined with the hypnotic scent of jasmine, the warmth of her lips, and the vibrancy of her adventurous spirit.
He shouldn’t have touched her today. He shouldn’t have put his mouth to hers and drunk until intoxicated. How was he to solve her problems when every intimate interaction complicated matters? Yet, the need to taste her again was like a silent call from the soul.
Was seduction not part of their game?
Did she not welcome his advances?
His gaze moved over her delicate features. She was as fragile as fine china, yet beneath this dainty exterior was a determined warrior.
Who was she? What had happened to her parents?
Where had she learnt her dressmaking skills?
Had she ever been in love?
The need to know more about her proved compelling. Perhaps she had been plagued by a similar compulsion when saving him from death’s door. She had certainly probed his mind as he lay in bed recuperating.
When they arrived at Fortune’s Den, Aaron was outside, arms folded and glaring at The Burnished Jade, the ladies’ club across the street.
Aaron opened the carriage door, looked at Miss Darrow’s lifeless body nestled in Theo’s lap and growled, “What the hell happened?”
“Miss Darrow fell down the stairs.” Theo shuffled to the edge of the seat, certain Aaron was imagining a horrid scene from their childhood. “Send Sigmund for a physician.”
Aaron shouted for Sigmund and barked orders when he came charging out, fists clenched as if expecting trouble. “Fetch Gentry. Tell him it’s urgent. Go now.”
Sigmund did not dally. Mr Gentry had a private practice in Leadenhall Street. Aaron paid him to attend the monthly boxing bouts in the Den’s basement.
“How long has she been unconscious?” Aaron hauled Miss Darrow into his arms like she was as light as a babe.
“Ten, maybe fifteen minutes.” He knew the point behind the question. The longer she remained comatose, the more likely she had suffered a lasting injury. “She stirred as we drew into Aldgate Street but didn’t open her eyes.”
“Let’s pray she wakes from this stupor soon.” Aaron stepped aside for Theo to alight. That’s when he noticed the elegant woman in a green pelisse and matching pillbox hat hurrying towards them. “Lord, give me strength. Just when I thought matters couldn’t get any worse.”
Miss Lovelace, the delightful owner of The Burnished Jade, came to a crashing halt beside them. “Good heavens. What has happened to Miss Darrow? Is that blood on her forehead?”
“She fell,” Theo said as Aaron turned his back on the woman he secretly admired and carried Miss Darrow inside.
“Shall I fetch a doctor?” Miss Lovelace followed Theo into Fortune’s Den. “Mr Gentry is an excellent physician. His practice is a two-minute walk away.”
“Thank you for your concern, but we have the matter in hand. Sigmund will return with Gentry posthaste.” Knowing the woman affected Aaron like no one else, Theo invited her to stay. “You spent time with Miss Darrow at Delphine’s wedding. I’m sure she would appreciate seeing a friendly face when she wakes.”
“Perhaps I may be of some assistance.” Miss Lovelace entered the drawing room—a private place reserved for family—and watched Aaron gently lower Miss Darrow onto the gold brocade sofa. “Though limited, I have some experience of head injuries.”
“Of course you do,” Aaron mocked, though he seemed determined not to look at her. “Is there anything you cannot turn your hand to, madam? Snake charming? Mapping the stars?”
Miss Lovelace raised her chin. “When a woman lives alone, she must learn to be self-sufficient. If you must know, I invited Mr Gentry to give a lecture on treating common ailments. He proved most popular with the ladies at my club.”
Theo suspected Gentry’s popularity had more to do with his striking countenance than his admirable profession.
Aaron surely thought so, too, because his strained smile failed to hide a flash of jealousy. “The ladies you serve are wallflowers. The attention of any man would leave them rigid in their seats.”
“How parochial, Mr Chance. Never underestimate a wallflower. Just because we do not parade like broodmares at Tattersall’s does not mean we are lacking.”
Aaron huffed. “You are not a wallflower, madam.”
“And how have you reached that conclusion?” Miss Lovelace removed a vinaigrette from her reticule and thrust it into Theo’s hand. Unabashed, she raised her skirts and knelt beside Miss Darrow. “See if you can rouse her while I loosen her clothing.”
“A wallflower is timid by nature.” Aaron’s eyes were upon her now that she had her back to him. “You’re as bold as a brigadier.”
Desperate to see Miss Darrow smile again, Theo pulled the stopper from the dainty bottle.
