It was apparent that Pickering could not locate the books. He fumbled about and offered one excuse after another.
Theo lost his temper. “You’ll tell me where those books are, or I shall take you to Bow Street and have you charged with conspiracy.”
“I’m sure you have the information in your ledger,” Miss Darrow added, sounding just as annoyed at Pickering’s dallying. “You will hand it to me, sir, so I may inspect it myself.”
What man could resist the fire in her eyes? Certainly not Pickering. He gave her the ledger before clasping his chubby hands together in prayer.
“I confess. I kept the books. You seemed convinced they were mine, madam, and I thought it better to put them to good use.” A whimper escaped him. “I know nothing about the secret notes or any of the charges you claim.”
“Did anyone ask to borrow those particular books?” Daventry said.
Miss Darrow flicked through the pages, scanning the entries.
“Yes, The Vampyre,” Pickering admitted. “Within days of the lady handing me the book, a customer requested two copies. The solution to my problem seemed simple.”
Theo cursed under his breath. “That doesn’t explain why you stole the books Miss Darrow delivered.”
“It wasn’t stealing. The lady thought they were mine.”
Miss Darrow gasped as she peered at the writing in Pickering’s ledger. “Good heavens. You won’t believe this. Mrs Dunwoody requested two copies of The Vampyre. Is that not the name of the woman who insulted you at the theatre?”
Dunwoody was an unusual surname. “Is there an address listed?” Theo tried to stem his excitement, but the prospect of accusing the hag of a crime had his heart pumping wildly.
“Not in the ledger.”
Pickering piped up. “I keep a separate record of customers’ details.” He rummaged about in his small wagon before appearing at the door. “Mrs Dunwoody lives in Caroline Street. She’s the only Dunwoody with membership.”
Aware of the relevance, Daventry grinned. “I’ll give you a letter granting permission to interview her concerning the crimes against Miss Darrow. She’ll not refuse you when she sees the Home Secretary’s seal.”
Theo could barely contain his elation. “It seems fate has granted me a boon.” He couldn’t wait to wipe the smirk off Mrs Dunwoody’s face.
Miss Darrow mused over the list of books. “Mr Pickering, according to your records, Mrs Dunwoody returned both copies of The Vampyre months ago. They were loaned out again a week later but should be in your wagon.”
As luck would have it, the man found the items they required.
Theo snatched one copy and turned to the bookplate—an image of two turtle doves decorated the inner board. Someone had peeled back the plate and taken the note.
“I am submitting this copy as evidence.” Theo showed it to Miss Darrow. “Is that the plate you were given?”
Her eyes widened. “Yes. A pretty picture of two doves.”
The design was an odd choice for a devilish fiend. But if there was no message or recipient, why go to the trouble of having Miss Darrow hide notes and bring them to Pickering’s library?
Did the person who borrowed the books know of the plan?
It was a possibility.
They would know more once they had interrogated Mrs Dunwoody.
However, after another scan of the ledger, Miss Darrow said, “The Vampyre is the only one Mrs Dunwoody borrowed. There’s no pattern here.”
“Perhaps the rogue had another motive,” Daventry said, though offered no further insight.
“What other motive is there for sending blank letters to no one?” Miss Darrow challenged.
That’s when Theo saw there was indeed a pattern. “Perhaps the villain’s motive was to ensure you left your shop.” Hence the demand she deliver them personally. “Where did you meet Pickering’s wagon? And how did you know where to find him?”
“I was told to deliver them at a particular time and location. Always after his last visit in Mayfair.”
“Mayfair? But that’s three miles from the shop.”
“Yes, I took a hackney, though often had to wait up to an hour for Mr Pickering to arrive. He was never there at the agreed time.”
“My customers can be most demanding,” Pickering said, mopping his brow with his handkerchief. “Some request books that are difficult to locate, then are dissatisfied with the copies.”
Skilled at detecting liars, Daventry scanned the librarian with a critical eye. “Bring your ledgers into my study. I wish to record the names of those who borrowed those specific books.”
As one did not negotiate with the devil, Pickering agreed.
Keen to ensure he did not treat Miss Darrow like a hapless female, Theo let her choose their next destination. “Where to now? Do you wish to see Jules, visit Mrs Dunwoody or interrogate your shifty seamstress?”
Miss Darrow nibbled her bottom lip, debating the dilemma. “Logic says we should follow the notes. I cannot think why Mrs Dunwoody would want to lure me away from the shop, but we should confirm she had no part to play before I question Emily.”
They would do more than question Emily.
According to Gibbs, she had tried to access the shop late last night and had left abruptly when she couldn’t unlock the door.
“Come to the study,” Daventry said. “You’ll need an official document if you hope to see Mrs Dunwoody at home.” He glanced at Theo and arched a brow. “Unless you would prefer I accompany Miss Darrow. The woman despises you more than she does her wayward husband.”
