“Perhaps I shall have a grand reopening.”
She might not open at all. She would be on the first boat to Boston had she not fallen in love. A new life abroad would see an end to her problems. But things were different now.
“How wonderful.” Miss Franklin clapped her hands together in glee. “I will be delighted to attend.”
It was another odd reaction. Miss Franklin could not afford Eleanor’s prices, though she often came to the shop to stare doe-eyed at the gowns on display. She commented on the designs, sat on the sofa and spoke to waiting relatives. Once, Eleanor had caught Miss Franklin showing Lady Lucille the array of pretty combs in the cabinet.
Maybe she hoped to work as a modiste.
Maybe she found excuses to stay out of her brother’s way.
“A talent like yours should not go to waste,” Mr Franklin said, fixing Eleanor with his admiring stare. “I would be most disheartened if you were to move your business elsewhere.”
“Yes, we cannot let these ruffians defeat us.” Miss Franklin shook her gloved fist, though it was obvious she would break her wrist if she hit anyone. “We’ll protect you, Miss Darrow. We’ll watch your premises night and day.”
A little embarrassed, her brother coughed to clear his throat. “Miss Darrow has employed Mr Gibbs as a deterrent. He seems like a capable man. I wouldn’t want to encounter him in the yard at night.”
“Only a fool would tackle Gibbs,” Theo said, his voice carrying a note of caution. “He’s far more dangerous than he looks.”
“He looks terrifying,” Miss Franklin agreed.
“Let’s hope he’s a permanent presence,” Mr Franklin managed to say before his sister interrupted.
“Yes, it pains me to see your hard work reduced to rubble and scattered about the floor. I do admire your resilience. Your stock was ruined. You’ve taken a terrible tumble down the stairs, and still, you’re smiling and making plans to reopen.” Miss Franklin turned to her brother. “Is she not a remarkable woman, Geoffrey?”
“Utterly remarkable.” Mr Franklin’s gaze was a clear message of adoration. “Though a woman should have someone to depend upon. A man she can confide in and trust.”
Good heavens. Mr Franklin had never been so frank. He looked at Theo like the word rogue was engraved on his forehead.
“Miss Darrow has a man to depend upon.” Theo’s devilish grin exuded self-assurance. “I am her closest friend. The person she turns to in times of crisis. A man who would defend her with his last breath.”
He might have said they were lovers.
The fact couldn’t be plainer.
“I’m friends with Mr Chance’s sister,” Eleanor explained. She would not have the Franklins spreading malicious gossip. “And have known the family for some time.” Keen to leave before the men flexed their muscles to prove a point, she said, “If you’ll excuse me. Since I fell, I’ve been suffering from headaches and need rest.”
Eleanor winced and pressed her fingers to her temples to make her plea look convincing. That’s when an odd thought struck her. One that had her reaching for Theo’s arm and bidding the Franklins good day.
They entered the shop, and Eleanor locked the door.
“I’m not happy about leaving you here alone tonight,” Theo said after informing Mr Gibbs they were home. “Franklin is besotted. He might start a fire so he can come to your rescue.”
She might have accused him of being jealous but had something more important to convey. “Did you tell Mr Franklin I fell down the stairs? I’m wondering how Miss Franklin knew.”
Theo frowned. “No. I’ve not spoken to him, but I believe he saw me carrying you to the carriage. My sister-in-law helped to tidy the shop. Perhaps Franklin questioned her while I was out.”
“Yes, that’s probably it.”
And yet the gnawing sense of unease did not abate. Had Miss Franklin entered the shop and started snooping upstairs? If so, where did she get the key? Was she a thief? Had she taken the villain’s book and Eleanor’s diary? Had she pushed Eleanor down the stairs?
The notion seemed ridiculous.
The firm shove in the back had been deliberate. Miss Franklin was as fragile as a fledgling sparrow. And if she did have a mean streak, what was her motive? Eleanor had not exchanged a cross word with her these last five years.
Not wanting to worry Theo, she forced a smile. “It’s probably better you return to Fortune’s Den. Miss Franklin couldn’t take her eyes off you. She’ll find an excuse to visit if she thinks you’re here.”
Theo glanced over his shoulder before capturing her hand. “I’m yours until you tire of me.” He held her gaze and pressed a lingering kiss to her knuckles. “Let me assure you, I’ll never tire of you.”
“You seem keen to pay another forfeit.”
He took umbrage at her comment. “After all you’ve been through, do you think I would lie?”
Her heart clenched. He must be confusing lust with something more permanent. “I’m not used to men saying nice things.”
“This man has plenty of nice things to say about you, Eleanor Darrow.” He gave a cheeky wink. “And some he wishes to keep to himself, as they’re too scandalous to repeat aloud.”
“Perhaps you might whisper them in the carriage tomorrow. We must visit the solicitor as part of our ongoing investigation.”
“Perhaps I’ll whisper them tonight,” he teased. “Will you not consider returning with me to Fortune’s Den? I can’t leave you here.”
It was a tempting offer, but she could not escape her problems. And she was safe in Mr Gibbs’ care.
“I cannot live with you indefinitely.” Yet the thought roused an ache in her chest, a deep and persistent longing. “I must get used to staying here alone. I must solve the mystery and return to work before I find myself in the Marshalsea.”
A muscle in his jaw twitched and his eyes conveyed an inner torment. “Then let me stay here tonight. Aaron can manage without me. He’ll understand the importance of me remaining with you.”
After a quick tussle between her head and her heart, she said, “I’m not sure he would. Besides, we both need a good night’s sleep. I shall see you in the morning. If you can rise before noon.”