Page 55 of Disturbing the Dead
Gray gives a slight eye roll. “There is less derring-do than one might hope. But no, I am only granting exclusive information for current news articles. The rest can be discussed at a later time, with the understanding that I much prefer to stay in the background of stories that properly highlight the work of the Edinburgh police.”
“I understand. You’d rather read tales of the great Dr. Addington.”
Gray can’t suppress a flinch, making Jack grin.
“Oh, everyone in the business knows about Dr. Addington, sir. I am needling you. Fine then. I find this fellow in return for access to this case and others, with the rest to be discussed later.”
“And one more thing,” I say. “We need access to Queen Mab.”
“Right. You did say that.” Jack glances between us and lowers her voice. “Is there a problem?”
“Problem?” Gray looks perplexed.
“She thinks I’m pregnant,” I say. “And that you have something to do with that.”
Gray’s eyes go so wide I have to stifle a laugh.
“Absolutely not. That would be…” He struggles for words and settles on. “Improper.” He hurries on. “For me, of course, to take advantage in that way. Not improper for Miss Mitchell to engage in…” He struggles again. “In whatever she might wish to engage in. Improper for me. As her employer. That is what I meant.”
Now Jack looks as if she’s the one stifling a laugh.
“We need to speak to Queen Mab about the case,” I say.
Jack sobers, her brows knitting. “Was someone involved pregnant? Or trying not to become pregnant?”
“Is that all Queen Mab does?”
“Well, no. It is only what she is most known for.”
“We have need of her expertise in a matter unrelated to being or becoming pregnant. And if you wish a hint about what that could be…? We’ll need that introduction first.”
EIGHTEEN
Like I said, we know where to find Queen Mab. She lives in the New Town, with quarters in a house that seems to be occupied by an elderly couple, who act as a front for her business.
The problem right now is that it’s still daylight, which means a visit to Queen Mab’s place of business is risky. Or so I think, until I realize that having a steady stream of nighttime visitors would be even more suspicious. Queen Mab has figured out a solution to this problem, and it involves that elderly couple.
Jack tells me to bring Isla to the house in an hour, and to arrive at the front door with a bag, preferably containing clothing. If anyone asks—which she assures me they will not—we are visiting Mrs. Morgan, having heard that the expert seamstress is a miracle worker at fixing damaged gowns. It is particularly convenient then that I have a damaged gown.
Simon drives us by coach, in proper New Town fashion. Nothing to hide here.
As Isla and I climb the steps to the town house, two ladies are passing on the sidewalk, and I pull out the hem of my dress, saying, “I am not certain anyone can fix this.”
“We will give Mrs. Morgan a try,” Isla says, patting my hand. “She comes most highly recommended.”
We are greeted at the door by a Black man with a spine as starched as his collar. A butler then.
I hate to admit that I’ve been surprised by the number of nonwhite faces in the city. I shouldn’t be. We are in the time of the British Empire, with people moving about as they’ve never done before. But it’s most common to see people of color either in trade or in service, like this man.
“Mrs. Ballantyne for Mrs. Morgan,” Isla says. “I believe she is expecting me. I am hoping she might repair my young companion’s dress.”
The man bows and, without a word, steps back to let us in. He escorts us to a parlor and then half bows and leaves. Inside, an elderly white woman sits under a bright light, and she is indeed sewing. She would have been as tall as Isla in her youth, though her back has hunched. A cane lies beside her, and she wears spectacles.
Seeing us, she smiles and nods. “Please excuse me if I do not rise.”
Isla moves quickly to assure her it is fine as she greets the woman and introduces us. Mrs. Morgan eyes the piece of my dress still hanging out of the bag.
Mrs. Morgan smiles broadly. “You really did bring me something to fix.”
