Page 65 of Juliet's Touch

Chapter twenty

’Twasearlyeveningwhenthe carriage rattled, swayed, then halted in front of a charming three-story building. Juliet peered out the window to read the sign hanging beside the portico. A fluttering glowworm left a golden trail beneath the etched words,Fletcher’s Investigations and Bounty.Hope immediately overshadowed her niggling trepidation because after a long day,she was moments away from speaking with someone who might be able to help her.

The carriage door opened. Walter held onto her elbow until she stood on the cobblestones.

“Thank you,” Juliet said.

“My pleasure, Miss. Would you like me to wait for you?”

No matter what Juliet had asked of the man, he’d been accommodating and gentlemanly. No wonder Esther fancied him. But since she had no idea how long this would take, she needed to send him on his way

“I’m in good hands,” she said, pointing at the sign. At least she presumed she was. There was always a chance that Emily’s brother-in-law would scold her, then send her away.

“As you wish.” Walter climbed into the coach box, calling down to her, “’Twas an honor to assist you, miss.”

With the shake of the reins and Walters’s loudlyclucking tongue, the carriage lurched forward, leaving Juliet alone in a foreign part of the city. Satchel in hand, she approached the front door.

Please let Mr. Fletcher be home, she prayed as she knocked.

The door opened, and a gangly adolescent, an adorable black dog peering around his calves, regarded her.

“Hallo, Miss. May I help you?” the boy asked.

Woof,barked the dog, tail wagging.

The lad’s eyes widened with what seemed to be recognition. “Miss Coldpepper?”

“Yes,” she said hesitantly. She’d never visited the Fletchers before today, so she had no idea how he knew her.

“I’m Billy. I used to work at Chesterhill Manor,” her greeter said as if reading her mind. “I remember you from one of Lady Chesterhill’s fancy parties.” He wrinkled his nose, endearing himself to Juliet. No sane person could reference the deranged marchioness without experiencing horror. “You are Lady Emily’s sister,” he added.

Of course. That is how he knew her. “You have a splendid memory.”

He pulled his shoulders back and grinned. “I try to remember everything now that I work for Mr. Fletcher, him being an investigator and such.”

Despite his long, thin limbs that didn’t quite match the chubby cheeks that sported a plethora of pimples, Billy was adorable.

“I am here to see Mr. Fletcher,” Juliet said. “I’m afraid I don’t have an appointment, but my business is rather urgent. Is he available?”

“Yes. I’m sorry. I’m bein’ rude. I’m rather surprised to see you, is all.” Billy stepped aside. “Please, come in.”

As Juliet entered the foyer, the dog hopped about, its body wiggling as its tail whacked everything in its path.

“Sit, Pepper,” Billy said.

The dog plopped onto his hindquarters. Its ears poked into the air.

“Good boy.” Billy patted the dog between those alert ears. “Miss, may I take your coat and bag?”

Juliet handed him her belongings, then removed her bonnet and cloak. Acting the perfect butler, Billy dutifully hung her outerwear on a hook. He opened a nearby door and placed her satchel inside the room. “This is Mr. Fletcher’s office. Your bag will be safe here.”

An eruption of uproarious laughter came from the room at the end of the hall.

“Sorry. Mrs. Lista made Curly and Stilts pork pasties.” Billy wrinkled his nose. “Don’t fret, you won’t have to deal with them. Mr. Fletcher says they have to stay in the kitchen until they stop behaving like filthy animals. Unfortunately, Lucy said she’d help Mrs. Lista roll the dough.” He sighed. “Poor Lucy. Well, poor Mrs. Lista too, if truth be told.”

Juliet suspected that Billy was referencing Hugh and Charlotte’s staff. She made a mental note to stay away from Curly and Stilts, whoever they were.

“The Fletchers are upstairs. They are eating early tonight because Mr. Fletcher has business he must attend to. Come on.” Billy crooked his finger, indicating she should follow him.