Page 34 of The Pursuit of Mrs. Pennyworth
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“This just came for you, ma’am.”
Charlotte opened the missive Bridget handed her, butterflies enjoying a tango in her stomach. Her life had become so unpredictable that a simple note set her nerves aflutter.
My Dear Mrs. Pennyworth,
I have met with an unfortunate accident, and I fear I will be unable to attend you for a few days.
Mr. Elliot Baker
She read the words over and over, trying her best to convince herself that Elliot had merely stumbled into a table and bruised his leg. Or perchance he had sliced a bit of fruit and his finger got in the way. Of course, there was also the possibility that he’d missed the last two steps on his way out the door and twisted his ankle.
Don’t be ridiculous, Charlotte, you know this “accident” is somehow connected to you.
“Bridget, ask for my carriage to be brought around, and help me change into another gown.” She had to see for herself or she would not rest easy. Elliot was a strong, virile man, who would not be unable to attend her due to amereaccident. The mishap must have been serious. And even if it was not connected to her, as a good Christian woman, she should see to his comfort.
Thankfully, her driver knew where Elliot lived. She was probably breaking some type of rule by visiting a bachelor in his rooms, but she had to discern for herself his condition. After all, as his employer, she owed him some sort of consideration.
With those thoughts firmly fixed in her mind, she climbed out of her carriage and proceeded up the steps to the building Bones indicated was Mr. Baker’s residence. She dropped the knocker and waited. After a few minutes the door opened, and a rotund woman with rosy cheeks and a large apron tied around her middle offered a warm smile. “Yes, miss, what may I do for ye?”
“Is this the residence of Mr. Elliot Baker?”
The woman’s easy demeanor changed as she drew back and regarded her with narrowed eyes. “Aye, it is Mr. Baker’s residence. I don’t allow ladies to call upon my gentlemen boarders.” She sniffed. “It appears to me ye are a lady, so I would advise ye to send a note if you must gain Mr. Baker’s attention.”
She began to close the door, but Charlotte slapped her palm against it to stop the door from closing.
“Now see here, young lady, I told ye I do not allow lady visitors.” The woman’s face grew even more rosy.
“Please. I do not intend to stay long. In fact, I will not even remove my cape. I had a note from Mr. Baker this morning that he has had an accident, and I just wish to see if there is anything I can do to help him.”
“An accident? I didn’t hear anything about an accident.” The woman looked aghast that someone in her house should have an accident and she was not informed. If Charlotte wasn’t so anxious, she would have laughed at the woman’s attitude.
“I’m sorry you weren’t aware of his mishap, but may I please enter and just take a quick look?”
After a few moments of consideration, the woman stepped back. “I will go with ye.”
“Fine.” Charlotte breathed a sigh of relief. “Where are his rooms?”
“Follow me.” The woman climbed the stairs, puffing quite laboriously by the time they reached the top. The boards creaked beneath their feet as they walked down a corridor where they stopped at a wooden door at the end. The woman tapped on the door. “Mr. Baker?”
“Yes, Mrs. Murray,” came the voice from inside.
“Ye have a visitor here who says ye had an accident.”
Within seconds the door opened, and Elliot stood there. Charlotte and Mrs. Murray both gasped. The entire side of his face was scraped and black and blue. His nose was swollen and might have been broken. Despite his injuries, he smiled his usual greeting, and bowed slightly from the waist. “Good afternoon, ladies.”
“Whatever happened?” Charlotte didn’t even recognize her breathy voice.
She followed Mrs. Murray as she pushed her way inside and waved her finger at him. “Why did you not come to me for aid, Mr. Baker? Ye look dreadful.”
“It is nothing, I assure you. I merely slipped on the wet pavement last evening.”
Both women regarded him with disbelief. This was no slip. Elliot looked as though someone had slammed him to the ground.
“I will fix ye some of my tea. It will help with the healing.” Obviously forgetting she was breaking her rules by allowing Charlotte to remain alone with Elliot, Mrs. Murray hustled from the room. A woman on a mission.
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