Page 40 of The Pursuit of Mrs. Pennyworth
“Only women? I imagine everyone loves a happy ending, do you not agree, Miss Garvey?”
The woman smiled for the first time that evening. “Yes, I think the idea of happy endings is what makes us step from our beds in the morning.”
Charlotte grinned. “Well put.”
A footman announced intermission had ended, and they headed back to their seats. “Happy endings?” Elliot leaned in, close to her ear. “Mr. Talbot was correct. Women are indeed staunch supporters of happy endings.”
“Are you suggesting men do not, or just you?”
“I am not like all men. Perhaps we should find someone to write a happy ending for your troubles.”
She smirked. “Isn’t that what I hiredyoufor, Mr. Baker?”
“Ah,Mr. Bakeragain. I must be in trouble with the lady.”
Charlotte sighed. “I sometimes wish I had a magic wand that I could wave, and all my worries would vanish.”
“Yes, that would be wonderful, but at least we’ve had a nice—albeit temporary—escape from your worries. Elliot guided her to their seats, and they settled in to enjoy the rest of the performance.
After the play, Mr. Talbot and Miss Garvey invited them to a late supper at Ship and Turtle on Leadenhall Street.
“I am sure you will enjoy the cuisine at the Ship and Turtle.” Mr. Talbot smiled broadly as they all took their seats. “I have eaten here many times and have found the food to be splendid.”
The menu did seem impressive, and there was plenty of discussion among the four of them about the best dishes to be had.
Once their orders had been placed with the waiter, Charlotte took a sip from her water glass and turned her attention to Mr. Talbot. “Did you enjoy the play?”
“Yes, I did, and you certainly seemed to. You were riveted.”
“Indeed. It amazes me how someone can take words and turn them into a book or a play. It takes a great deal of talent to entertain an audience.”
“Yet you said you have seen the play once before,” he said.
“I have seen it before, but the theater captivates me.”
As the conversation around the table continued, she couldn’t help but remember how much she liked Mr. Talbot and how helpful he had been right after Gabriel’s death. As he chatted easily with Elliot, she tried to imagine him running a sharp blade over a rat’s throat. She shivered and ran her hands up and down her arms. No, that just didn’t seem likely.
“Are you unwell, Mrs. Pennyworth?” Miss Garvey viewed her with concern, drawing Charlotte from her thoughts.
“No, not really. I just felt a slight chill for the moment.”
Elliot turned to her, breaking off his conversation with Mr. Talbot. “Perhaps you should put your cape back on.”
“He is right, Mrs. Pennyworth, we would not want to see you take ill.” Mr. Talbot frowned at her.
Goodness, such a fuss. She was beginning to feel embarrassed with their regard, but thankfully, the waiter appeared with their food. She leaned back to allow him to place her dinner plate in front of her and glanced over at Miss Garvey who was glaring at her.
Startled, she quickly looked down. Perhaps the woman thought Mr. Talbot was paying too much attention to her. She offered the woman a slight smile, and she smiled back.
Since Charlotte did not wish to encourage Mr. Talbot anyway, she had better be careful around him if Miss Garvey had a fancy for the man.
It was quite late when Charlotte and Elliot entered her carriage for the ride home. In all, it had been a pleasant evening, with Mr. Talbot very much like she remembered him when he used to visit her and Gabriel, which cheered her. She didn’t like thinking of him as someone evil.
Miss Garvey remained an enigma, but Charlotte was starting to believe she had feelings for Mr. Talbot, which she found quite interesting.
To her surprise, instead of taking the seat across from her in the carriage, Elliot chose to sit next to her. The warmth from his body, and the pleasant scent of man, leather, and bergamot, did something odd to her stomach. Perhaps she was merely tired.
As the vehicle started up, he took her hand in his and began to stroke the sensitive skin on the inside of her wrist. “Did you enjoy yourself tonight?”
