Page 48 of The Pursuit of Mrs. Pennyworth
She stood, pulling her hand away from his. “I was so hoping…” Now she was back to wondering who among her friends and acquaintances was torturing her.
“Why was he asking so many questions about me, then?”
Elliot grinned. “It seems the vicar saw you at St. Jerome’s before you even officially met and had developed a fancy for you.”
Charlotte grimaced. “Oh, no.”
“He won’t be bothering you, or asking anymore questions, I assure you.”
“I must admit I am disappointed that the problem has not been solved.”
“I know. I’m sorry.” Elliot rose and came up behind her as she stared out the window, placing his hand on her shoulder. “We will find this person, I swear it.”
“Ma’am,” Bridget entered the room, carrying a box. “A delivery boy just brought this for you.”
She turned and met Elliot’s eyes. He strode out the door. “Where is the delivery boy?”
Bridget followed him out. “I asked him to stay on the front steps, just in case.”
The three of them went to the front door, Elliot barreling down the steps, looking in both directions. The cloudy afternoon did little to light up the area as carriages rode up and down the street, and strollers moved about, some carrying packages from the stores on the next block.
He climbed back up the steps and waved the two women into the house. “I have no idea what direction he went, nor if he had a carriage waiting.”
“What about the box, ma’am?” Bridget held it out from her body as if it were poison. It could, of course, have been anything, but since she was not expecting any deliveries, they all knew something perverse was most likely inside.
Charlotte viewed the box. “I don’t want to know. Throw it away.” She backed away and turned to hurry up the stairs to her bedchamber.
“Charlotte!” Elliot’s voice carried with her, but she had no intention of returning.
