Page 26 of Murder in Blackfriars

Daniel lifted his head as I rattled this off, his face losing color in the warm glow of my candle. He carefully set his fork next to the small amount of tart left on his plate.

“Is this reliable information?”

Daniel’s voice was quiet, but I saw the turmoil in his eyes. I’d just dashed his hopes and raised them again in the space of a breath.

“Unfortunately, I do not know. The fellow who told me is called Ramsay and claims to have been well acquainted with Mr. Banks. Perhaps he’s another builder, but he’s rather tough-looking.”

I described Mr. Ramsay and told him all he’d said while Daniel listened, his gaze intent.

“Ramsay,” Daniel said when I’d finished. “I don’t know him. But apparently he knows of me and Grimes.” The reflective way he spoke told me he and Mr. Grimes might be paying Ramsay a visit.

“I won’t be able to go to Bethnal Green to investigate his claim until Monday afternoon,” I told Daniel as he lifted his fork to resume eating. “Very early in the afternoon would be best, then I can take tea afterward with Grace. I want to spend as much time with her as I can, before she leaves.”

If I said it matter-of-factly, her going wouldn’t gut me as much, I promised myself.

Daniel was staring at me again. “I’ll not take you to Bethnal Green, one of the worst slums in London. No, don’t remind me that you grew up in Bow Lane. The City is a different place from the East End.”

“I do not intend to rush there alone in the dark,” I returned. “I will walk sensibly by your side in the brightness ofthe afternoon. I have seen you beat off assailants with great competence.”

“Only one at a time,” Daniel said with tight patience. “I’ll be no good to either of us if twenty attack at once. The gangs there are brutal.”

“We can bring Mr. Grimes along if you feel we need extra protection.”

“I see. A pair of South London toughs wandering about the East End.” Daniel’s eyes flickered. “I’m sure everyone will leave us alone.”

“With me at your side, you will look like a respectable gent out for a stroll with his missus,” I argued. “There is a park there—Victoria Park—where I’m sure ordinary people walk about with their children.”

“Yes,” Daniel agreed. “But one has to get safely into and out of the park. And there are hedges along its walkways where villains can lurk.”

“You’ve been there and observed the place, then.”

“I have. I will remind you that my old nemesis, Naismith, controls much of that area.”

“I do recall.” I lifted my teacup and rested my elbows on the table. “If I accompany you, you will be less likely to seek him out and endanger yourself.”

Daniel’s frown grew fierce. “If you accompany me, he might decide to use you to either exact revenge or bring me under his power.”

We regarded each other stubbornly for a moment, then I shrugged and took a sip of tea. “You have many connections throughout London. Perhaps you could send some of those into Bethnal Green to ask questions and report to you.”

Daniel shook his head as he finished off the last bit of tart.“No one I sent would be safe, and I have no connections at all that deep into the East End.”

“Not entirely true,” I pointed out. “You do know one man in Shadwell who might help. A vicar, no less.”

Daniel stopped short of rolling his eyes. “Errol can be fearless, I grant you. However, I’m not certain I trust him to pry into my past. We’ve had our differences. Also, there might be a reason he’s thriving in the East End.”

“You mean he’s come under the power of Mr. Naismith?” I asked in surprise. “I think that hardly likely. Mr. Fielding isn’t the sort to let people have a hold over him.”

“Naismith is a force all his own,” Daniel said. “Even if I trusted Errol completely, it would be as dangerous for him as for me.”

“You are working your way around to saying you’ll go ask questions alone, taking no one with you, not even those strong enough to fight for you.” I set down my cup and regarded him sternly. “That is the most foolish thing you have ever considered, Mr. McAdam.”

“No.” Daniel’s voice went quiet. “The most foolish thing I have ever considered is whether to let myself become enchanted by a cook with beautiful eyes.”

I flushed, but he’d disarmed me, the wretch. I could only gaze at him, the love in my heart flaring to mix with my fears.

Daniel studied me in return, the warmth in his eyes intoxicating.

It was in this inauspicious moment that Mr. Davis walked into the kitchen.