Page 9 of Murder in Blackfriars

I likely would, so Daniel was wise.

“This tart is really most excellent,” Daniel said, as though nothing else was on his mind. “I agree with Hannah—any market stall you set up will sell out instantly.”

“Which means I’d have much more work keeping it stocked.” The mention of Hannah and the possible market stall reminded me of my own upsetting news. I decided to say it straight out, no hedging or hinting.

“Joanna and Sam are moving to Basingstoke and taking Grace with them.”

Daniel ceased chewing, his eyes going wide until they glistened in the candlelight.

I was afraid he’d choke on the mouthful he’d taken, but he gulped it down, coughed, and took a hasty swallow of tea.

I started to explain about the circumstances, but Daniel shook his head.

“Grace can stay in London, never you worry,” he said. “I will move out of my lodgings in Southampton Street, and she will stay there, with Mrs. Williams to look after her.”

Mrs. Williams was Daniel’s landlady, a kind soul and a practical one, but his idea was a flight of fancy.

“A young lady cannot live in a gentleman’s lodgings, no matter how well-meaning and trustworthy he is. Mrs. Williams also might object at being charged with caring for an exuberant girl, especially without being consulted beforehand.”

“True.” Daniel spoke reluctantly. “Then Grace can live in my home in Kensington, and we can hire someone to look after her. Between the two of us and our friends, we can come up with a lady who meets with your approval.”

“Daniel.” I had to laugh in spite of my craving to keep my daughter near. “Grace would go mad living by herself. She’d miss Joanna and her girls—Jane and Mabel are like sisters to her. Besides, your neighbors would wonder why you suddenly had a young girl living in your house with an older woman to guard her. They might send for the police.”

Daniel heaved an exaggerated sigh. “Being a bachelor is a nuisance sometimes. Everyone believes the worst. Do not worry, though, my love. We will think of a way to keep Grace in London.” He ran a hand through his already unruly hair. “Here I was burdening you with my difficulties, which will probably come to nothing, when you have more difficulties than I.”

I shook my head. “Grace will go to Basingstoke with Joanna and Sam, tend to her lessons, and continue her life.” I’d mulled this over as I’d sharpened my knives to razor thinness. I’d decided I must put my selfish needs aside and do what was best for Grace, as I’d done since I’d first set eyes on her. “My arrangements for seeing her will have to change, but I will change them. That is all.”

Daniel’s eyes narrowed at my seeming acceptance. “Why Basingstoke?” he asked. “What is there that they can’t find in London?”

I explained about Sam’s promotion. “The premises are in Basingstoke, and so they are going. They’ll have a nice, large house, Joanna says, and walks in the country.” I said it brightly, though my voice scratched.

“Good for Sam. Especially after his unhappiness last year.” Daniel finished off the tart, scraping the plate. “He and Joanna deserve the best in life for what he went through. We should cease wishing it away because it will upset us.”

He was right, of course, as I had been trying to tell myself. “You are the kindest of men to worry about my Grace and me. But we will weather it.”

“I am the most selfish of men,” Daniel returned. “I want you and Grace to be deliriously happy and not have to fear for anything so I can sleep soundly of nights and have not a care in the world.” He paused, then continued in a quieter tone,“We could wed more quickly, you know. We haven’t set an exact date.”

The infatuated young woman in me wanted to gush,Yes, let’s, but she had led me into terrible situations before.

“Grace suggested that as well, and I told her it would be foolish,” I said firmly. “You are on a quest to find out more about your past, and we both need to put aside funds so we will not be destitute when we begin our journey together. If I am to begin a market stall and work my way to my own shop, I cannot leap straight into everything and hope I land aright. I must plod forward, even if it is not the most exciting procedure one can think of.”

Daniel shook his head in mock dismay. “Ah, Kat, you put my impetuousness to shame with your cool reasoning. This is exactly why I want you at my side when I question Mr. Banks. You will keep me from slamming his face into a wall and demanding he tell me everything, hang the payment he got me to promise him.”

“Roughing him up would be fruitless,” I said. “You’d likely learn nothing and possibly be arrested.”

“Wouldn’t Monaghan gloat over that?” Daniel chuckled and then drained his teacup. “You have the right of it, as always. I will contain myself, congratulate Sam, meet Mr. Banks in a calm manner, and furnish the train tickets so you and Grace can visit regularly.”

“There is no need for that,” I said quickly, though the infatuated young woman once more tried to fight her way through, melting at his generosity.

“There is need. I am fond of you, my Kat. You must grow used to me showering you with gifts. I will pay for the tickets so you will not have to dip into your funds. It is the least I can do.”

“I’d be churlish not to be grateful,” I said softly. “Thank you, Daniel.”

He bathed me in his warm smile. “Not at all, my love.”

* * *

Any other year, I’d have welcomed autumn and its harvest of apples, potatoes, early pears, and root vegetables, turning each into a baked or roasted dish with plenty of warm spices.