Page 111 of Cousin Conundrum

“Yes. I can see that, now.” He stood.

Uncle Phillips made a strangled sound.

“Do not worry.” She gave Uncle Phillips her most direct, firm look. “I have this in hand.”

She pivoted and tromped out onto the street. She could hear Mr. Fletcher following and an exchange of whispered words between her uncle and Mr. Pennington.

She turned back to see Mr. Fletcher emerge from her uncle’s office. Sighting her, he strode forward while, behind him, Mr. Pennington yanked the door closed. Kitty wouldn’t be surprised if he locked it, but she noticed her uncle taking up a position in his office window, watching.

When he reached her, Mr. Fletcher bowed. “Miss Kitty. It is a distinct pleasure to see you again.”

“Is it?” As happy as she was to see him, a touch of anger sparked in Kitty. “Because you could have called at any time in the past year. You are a gentleman and free to do such things.”

Holding her gaze, he said, “I had a great deal of thinking to do before calling. It would have been wrong to return until I knew my mind.”

Hope sparked in her. “But you are here now.”

“As a Bow Street Runner.”

“A Bow Street Runner who planned to call on Longbourn?”

His eyes narrowed again. “I had.”

Had? Her heart squeezed. Did he no longer?

“I am here to investigate a caricaturist.”

“Oh?” Now her heart clenched in a quite different way. One that spoke of dread.

“Yes. I am investigating whether or not K. B. Hert is a threat to the Crown.”

Kitty swallowed. “How fascinating. What have you concluded?”

“I am at a dead end. I traced payments to your uncle’s practice, but he will not reveal his client.”

“He is quite honorable.” Poor Uncle Phillips, harassed because Kitty had drawn something she knew she ought not draw. Everyone knew how sensitive the Prince Regent could be. She would need to apologize to her uncle.

“He is, but I should expect no less from a relation of yours, especially given the integrity of your other uncle.”

“Have you been spying on my family?” Kitty asked with sudden indignation.

“I like to be thorough. Is it because your Aunt Gardiner helps your uncle with his business that you have developed such liberal views on a woman’s right to an income?”

Kitty stared at him. “Aunt Gardiner is involved in Uncle Gardiner’s business?”

“She selects most of what they import.”

“I had no idea.”

“Oh.”

Silence fell between them. Kitty was vaguely aware that Meryton moved around them. People walking, ahorse, or in carriages. The village was never crowded, but was busy enough for her and Mr. Fletcher to garner quite a few interested looks.

Mr. Fletcher cleared his throat. “Regardless, I have come to appreciate your view. Each of us should be permitted gainful employment, and the freedom that brings, if so desired. More than that, when someone is skilled at something and has a passion for that thing, no one should attempt to take that from them.”

Warmth unfurled in Kitty. “Skilled?” Was Mr. Fletcher complimenting her work?

“Yes. Such as K. B. Hert. A very skilled caricaturist. Quite popular, as well. Not someone the Crown wishes to have an issue with.”