Page 13 of Cousin Conundrum

Esme looked up at that. Two sets of wide, frightened eyes fixed on Fletcher.

“Am I clear?” he pressed.

“I will not permit her to see him,” Margot said firmly.

“I do not wish to see him,” Esme whispered.

“If you require any assistance, or if he does call, contact me immediately.” Fletcher pulled out a card and proffered it to Margot.

“Merci, monsieur.”

“Thank you, mesdemoiselles.”

Steven bowed along with Fletcher, struggling to hide his excitement. He kept silent as they went back past the curtain, and through the shop.

Outside, he handed the boy another penny, and didn’t speak as they rode away from the modiste’s. Finally, when they drew in sight of the Runners’ headquarters, Steven turned to Fletcher with a grin. “We may have him.”

Fletcher nodded, his eyes bright. “We very well might.”

“Should you put a watch on Madame Dentelle’s?”

After frowning in thought for a moment, Fletcher shook his head. “It does not sound as if he will return there anytime soon. The Peacock is cunning, though. He may have the shop watched. We do not want him on to us.”

“Still…” Steven trailed off. He didn’t want to tell Fletcher how to do his job, but… “If the shop is watched, we have already been seen. Posting men of our own will do no harm.”

“True.” The slow tread of their mounts’ hooves echoed on the cobbles. “Very well. I will put a man on the shop.”

“And if they go out, to find and warn him?” Nothing kept Esme from going to the Hind and Hound, after all.

“They appeared genuinely afraid to me, when I mentioned sending them back to France. I do not believe they will make the attempt.” Fletcher held up a hand when Steven started to speak. “But we will make it two men, so one can follow if one of the sisters goes out. We will also keep a discreet presence in the Hind and Hound, both to apprehend the Peacock and in case Mademoiselle Esme has a change of heart.”

Steven nodded, pleased. No resources should be spared. Not when they were so close to apprehending the Peacock.

“I do wish my French were better,” Fletcher added.

“Your French?” Steven sought back. Had either of the women said anything important in French? Not that he knew much French either.

“Paon,” Fletcher clarified. “Sounds French.”

Steven shrugged. “Likely their accents. Everything they said sounded French.”

Fletcher nodded as they halted before the Runners’ headquarters. They both dismounted, Fletcher going to request guards on Madame Dentelle’s while Steven returned to their workroom. He retook his seat, hands shaking with excitement as he composed a report for Padgett. Freedom from his family’s debt was nearly his.

Chapter Five

Darcy settled back in Bingley’s carriage, pleased. While the neighborhood appeared sparsely populated, the estate of Netherfield Park itself seemed pleasant enough. Furthermore, the steward with whom they’d met, who showed them about the house and grounds, gave every indication of being both capable and honest. As did the housekeeper and butler, who were to be kept on. That meant Bingley would not be required to make important decisions while leasing the place or need to fear being blamed for any mishaps.

“Well?” Bingley asked eagerly. “Let me have it. What did you think?”

Darcy tamped down his excitement. It didn’t do to make hasty decisions about such matters. Nor did he wish to worry, later, that his eagerness for Bingley to take on the estate had stirred him into giving poor advice. “It seems worth considering.”

“Worth considering?” Bingley shook his head. “The grounds are stunning. And well kept. Have you ever seen such a fine lawn? Green as far as the eye can see. The house is rather austere, but do you know, I believe I like that. Gives the place a sense of gravitas, do you not think? The façade is delightfully imposing. Puts me in mind of swooning maidens and fox hunts I would never be grand enough to attend. And the gargoyles. Fancy having those leering about you day and night. Give a man nightmares, I should think. Splendidly daunting place.”

Amused, Darcy asked, “Do you mean that you wish to dwell in a home that makes you feel inadequate and terrified?”

“I mean that by living in a house that makes me feel inadequate and terrified, I will be assured of feeling quite the opposite. The man who occupies Netherfield Park must be impressive, I say.”

Darcy gave a bark of laughter.