Page 40 of When You Rescued Me

Ignoring his officer’s instinctive response, Sir John thrummed his fingers against the desk. “It would be in our best interests to make discrete inquiries as to whether there are any other titled ladies storing large gemstones in their town houses, just to be sure that we are singling out the correct one. But with Lady Telford’s upcoming ball being such a well-attended gathering, it would seem likely that we have determined the who, what, and when of Grimsby’s potential crime. Unfortunately, we are no closer to answering how.”

“It would be helpful if we knew the criminal bent of the scoundrel supposedly working alongside him,” Clarke said.

“Indeed.” Sir John’s frown returned. “Jealous, see what you can discover about Lady Telford’s emerald pendant, particularly where it is being kept now and where it will be immediately before her ball. Clarke, I wish to know if any other titled ladies in London have been circulating information about their valuable gemstones. Ross, we may not know how this mystery coconspirator will impact things, but I want whatever you can give me on Grimsby’s past and more recent methods of operation.” He rose, and the three gentlemen did the same. “I shall expect you all back in my parlor at noon to discuss your findings.”

Noon. Samuel experienced a pang of misgiving. It had been two days since he’d last given Mr. Dennington an update on his search for the missing rum and Grimsby. Unless he wished to incur the gentleman’s displeasure by putting his visit off yet another day, he would be forced to call upon him before normal calling hours. And before anyone at Bow Street could see a clear way forward.

“I am expected at Dennington’s house later today to give a report on my findings at the wharf, my lord,” he said. “I shall accomplish the task before our noon meeting, but I would appreciate your guidance on how much I should share with him. The gentleman is as anxious as we are to capture Grimsby, and his hogsheads of rum bought us the information that took Jealous, Clarke, and me to The Merry Piglets.”

“You may tell him that his stolen cargo was found and is being used as leverage to rout out the highwayman,” Sir John said. “That should suffice for now.” He swished his cane across the floor and took a step away from the table. Then, rather abruptly, he stopped. “Also, without drawing any undue attention to the event, see if you can discover if Dennington and his daughters plan to attend Lady Telford’s ball,” he added. “That information may prove valuable as we move ahead.”

Chapter 16

Hannah had secretly hoped that she would see Mr. Ross before day’s end, but she was wholly unprepared to have him arrive at the house before eleven o’clock in the morning. Her father had just signed an agreement with Fortnum and Mason for the purchase of thirty tons of sugar, and having duly updated their ledgers to reflect the drop in inventory at the warehouse, Hannah had stepped out of the study to call for tea. As luck would have it, she’d reached the entrance hall at the same time Romford had admitted Mr. Ross into the house.

“Mr. Ross!”

At Hannah’s surprised greeting, the gentleman swung to face her. “Miss Dennington.” He bowed. “Forgive me for calling so early.”

“Your arrival at this hour may be unexpected,” she said, “but it does not signify that it is unwelcome. Indeed, I was about to order tea, so some would say your timing is impeccable.” The warmth in his eyes filled her with a ridiculous amount of pleasure.

“That is very kind. But I fear that a previous commitment will prevent me from staying long enough for tea.”

Hannah attempted to brush off her disappointment. “If you had arrived ten minutes ago, my head would have been so filled with numbers I would have been hard-pressed to know how many cups of tea to order. But thankfully, that crisis is behind us. If you are sure that you cannot stay, I shall order two cups and some extra ginger biscuits so that you may take a couple with you.”

He chuckled softly. “If I am still here when tea is delivered, I would be happy to accept a ginger biscuit.”

“Good.” She turned to the nearby butler. “Tea for two and extra ginger biscuits in the study, if you please, Romford.”

Romford bowed. “Right away, miss.”

Hannah turned back toward the study. “Come,” she told Mr. Ross. “I have no doubt my father will be anxious to hear your news.”

The Bow Street runner fell into step beside her. “No matter the difficulty it sometimes creates when called upon to order tea, I sense that you truly enjoy assisting your father with his business activities.”

She darted a glance at him. This was the type of comment that usually held censure. Remarkably, she heard none of that in his tone. “Yes,” she said, tensing for what might come. “It brings me great satisfaction.”

His understanding nod both pleased and startled her. “That is something we all wish for, I think.”

“It is.” She eyed him curiously. “Do you experience it in your work at Bow Street?”

“I have not worked for Sir John for very long, but I believe that catching the highwayman who treated you so poorly will be most fulfilling,” he said.

His response was more personal than she’d anticipated, but she had no opportunity to dwell on it further because they had reached the study door. She gave a light knock and entered.

“Mr. Ross is here to see you, Father,” she said, stepping aside to allow the gentleman in.

“Ross.” Her father reached for his cane and struggled to his feet. “This is a surprise.”

“I apologize, sir.” Mr. Ross bowed to her father. “I realize that this is likely an inconvenient time to call, but I have a commitment at Bow Street this afternoon and wished to give you a report from the wharf before another day passed.” His concerned expression softened slightly. “And may I congratulate you upon being on your feet once more, sir.”

“Very good of you.” Her father glared at his cane as if it were the bane of his existence rather than his liberator. “Another few weeks with this cumbersome thing, and I should be back to my old self.”

“That is the hope, at least,” Hannah added. “As long as you behave.”

“Did you hear that, Ross?” her father said with mock indignation. “Henpecked, that’s what I am. Three daughters, and they henpeck me from morning till night.”

Hannah caught the glint of amusement in Mr. Ross’s eyes.