Page 7 of Unmasked at Midnight

Wasthis what Cassius had hinted at earlier?

WasEudora’s cheerful disposition a façade?

Self-castigation speared Darius. Was he on the verge of falling in love with a woman because of her physical attributes without knowing her character?

Thatmade him a shallow bacon-brain.

“You must be the bane of poor ReverendWeldon’s existence,” Mrs. Clarke said, continuing her tirade. “He really ought to exhibit more control over you.”

ReverendWeldon?

OfSaintAndrew’s?

Whyhadn’t Darius noticed MissWeldon during Sunday services?

MissWeldon didn’t respond, but a fresh wave of color sluiced up her porcelain cheeks.

“Excuse me.” Cassius leveled the Clarkes with a dark glance before slipping away.

Dariusrealized he hadn’t responded to MissWeldon’s apology, and though she held her head up, there was no mistaking the chagrin shadowing her vibrant eyes.

“It’s of no consequence, MissWeldon.” Except for his bruised pride and another black mark against his character by Mrs. Clarke.

Chestheaving in indignation, Mrs. Clarke clomped away, calling, “Come, Eudora.”

“Good day, LordDarius.” Eudora gave him a flirtatious smile. “I look forward to attending your store’s grand opening.”

“Eudora!” her mother snapped.

Eudoradutifully followed her mother, but not before Darius observed a mutinous glint in her brown eyes.

Insteadof collecting her goose, MissWeldon eyed the inside of the bookshop longingly.

“What a delight to learn we’ll have our very own bookseller in Woodhaven. I adore books. I operate a small lending library out of the parish salon. ’Tisn’t much, but there’s such a need.” She waved a delicate hand toward the market square. “Woodhaven has long needed a bookshop. MightI ask if you intend to carry novels by AnnRadcliff? RosaMatilda? MadamQuillheart?”

So, MissWeldon was a romantic, was she?

Dariustoed aside a broken ladder rung. “I plan on providing an assortment of books to appeal to various tastes. I’ve also invited several authors to give readings at the grand opening.”

“You have?” She tapped her tulip of a chin. “Invited authors for the grand opening? Oh, how marvelous.”

“Indeed.” He nodded. “I’m not familiar with the last author you mentioned. I presume the name is a nom de plume?”

“Hmm?” MissWeldon cast Darius a distracted glance. “Oh, yes. MadamQuillheart.”

Shecleared her throat.

“At least, I think so. But her books are splendid. Very daring and modern, but also with engaging plots and fascinating characters. So are JaneAusten’s. Though she wrote anonymously as By a Lady, her authorship was an open secret.”

Herfocus veered toward the open shop door. “Do you mind if I take a gander inside?”

Gander?

Wasthe pun intended?

Somehow, Darius thought it very much was.

MissWeldon possessed a sharp wit.

“Well, actually…” He didn’t want the public moseying about inside his establishment just yet.

Withoutso much as a by your leave, MissWeldon scooped up her obnoxious goose and entered the bookshop.