Page 23 of A Lady’s Guide to Scoundrels and Gentlemen (The Harp & Thistle #1)

O llie held the door open for Vivian as they went to see Miss Sparrow. While they walked down the hallway toward their destination, Vivian recalled the day she and Dantes had been at the museum together, how that trip had been meant for her to mingle with other gentlemen and yet, deep down, the only one she’d wanted to be with had been Dantes.

Vivian had been so sure Dantes was a scoundrel, she had been avoiding the nagging feeling that maybe she was wrong. She couldn’t imagine him going behind her back to do something hurtful. Nothing about him was evasive or untrustworthy. In fact, he went out of his way to be truthful, even if that truth put him in a vulnerable spot. Then again, she hadn’t known how to identify a scoundrel a few months ago.

Why would she know how to recognize a scoundrel now?

She stopped walking. “Ollie, please be honest with me. Is Dantes a scoundrel?”

Ollie faltered to a halt. “Is he what?”

“You know, a scoundrel. How often does he go to brothels?”

He gave her a funny look. “I’ve never known him to go to one.”

“What about gaming hells?”

Ollie thought about this, then shook his head. “I mean, you know he bets on fights sometimes. But that’s it.”

“I don’t understand,” she said, conceding defeat.

“Don’t understand what?”

Vivian shifted with discomfort at opening up to Ollie. “While he was helping me…you know, find a husband. He knew which of the gentlemen were scoundrels.”

“So?”

“How would he know that, unless he was one, too?”

Realization seemed to dawn on Ollie’s face. “Vivian, those idiots come into the pub and brag to us about it. Well, they don’t all go there themselves, but men gossip worse than women and they tell us about everyone else’s escapades too.”

Could she believe him? Or would he lie to cover for Dantes? Then again, Dantes had said the same thing when she’d confronted him previously.

“When we open back up,” Ollie continued, seemingly understanding her thoughts, “just sit at the bar for one night, a little out of sight, and you’ll hear all about it.” They began walking again. “You know, Dantes knew they all were scoundrels from the beginning. There really aren’t that many unmarried gentlemen in your social circle and they’re all unmarried for good reason. My brother knew you would never give any of them the time of day. He only helped you to be with you.”

Vivian’s heart fluttered. “Really?”

Ollie grinned widely. “Of course. He’s a bit of a strange bird, that’s all. It’s something you’ll learn to live with.”

“Well, I like strange birds.” She returned his smile.

“As do I. Now, let’s go see what’s happening with his artwork and get back before he wakes up.”

Miss Sparrow was working at the same table as before. At the sound of their arrival, she turned in their direction, wearing the magnifying spectacles that made her eyes giant in the glass.

“Lady Vivian, Mr. McNab, good afternoon.” She removed the glasses and set them down. “I’m glad you’re here. I’ve begun on the first painting. Come, let’s talk.” She came around her table and waved them over.

Vivian took a deep, nervous breath. “Do you have good news or bad news?”

Miss Sparrow smiled brightly. “I have the best news, in fact. I haven’t had a chance to deeply inspect each painting, but I was able to give them a quick look over and I’m confident they all can be saved.”

Vivian’s eyes widened. “All of them? Are you serious?”

Miss Sparrow smiled again. “Quite serious, Lady Vivian. It will be a long process, but yes, your dear friend will have his collection saved.”

Immediately, Vivian placed a hand over her quickening heart, relief spreading over her.

“This is absolutely brilliant news, Miss Sparrow!” Ollie, in his own excitement, gave Miss Sparrow a hug, lifted her, and spun her around.

“ Ollie !” Vivian shrieked. “Put her down!”

He did so instantly and knew well enough to look bashful. “Sorry about that,” he said, scratching his jaw. “Got a bit exuberant there.”

Miss Sparrow, the poor dear, merely stared back at him with an open mouth of shock. Finally, she shook her head at herself. “I almost forgot something.” She suddenly ran off and out of view.

“Ollie.” Vivian watched the spot where Miss Sparrow would reappear. “Please do not go after the woman working on Dantes’s art collection.”

His head flew in her direction. “Excuse me?”

“Oh, please. Must you play coy?”

His mouth hung open briefly. “I honestly have no idea what—”

But she shushed him as Miss Sparrow reappeared. Was it an act? For a self-proclaimed scoundrel, Ollie seemed oddly, and genuinely, confused by her accusation.

“I already completed this,” Miss Sparrow said as she approached them, clearly oblivious to their conversation. “It was rather simple to clean the soot away. I did that by—”

Vivian stopped her. “Thank you, Miss Sparrow. We trust you know what you are doing.”

Miss Sparrow handed over the object.

Vivian’s free hand flew to her mouth as she realized what it was. It was the tintype of Dantes’s parents. And it was in perfect condition. “Oh, Ollie, look at it.” She handed it to him. “Of everything, he was most upset about this being damaged.”

“I swear it looks better now than it did before.” Ollie’s voice cracked. He looked up at Miss Sparrow. “Thank you. You don’t realize…” He took in a shaky breath. “It’s the only photograph we have of our parents. They had it taken not long before he was killed. She passed not too long after. I never met my father, and I have no memory of my mother.”

Miss Sparrow seemed to understand the gravity of these words as she gave him a small smile. “I’m honored you all entrusted me with it.”

Quickly, Ollie knuckled at his eyes. “Can we leave it here for now? I would like Dantes to see it when he comes here himself.” When Miss Sparrow took it back with care, he turned to Vivian. “Perhaps he will be up for it in a few weeks. Then he’ll see for himself what she does.” Ollie angled his head in Miss Sparrow’s direction.

“That’s a fantastic idea,” Vivian said. “That works out well, actually—it’ll be right before we leave for Brighton.”

Ollie started at this. “Wait, are you saying he’s going to Brighton with you?”

She shook her head. “I haven’t talked to him about it yet. I figured he could go for a few weeks—I doubt he would want to be away from you and Victor and rebuilding the pub for the entire season.”

“No, he wouldn’t. And once he finds out about this,” Ollie said as he looked around the room, “I’m sure he’s going to want to pop in all the time.”

“Oh.” Miss Sparrow furrowed her brow.

“Don’t worry. I won’t let him.” Ollie was trying to put her at ease. “He’s going to be thrilled by this, though.”

Vivian smiled wide in agreement. “I can’t wait to see his reaction. He’s going to be so surprised.”