Page 4 of The Amsterdam Enigma (The Continental Capers of Melody Chesterton #3)

“Well, perhaps they are all taking naps at this moment. But mark my words, there will be gossip, and I will rise above it.” With these words, Jemima thrust her books into his arms, turned, and led the way towards the lift. Rat hurried to catch up with her, unsure what was happening.

Most of Rat’s experiences with young women, other than his sister, were with the snooty young women in society who looked down on him with disdain because he worked.

Of course, there was also Fatima, though Rat wasn’t sure how he would characterise his experience with her.

Rat sensed that Jemima Edwards was unlike any young woman he’d ever met.

Perhaps that wasn’t entirely true; there was something of Melody’s liveliness and pertness about the young woman.

However, there was also a directness and confidence that were uniquely Jemima’s.

Rat was sure the lift operator raised his eyebrows slightly at the sight of the young man following the pretty girl.

Rat smiled a little self- consciously and averted his eyes from any judgement he might see in the other man’s face.

He only hoped Jemima’s room was on a low floor and that the ride would be quick.

When the lift stopped at the third floor, it occurred to Rat that this was also the floor that Melody’s room was on. However, he didn’t think much of that, at least until the moment her door opened, and he found himself face-to-face with his sister.

Melody had sat in her living room, stewing for some time.

Finally, when her initial righteous indignation had simmered long enough to morph into fury, she stood and made her way to the door.

She would not simply sit there waiting for some man to toss her a titbit and pat her on the head.

No! She would go and find her brother and demand to be included in whatever mission he was undertaking with Alessandro.

As determined as Melody was to find her brother, she didn’t expect to open her door and find him standing before her. She certainly hadn’t anticipated seeing him in the company of a young woman. And what was he doing with all those books?

From the look on Rat’s face, he was as surprised to come face-to-face with Melody as she was with him.

“Melody. I didn’t realise you were here,” Rat stammered, immediately recognising how inane the observation was.

“Well, where else would I be?” Melody retorted bitterly. “It isn’t as if I have anything better to do, is it now?”

Rat’s eyes widened, hoping to alert his sister that they were not alone.

Whatever grievance she was about to air, he didn’t want her to let slip anything about their real reason for being in Amsterdam.

If she’d known his thoughts, Melody might have pointed out acidly that she didn’t know what that reason was.

Jemima had walked slightly past Melody’s door when it opened. Now, she turned and returned.

Extending her hand, she said, “You must be Miss Sandworth, Mr Sandworth’s sister. I am Miss Jemima Edwards.”

Melody regarded the young woman. Then, in an icy tone worthy of Granny, she said, “Then you have the advantage of me, I am afraid. And, it is Miss Chesterton, not Miss Sandworth.”

If the other woman wondered why siblings didn’t share the same surname, she did not comment. However, she did ask, “But I am correct in assuming you are Mr Sandworth’s sister?”

Melody would have preferred not to answer. Nevertheless, Tabby Cat had raised her to be a well-bred young woman, and the habit of good manners was too strong to ignore.

“Yes. I am Matthew’s sister, Miss Melody Chesterton.”

“It is so lovely to meet you,” Jemima said breezily. “Mr Sandworth was just helping me take these books to my room.”

Rat understood this statement needed further clarification. “I bumped into Miss Edwards in the lobby and sent her books flying everywhere. The least I could do was offer to carry them up for her.”

There was something about this situation that irritated Melody, though she couldn’t quite articulate what it was. Under normal circumstances, she might have found it mildly amusing, perhaps even charming.

That her socially awkward older brother had somehow connected with a very pretty young woman should have provided fodder for many days of sisterly teasing.

Furthermore, considering how she felt about Rat’s infatuation with Fatima, Melody should have been thrilled at the prospect that his attention might have been diverted, however briefly, to someone else.

Yet Melody didn’t find it amusing, charming, or even a relief.

Instead, she found it irritating. She’d intended to barge into Rat’s room and unleash the full power of her fury on him, hopefully cowing him with her steely gaze and forcing a confession of his mission.

Her crowning glory would be if Rat then admitted he needed Melody’s help.

Now, she was forced to smother her anger as best she could or at least feign an insincere smile while engaging in meaningless small talk with this stranger who seemed to have attached herself to Rat.

While Rat did not know what Melody’s particular annoyance was, there was no doubt she was stewing about something. He was caught; he’d promised to escort Miss Edwards to her room, but turning his back on Melody’s undeniable anger would be unacceptable to his sibling.

Fortunately, his dilemma was resolved by Melody herself. “Matthew, when you have finished escorting Miss Edwards to her room, please return so that we might speak.” Rat nodded his assent, and Melody retreated into her room, closing the door behind her, coming very close to slamming it .

It appeared that Miss Edwards’ room was only three doors down from Melody’s own. Upon arrival, Jemima turned and reached for her books. “It seems wise not to keep your sister waiting, Mr Sandworth.”

Rat wasn’t certain how to respond. That Melody was angry with him was undeniable. However, he knew better than to air his family’s linen in public.

Instead, Rat found himself saying the last thing he would have imagined would come out of his mouth, “Might I see you again, Miss Edwards? Perhaps we could take a walk tomorrow or even visit a museum.”

Almost as soon as he’d said it, Rat regretted speaking.

What on earth was he thinking? Aside from anything else, he was on a mission for the British Government of great importance and sensitivity.

He didn’t have time for a romantic dalliance.

And was that what he’d just suggested starting?

Rat had never asked a girl if he might call on her before.

He wasn’t even sure if he had done it right.

It appeared his execution of such a request was correct, as Jemima replied, “That would be lovely, Mr Sandworth. Might I suggest afternoon tea at the Café Riche? You may call for me at four o’clock.”

Rat was so unsure of the etiquette of such matters that he’d no idea whether she would be chaperoned.

However, it appeared that for all his innocence, Miss Edwards was in complete control of the situation; thus, he assumed she would do whatever was appropriate and that he needn’t worry.

He gave a slight bow and agreed to present himself at the allotted time.

He would have more than enough time to return to wait for his informant before that.