Page 6 of The Swan Detective (The Swan Syndicate #2)
Stella lingered in the second-floor hallway, staring at the door of the bedroom that Beckworth used when he stayed in Templeton’s London manor.
The last time she’d been there was when they’d searched for Beckworth after he’d given himself up to Gemini in order to save her.
He’d been tortured before they’d been able to rescue him.
This was the room where he’d healed. She peeked into the room across the hall where she’d stayed and rubbed her arms to discourage the shivers that ran through her.
When she closed the door and turned around, she noticed Libby’s strange look as she stood in the open doorway to Beckworth’s bedroom.
Now, their bedroom. She took a few steps in and glanced around.
The memories they’d shared had been a mix of both good and bad, though they’d ended well enough. They would make new memories here.
“Is everything alright?” Libby asked.
It took a moment for her to register the question, and she gave Libby a small smile. “Just trying to banish some ghosts.”
Libby nodded. “I heard the stories. But you know, that wasn’t the first time Beckworth faced death. And it wasn’t the last.” She shook herself as Stella had, trying to erase the memory.
Stella didn’t need to be reminded that Libby had been injured during the battle at Waverly. When Stella had shot Gaines to save Beckworth. The night Gemini had died.
“It was a dangerous business he was in,” Libby continued. “But every day in London is a dangerous time for those without money.”
“You’re right.” Stella let the silence grow for another moment before she clapped her hands.
“Let’s start this trip on a more positive note.
” A knock on the open door made them both turn to find two footmen carrying a trunk.
Two more followed with a second trunk, and they all nodded to her as they walked out.
Behind them came a young housemaid carrying a tray with an urn, mugs, and a small plate of treats.
“Let’s get these trunks emptied, then we can sit on the balcony and eat like the rich.”
Libby laughed. “You’re part of the rich.”
Stella shrugged as she opened one trunk and Libby the other. “It just looks like it because of Beckworth’s title, and of course, his money. But at home in Baywood, I’d be considered part of the merchant class.”
“When did this get added to your trunk?” Libby held the crossbow Stella had used to kill Cheval and, for a reason she still couldn’t explain, held an attachment to.
Stella only gave her a side glance before picking up a pile of Beckworth’s clothes. “It was a last-minute thought before Douglas came for the trunk.”
“And when do you plan on using it?”
Stella shrugged. “No plans. It’s just nice to know it’s close.”
“Most ladies would keep a dagger close.”
Stella chuckled. “I brought one of those, and a pistol as well. You just haven’t dug deep enough.” She straightened and touched the pocket of her day dress. “Actually, I’m carrying the dagger. The pistol should be in the trunk somewhere, along with a belt of cartridges.”
Libby eyed Stella but didn’t say a word as she laid the crossbow aside. She pulled out dresses and two pairs of pants, shirts, and a jacket that Stella liked to keep close—just in case.
Once the unpacking was completed, they sat on the balcony, sipping coffee and eating freshly made biscuits. A knock at the door brought back the same housemaid, who carried a message that had just been delivered.
“It’s probably from Lady Mary,” Libby said as she handed Stella the note.
Stella opened it and gave it a quick read. “Yes. Elizabeth will be arriving soon, and she wants to make sure Eleanor, Bart, and Lincoln come for dinner.”
“Lady Mary is a special one. Not many would invite all of Beckworth’s friends.”
“I imagine you have friends you want to visit while you’re here.” Stella refreshed Libby’s coffee and then her own.
“I might like to take an hour or two to visit.”
“Not an hour or two. How about an evening here and there? Maybe a whole day or two to visit, or spend a night over with friends.”
Libby stared at her. “I’m your lady’s maid. I need to be here.” She sounded like the proper Libby, but Stella saw a bit of hopefulness in her gaze.
“I’m sure someone on the staff can play backup lady’s maid when you’re not here.”
She appeared doubtful. “Beckworth might approve one evening…”
Before she could finish, Stella jumped in. “Beckworth has no say in this. You’re my lady’s maid, and if I want to give you time off, no matter how often, to visit friends and family, then that’s what will happen.”
When Libby’s expression became a mixture of a proper servant and the East Ender she was at heart, Stella laughed. “Don’t worry. Beckworth might raise a brow, but he won’t get involved.”
“Get involved in what?”
The women glanced over their shoulders to see Beckworth giving them both a worried look.
“You have a knack for impeccable timing at the worst moments.” Stella turned back to stare at the trees that shielded the neighbor’s garden from view. “If you want to speak with us, come sit. Otherwise, I’ll fill you in later.”
“It’s like that, is it?” Beckworth sat in a chair across from them.
“I’m sorry, sir.” Jeffries, Beckworth’s valet while in London, stood just inside the door. “Did you want to wear the blue or the green for dinner?”
Beckworth gave Stella a glance, and she, in turn, looked to Libby.
“Did you have anything planned for this evening?”
“I thought the royal-blue dress.” Libby leaned over and picked up a biscuit, took a bite, and closed her eyes, relishing the taste. When she noticed Beckworth staring at her, she said, “If that’s alright with you, ma'am.”
“Fine with me.”
Beckworth stared at the two women and, with a deep sigh, told Jeffries, “Blue it is.”
“Very good, sir.”
Once he disappeared, Beckworth scratched his jaw. “So, what’s up between you two?”
“Nothing.” Stella gripped her mug of coffee and spoke with an air of entitlement. “I’m giving Libby whatever time she wants to visit friends while we’re in London. I suggested a few evenings or days, perhaps a sleepover. I’ll use one of the other maids while Libby is out.”
Beckworth had that look that told her he was considering what he wanted to say and whether it was worth the effort. When he simply nodded and said, “Sounds fine to me,” Stella knew he had his own news to share that she probably wasn’t going to like. As if she hadn’t been expecting it.
When he didn’t say anything more, she ran a hand over her dress, brushing away crumbs from the biscuit. “Dressing rather early for dinner, aren’t you?”
She sensed Libby go still and was sorry she had to be in the middle of what could be the start of an argument, but it couldn’t be helped.
Beckworth shifted in his chair and ran a hand through his hair. He was adorable when she unsettled him. She could have eased his burden, but not this time.
“Hensley requested a meeting.” He raised his hands in a preemptive attempt to calm her. “Thomas is in town, and since Jamie and the crew are as well, he thought it would be good to have a quick review of their missions. I’m only there as an observer and to provide any words of wisdom I might have.”
“That’s fine. I’ll be meeting with the staff. I’m sure Eleanor is already running around the manor checking on everyone.”
He appeared speechless for a moment, and she held back a grin when he glanced at Libby in search of a clue to whether she was upset or simply playing the role of lady of the manor. He decided to play it safe.
“Very good. I’ll be sure to have Barrington bring the coach around an hour before dinner.” He stood, rubbed his hands together, and gave Stella a quick kiss on the cheek. “I’ll see you for drinks before dinner.”
She smiled up at him. “Of course. Say hello to Hensley and the boys for me.”
Once he left to change, the two women exchanged grins.
Libby leaned over and whispered, “I don’t think I’ve ever seen him so unsure of what to say. Is he like this in Baywood?”
“No. Not even when he’s up to something. But he knows my thoughts about Hensley getting him involved with a mission.”
“You think that’s what he’s up to?”
Stella sipped her coffee and stared out at the colorful garden and beyond. “I have no doubt at all.”