ThePerfectPoison
THIRTY-SEVEN
“YOU ARE GOING TO BECOME MR. JONES’S BUSINESS PARTNER?” Patricia hurried along the conservatory path, trying to keep up with Lucinda. “But you are a botanist and a healer, not a private inquiry agent.”
“I said I am considering becoming his partner in the firm.” Lucinda stopped to tilt her watering can over some bromeliads. “You know that I have a talent for detecting poison. That ability is very useful in the investigation business.”
“Yes, but to become a real partner in the Jones agency? How absolutely thrilling.” Patricia brimmed with admiration. “You have always been such an inspiration to me, Lucy.”
“Thank you.” A little rush of satisfaction swept through Lucinda. “Mr. Jones feels that my talent will be of particular importance to the agency in the years ahead due to the problem of this new Cabal.”
“I can certainly understand that. Edmund mentioned to me that he expects to be doing a great deal of consulting for the agency, as well.”
Lucinda raised the spout of the watering can. “Edmund?”
Patricia blushed. “Mr. Fletcher.”
“I see. I could not help but notice at breakfast that you and Mr. Fletcher seem to be on much better terms today.”
“He is a very interesting gentleman,” Patricia said. “I find his conversation quite stimulating.”
“Do you, indeed?”
“I realize that he does not meet all of my requirements, of course,” Patricia said quickly.
“Hmm.”
“He possesses a rather unusual talent.”
“So Mr. Jones told us.”
“And a somewhat extraordinary past.”
Lucinda looked at her. “How extraordinary?”
“Well, before he became a stage magician, he was obliged to make his living by helping himself to the odd valuable here and there.”
“Good grief, he was a thief ?”
“He confided everything to me, Lucy. He only stole from other criminals and fences. He was careful to take only very small items that would never be missed.”
“In other words, his victims were people he knew would not call in the police.”
Patricia brightened. “Precisely. He has a talent for getting through locked doors and for sensing where valuables are concealed. Those are the very abilities that will make him so useful to Mr. Jones.”
“You appear to be quite concerned with Mr. Fletcher’s future with the Jones agency.”
Patricia straightened her shoulders. “I intend to marry him, Lucy.”
“Oh, Patricia.” Lucinda put aside the watering can and opened her arms. “What will your parents say when they find out that you are marrying a man who was once a thief and a magician?”
Patricia’s eyes watered. She flung herself into Lucinda’s arms.
“I don’t know,” she sobbed. “But I love him, Lucy.”
“I know.” Lucinda hugged her. “Lady Milden is equally aware of your affections.”
Patricia raised her tearstained face, startled. “She knows?”
“She told me last night at the ball that you and Mr. Fletcher are an ideal match.”
“Oh, my.” Patricia pulled out a dainty handkerchief and blotted her eyes. “What am I to do? How will I convince Mama and Papa that I should be allowed to marry Mr. Fletcher?”
“We hired Lady Milden to guide us through this business of finding you a husband. As Mr. Jones says, one must put one’s faith in experts. We will leave the problem of dealing with your parents to your matchmaker.”
Patricia stuffed the damp handkerchief into the pocket of her gown and raised her chin. “If Mama and Papa do not give their consent, I vow I will elope with Mr. Fletcher.”
“Hmm.”
“Do you really think Lady Milden can convince my parents to accept him?”
“I think she is capable of achieving whatever she sets out to do.”
Patricia smiled and blinked away the last of her tears. “Oh, Lucy. I do love him so.”
“I understand,” Lucinda said gently. “More than you can possibly know.”
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