“Millie…” He interrupted.
She hazarded a glance.
“It’s understandable to be scared.”
She inhaled sharply. “That obvious, am I?”
He threaded their hands together. “Perhaps only to me?”
“It’s almost unbearable to be so happy, if a touch bewildered. I’ve a future I never expected laid out before me. But how can I indulge such excitement knowing Willard is out there hurting other women and possibly plotting revenge?”
“I understand.” He held her closely.
“In the theater, you said the woman you were with identified Willard.”
“She did. And she gave me an address that may or may not have been where the crime took place. I was late coming back from the theater because I hired a Runner to investigate her claims.”
“Have you heard anything?”
He shook his head. “Too soon.”
“Do you still have the address?”
“Gerard has a copy of Mrs. Cartwright’s letter. I’m glad I didn’t set off to investigate on my own. I might have done, had I not been so worried about you.”
She snuggled closer.
He continued, “The young woman my mother found provided a description of the woman who first abducted her, and that description matched Mrs. Cartwright right down to a verbal eccentricity.”
“That is troubling…” She squeezed his hand. “Maybe larger suprises are in store, too. Frankly, we need a miracle. Willardpreyed on children and women not of his class. Can you honestly tell me any peer, judge, or jury is going to care?”
“There is another possibility that might bring an end to Willard’s game. That’s where my mother’s visit comes in.”
She frowned. “I don’t understand.”
“When Willard’s father hears of his dash through the corridor, not to mention the drugging of Lady Eltenham, his father could be convinced to check him.”
“Can you meet with your mother here? I don’t like the idea of letting you out of my sight.”
He smiled.Shewas worried abouthim? “I promise to come straight back to you after meeting with my mother. Just be patient a little bit longer.”
“I don’t want to keep hiding. Especially not from him.”
“I know.” He kissed her soothingly. Lingeringly. “I have to go, now. I’m going to go down to the kitchen level to shave and get dressed—no, don’t protest. I’ve already made arrangements with Gerard. I promise I will return by noon.” He kissed her forehead. “You set to work designing that habit. It’ll be stunning, I am sure. And when I get back, we will discuss our next steps.”
“Very well.” She sent him a warning look. “Just make sure you are back by midday.”
“Nothing could keep me from your side.”
She nodded.
He cupped her cheeks and took his fill of her face before reluctantly leaving through the dressing room. He’d be back just as soon as he could.
*
Millie slid ontothe claw-footed swivel stool in front of the pianoforte in Harbury’s parlor. She laid outHebrew Melodies, a collection of twelve scores arranged by Isaac Nathan with lyricswritten by George Gorden, Lord Byron. She turned the pages until she reached “She Walks In Beauty.”
And all that’s best of dark and bright/ Meet in her aspect and her eyes.