Saving the Scientist (The Restitution League #2)(39)

They left her missing the stolid granite facade of her own home. She missed the quiet. She missed Grandmama’s confused rants. She even missed Haversham’s simmering disapproval.

She missed her life, the whole of it.

Ada sighed and heaved herself out of the cab after Edison. He had bounded up the stairs of the nearest house before she tackled the first step.

He gave the door a hearty rap. “We’re here to see Miss Parvenue,” he announced to the sleepy-eyed parlor maid who answered.

The maid motioned them in. Though the space was small compared to her own over-large home, the entry was designed to impress. Gilt wallpaper, gilt-edged coat racks and end tables topped with gilt-accented vases, and landscapes nestled in gilt frames, crowded in on her.

What wasn’t covered in gold was upholstered in large, dramatic patterns.

The room should have felt oppressive. Instead, it exuded a curious warmth and a strong sensual energy.

It was the gold.

Not having much interest in decorating, Ada would never have considered the effect so much precious metal could create.

The maid bobbed a curtsey. “I’ll see if she’s receiving.”

“Tell her it’s—”

“Sweet! You dog. It’s been too long.” A vision in white lace floated down the staircase.

A vision in her night clothes.

Ada gaped. Feet bare and golden hair tousled from sleep, the woman hurried toward them clad only in a sheer nightrail. A filmy white robe as revealing as the shift itself fluttered uselessly behind her as she rushed toward them.

Without a word, the woman launched herself off of the bottom step into Edison’s arms.

He grunted as she slammed into his chest. Every ounce of his attention focussed on this vision, he grinned and twirled her about. “Cherise. I’ve missed you.”

“Have not,” the beauty retorted, her ripe lips entirely too close to his.

He laughed. “Only as much as you missed me.”

“Fair enough, you brute.” The woman laughed as well, tipping her head back, baring her white throat.

Watching their intimate byplay, Ada felt as if she’d vanished into the flamboyant wallpaper.

Edison let the woman slide down his body until her naked feet touched the floor. “I need a favor.”

“Oh?” One delicate brow arched. She looked between them, curiosity glinting in her pretty eyes.

Edison set his hands on his hips. “Mrs. Templeton is in a… situation.”

Ada rolled her eyes. One might call it that, if one were given to the extreme opposite of exaggeration.

She clasped her hands together. “Someone attempted to kill me.”

“That’s quite a situation.” The woman showed far less surprise than Ada would have expected.

“Hence the need for a disguise,” Edison said. “I was hoping you might have something at the theater that would do. Something an invisible type of woman would wear.” He stopped, searching for words. “A housekeeper or a governess, something of that nature.”

Miss Parvenue’s Parisienne perfume drifted about the entryway as she circled Ada. “She already looks like a governess.” The woman’s hand flew to her mouth. “Sorry, luv.”

Ada shrugged. It was nothing but the truth. The dove gray walking dress had seemed an excellent choice for travel and for working at the Navy’s secret workshop, but now that she was faced with this beautiful creature in her frothy, frilly night clothes in her frothy, frilly home, Ada felt distinctly drab.

The woman wrapped her robe around herself and tied the sash, then she stood back, assessing Ada as if she were a painting one might consider purchasing, if only it came with a nicer frame. “If it’s invisible you want, only the demimonde’ll do.”

Edison snorted. “I’m hoping to hide her, not set every dog in the village after her scent.”

Miss Parvenue eyed him as if he had the brains of tinned beef. “Who looks at women like me?” She brushed her hair back off her shoulders. “Upstanding women pass us as if we don’t exist, and men…” She threw up her hands. “Men are not interested in our faces.”

Brow furrowed, Edison tapped a finger against his lips and studied Ada, his gaze rake her from head to toe.

Ada clenched her fists. Being gawked at as if she were a prize sheep at auction was beginning to wear.

“Can you do it?” he asked finally.

Ada didn’t care for the doubt in his tone.

Edison’s friend winked at her. “She’s got the goods. Just needs a bit of fancy. A bit of daring.”

Ada cringed. Fancy, she might be able to fake, but not daring. She opened her mouth to protest, but Edison’s look stopped her. She sucked in a deep breath. She promised. Whatever he said.

She huffed. “Fine.”

Miss Parvenue bounced up and down on her bare toes and clapped her hands. “Come on then.” She grabbed Ada by the arm. “We’ve got some work ahead of us.”

As she pulled Ada toward the stairs, Edison turned to the door. “I’ll leave you to it.”

Ada froze. “Where are you going?”

“Need to send a telegram. Time to bring the league in on this.”

“But—” Ada started to protest.

“Your grandmother’ll be safe with the Hapgoods.” He grabbed his hat and left.