Vow of Deception (The Ministry of Curiosities #9)(60)

"Lovely," I said. "I need tea after that drive."

"You asked me to go fast," Seth protested. "Why, may I ask? What happened in Swinburn's house?"

"You visited Swinburn?" Gus demanded. "Without Fitzroy?"

"I am capable of taking care of myself," I said hotly.

No one commented.

"Don't tell him," I added. "He'll only worry and there's nothing to worry about." It was probably best not to tell them that Swinburn had kept me prisoner. It had come to naught anyway, and they'd only get angry. Getting angry with Swinburn at the moment was proving to be a futile endeavor.

"So why did we need to leave in a hurry?" Seth asked.

"I simply don't like that man and there was no reason to remain behind after Harriet left."

He pushed open the service door and allowed me to enter ahead of him. "I spoke to her as she left. She told me not to worry and that you were having a civil conversation with Swinburn."

"She smiled at you, didn't she?" Gus asked with a chuckle.

"I don't fall for smiles," Seth shot back. "She seemed genuinely unconcerned for your safety, Charlie."

"You shouldn't trust her," I said, taking a seat at the kitchen table. "She has double crossed us. I think."

Cook poured the tea and sliced the cake. We sat at the large central table, surrounded by warmth and the delicious scents of the kitchen. It reminded me of my early days at Lichfield, when I'd taken over duties as a maid and before we got proper servants. We'd been a small, intimate family then. We still were, but it wasn't the same when the household was filled with servants. I must remember to give them all a day off once or twice a week so we could continue these cozy afternoons.

"So you retrieved the imp?" Seth asked. "You stole it back, didn't you? Is that why we had to leave quickly?"

"The imp is still lost."

Seth lowered his cup. Gus swore under his breath.

"It be your imp, Charlie," Cook said. "They can't use it against you. It be at your command."

"True, but I can't use it unless I have it."

"How will you get it back?" Gus asked.

"I don't yet know. But I suspect Swinburn has it, not Harriet. She gave it to him to prove her loyalty."

"She betrayed us," Seth grumbled, incredulous. "Sweet little Harriet."

"She's not so sweet anymore," I said. "Ever since discovering she's a shape shifter she has taken control of her life. I applaud it in the situation with her husband, but this…this turn worries me."

Seth rubbed his chin in thought. "We'll have to break into Swinburn's house to retrieve it."

"No," Gus said. "Fitzroy won't like it."

"Aye," Cook added. "He won't agree."

Gus settled back in the chair. "If you didn't steal back the imp necklace, why'd you stay in Swinburn's house after Lady Gilly left?"

"I was talking to the footman," I said.

"Why?" Seth asked.

"To learn more about our enemy. He's a shape changer in Swinburn's pack."

"I thought only toffs ran in his pack," Gus said.

"So did I, but it seems there is at least one who isn't a toff. Perhaps the pack contains any shifters who don't reside in the slums."

"What did you learn from him?" Seth asked, reaching for a second piece of cake.

"That there's at least one member of Swinburn's pack who is a good man. He expressed concern for the general public getting caught up in the latest murders." It wasn't quite the truth, but the sentiment was real enough. Jenkin had been genuinely worried about Gawler's body rising and harming people on his way to rescue me. "It gives me hope there are others in the pack who think the same."

Gus also reached for another piece of cake. "It don't seem like you got much out of staying, Charlie. You should have left with Lady Gillingham."

I smiled sweetly. "Yes, I should have. Now, when Lincoln gets back—"

"I am back." He strode through the door, jacket in hand and tie loosened. He'd tied his hair back but it was damp at the hairline.

"You look hot," I said. "Sit down and I'll fetch you a drink of water."

He hesitated and for a moment I thought he'd argue with me, but he dutifully sat. I fetched a cup and filled it from the jug we stored in the larder during hot weather. I took my time, hoping my delay would cause him to forget to ask me what I'd been about to say before he walked in. I had been about to remind the others not to tell Lincoln where I went today, or about the stolen necklace.

It was a foolhardy idea. Lincoln didn't forget anything.

"There," I said cheerfully, handing him the cup.

He took it but simply stared at it and didn't drink. I touched his cheek and he glanced at me.

"Lincoln?" I asked. "What's wrong? You look troubled."

"How can you tell?" Seth muttered.

"Lincoln?" I prompted.

"I've just come from Julia's house," he said, shooting a glance at Seth.

"And?" Seth asked when Lincoln did not go on.