The Legend of the Earl (Heirs of High Society) (A Regency Romance Book)(10)

The man was still angry but listening.

So Justin continued as he reached into his pocket. “I knew Lord Wint well. Our fathers were best friends and, as I said already, her father saved my father’s life. I could tell her stories about him if she wished it.” He handed the guard his card. “I would truly appreciate it if you could arrange our meeting.”

The stranger stuck the card into his pocket but kept his eyes on Justin. “I’ll think on what you’ve said and then I’ll make my decision. Have a good day, my lord.” He stared at Justin, waiting for him to move.

Justin, out of options and not wishing to anger the only man who could help him meet Ms. Smith, started for the door. He turned to look at Gerard, who followed, but then his eyes caught the woman who’d been behind the counter. He watched as she rushed toward the door on the other side of the building.

Had she been listening to their conversation?

Justin left and started around the corner. Gerard followed. “Now what?”

“I don’t know.” Justin turned the corner and jogged down the alley wall but came to a stop before turning the corner again.

There were men standing outside with umbrellas. They were obviously waiting for the infamous Alexandra Smith to show herself.

Poor woman. Everyone was hunting her. Still, Justin would not stop.

It wasn’t often he tried to manipulate situations in his favor. Those sorts of actions had always reminded him of his mother. Lying reminded him of the countess, but he told himself the circumstances were different. Christina Padmore had lied for the pleasure of causing trouble. Justin was trying to fix his. He kept that in mind with his every step.

The alleyway was slightly darker, the surrounding buildings blocking out the light. The smell of pungent filth had been awakened by the pouring rain.

“What are we doing?” Gerard whispered.

Justin lifted a hand to silence him just as the small woman he’d seen in the shop moments ago emerged. She held up her own umbrella, though she kept her head down as she moved.

“Miss,” the men began to call. “What’s your name? Are you Alexandra?”

“I’m not.” The girl had a small voice. “And I don’t know Ms. Smith. I was hired on this morning. Excuse me.”

“Miss, wait!” The men followed her.

The door to the back of the store opened and a large man, different from the one who’d been at the door, came out and bellowed, “Leave my alley, or I’ll have you removed!” Two more men came out, and Justin recognized the one from the front door.

He shrunk away as the newspaper men scattered, running down either side of the alley, passing him and Gerard without a glance.

Justin didn’t move until he heard the door close. Then he peeked around the corner and noticed the men gone, but the girl with the umbrella moving quickly in the other direction.

“She’s going to her,” Justin whispered.

“Justin, I’m still confused,” Gerard said.



“I’ll explain later. Are you coming with me or not?” Justin asked him, already knowing the answer before his friend spoke.



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4





CHAPTER

FOUR



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Alexandra looked up as Rose came into the back room of the library.



The room was dim with only the windows for light. Alex had refused to light a lamp, not wanting to draw the attention of the staff. They knew who she was, and Alex knew they’d sell her location to the first newspaper writer they met if they could.

She was at the Montgomery Circulating Library where Rose worked.

Alex had had no time to go elsewhere. As soon as her friend at the toy store had rushed toward her with a million questions, Alex had fled to the first safe place she could find, leaving her reticule and money behind. The library and the toy store were just around the corner from one another, and Alex had known it would be a good place to hide.

No one looked at her as she entered. Dressed in her working garb, the library’s staff kept their gaze fixed on the customers who paid a subscription to get their hands on the latest books. She’d slipped into the back room where she knew Rose would be and hadn’t had to tell her friend what was happening.

Rose had known.

They’d spoken about the situation earlier in the day. Alex had expressed her uncertainty about the article, not fully understanding her own feelings on the matter. Then Rose had left her in the room while she’d gone to help at Chris’ shop. Alex had busied herself by going over the menu for their yearly musical presentation to Best Homes’ biggest benefactor, Lady Charles.

Each year, since before Alex could remember, Lady Charles allowed the children to perform for her, her family, and a few other sponsors who’d been close to Mary Elizabeth. Alex didn’t know what year it had all began, but over time Lady Charles had begun funding music lessons as well for those she thought truly gifted.

The woman loved music, and though Alicia thought the money could be better used for things like new clothes and furniture for the children, she did not fight with the old woman. For as much as one knew better than to fight with Mary Francis, one knew just as well not to fight with Lady Joan Charles.