“What did happen? Could the Cartwrights not afford to pay the bill?” Daphne Chambers sounded most perturbed. Daniel suspected her anxious tone stemmed from embarrassment. Her failure to uncover a vital clue for the motive of the theft spoke of incompetence.
“The lady has no parents,” Madame Fontaine replied. “I doubt Cartwright is her real name. No, her patron was to pay for the new gown.”
In this case, patron was just a polite term for lover.
“I assume this patron agreed to cover all the lady’s expenses,” Daniel said not bothering to curb his cynical tone.
“Isn’t that what patrons do, Mr Thorpe?” the modiste snapped back.
Mrs Chambers frowned. “I still don’t understand why you didn’t mention the cancelled order. It changes everything. It gives Miss Cartwright a motive. Why should it matter so much to me if the lady's patron refused to pay for her dress?”
Daniel stroked his beard while examining the facts. There were only two reasons why a man refused to cover his mistresses expenses. Either the gentleman had exhausted his funds or his wife discovered his secret and demanded he put an end to it.
But why did the modiste fear mentioning the fact to Mrs Chambers?
“I hear a modiste is often party to all the latest gossip,” Daniel said, deciding any man who wanted to please his mistress would simply take the dress and add Madame Fontaine to his list of creditors. To his mind that left one possible avenue of investigation. “The problem with gossip is that one never knows who is listening.”
As expected, Madame Fontaine’s cheeks glowed berry red, and she squirmed in her chair.
“Oh, tell me you didn’t, Betsy.” Mrs Chambers gave a frustrated sigh. “Tell me you kept your tongue and were mindful of your comments. It takes but a word in the wrong ear to ruin your reputation.”
“How was I to know Miss James was the goddaughter of Lady Tranmere? The girl noticed the lilac gown and demanded one similar. I told her the bodice was cut far too low for a debutante.” Madame Fontaine paused for breath. “But the girl’s sister panders to her every whim. Only a courtesan wears a gown that shows so much cleavage, but they insisted on lecturing me on the latest fashions from Paris. Tranmere would chase me out of town if he discovered another woman wore the same gown as his mistress, I said.”
Mrs Chambers sucked in a breath. “Good Lord, Betsy!”
“So, Lady Tranmere discovered the truth about her beloved husband and forced Lord Tranmere to cancel Miss Cartwright's order,” Daniel clarified.
“Yes.” Madame Fontaine’s shoulders sagged. “Miss Cartwright came to see me and asked to purchase the lilac gown, but the thief stole the dress the night before she was due to collect it.”
Daniel sat back and folded his arms across his chest. “Then the theft and the smashed window are two separate incidents. Both culprits have motive, but I’m confident that neither of you need fear for your safety.”
Daphne Chambers should have taken comfort from his words, but her weak smile and inability to meet his gaze confirmed his suspicion. Something sinister occupied her thoughts. Was it a secret she was willing to share? Was it something from the past or present?
Clearing his throat, Daniel stood. “Well, I’m sure you’re eager to know the names of those responsible, and so I bid you both good day.” He inclined his head and strode towards the door.
“Wait.” Mrs Chambers jumped up from the sofa and rushed to his side. “If you’re to investigate both matters, then I am coming with you. Two heads are better than one when it comes
to solving puzzles.”
Damn right she was coming with him; had he insisted upon it, she would have fought him. Time spent alone in his conveyance would give him an opportunity to uncover her secret.
“My first call will be at a molly-house in Covent Garden. You may wait in the carriage whilst I go inside. You know my views regarding what is considered inappropriate for a lady.”
She pressed her lips together tightly in response, and the surrounding air turned chilly. With a deep sigh and some reluctance, she said, “Very well.”
Daniel was not a fool. There was more chance of a giant eagle swooping down to carry him off than there was of Daphne Chambers following orders. Still, it gave him a means to bargain.
“Then I suggest you fetch your pelisse,” Daniel said. “Wait for me in my carriage. I wish to call in and thank Mr Brown for his help in boarding the window.” And to ask a few questions relating to the identity of the vandal responsible for the damage.
The sudden smile illuminating Mrs Chambers’ features almost melted his steely resolve. The woman had the power to get under his skin. She was the only person alive who roused any emotion in his chest. But she had been quick to refuse his offer of marriage three years ago, saw him as nothing more than an acquaintance, a colleague.
Mentally throwing on his metal breastplate, Daniel straightened. The case of the stolen gowns and smashed window was a simple one. Working closely with Daphne Chambers would prove to be a little more complicated.
Chapter 4
During the five years Daphne had known Daniel Thorpe, she’d had the pleasure of travelling alone with him in a carriage twice.
The first time occurred a few weeks after her husband’s death. Mr Thorpe thought a change of scenery might lift her spirits. But then he’d offered marriage — purely out of a sense of duty — and Daphne had politely declined.