She laid a hand on his arm. “But you saved me.”
“Sure.” The woman was daft. He glanced over his shoulder at Francesca, who waved and beckoned him. With a nod, he returned his attention to Miss Newton, who looked at her with a frown. “Did you need me for something?”
“Obviously, I did, otherwise I’d be dead,” she gushed with a blush on her cheeks.
Dear God, save me from simpering foolish young women.“I mean regarding the dead woman from the other morning? Isn’t that why you’re here at Whitehall?”
“Oh.” She glanced about the immediate area in some confusion. “No, I was on an errand…”
William frowned. “Odd place for that, don’t you think?” There was nothing on this stretch of road except for government buildings and offices, perhaps some monuments and statuary that might appeal.
“Yes, right. I’d merely wondered how the investigation was coming.”
“Nothing to report, just that it is progressing.” As if he would reveal anything to the general public.
“Oh.” She shook her head and appeared somewhat more put together. “Thank you again, Inspector Storme. Shall I see you soon?”
“London is a large place, Miss Newton. One never knows.” Certain she could manage to walk, he once more crossed the street and joined Francesca. “That was odd indeed.” Quickly, he conveyed the conversation.
She frowned. “Agreed. Why do you suppose she was here?”
“I have no idea. Perhaps she truly did need to see me but had forgotten the reason due to the near trampling. Or perhaps she was out for a walk.” He shrugged. The last thing he needed was a woman fawning all over him merely because he was with Bow Street.
I already have enough female troubles.
What he needed was sound advice on what he should do next. Cases he could solve, but courting a woman with any sort of authority? Truly, he was rubbish at that. How the devil had his cousin Andrew managed it?
Yet, even he couldn’t deny his relationship with Francesca had moved decidedly forward. And that pleased him very much.