Realizing she had been bouncing her toes and acting quite fidgety, Catherine gave Joan an apologetic look. “Pardon me, I’m not usually this anxious. It’s just that—” She moaned.
They had been waiting nearly two hours. Tea had come, gone, then been brought back as they waited for Morgan to return with any news regarding the whereabouts of Mrs. Burke. Catherine had wanted to accompany him, but Morgan had kindly reminded her that he was going to be much quicker without her assistance.
Waitingwas far more difficult thandoing.
“He’s very good at his job,” Joan assured her. “Almost too good. His faith in his own skill is disturbing.” She gave a small smirk.
“I’m certain he is. I’m just not accustomed to being idle.”
“Ah yes, I’ve heard stories regarding all your endeavors, not only the orphanage we spoke about on the way here,” Joan said. “It caused quite a stir when you gave funding to the theater. I think everyone will attend because they are so curious now what could have made you take such a risk.”
“No risk, no reward. And honestly, it is quite amazing. You’ll love Kean.”
“I cannot wait.” Joan gave her a wistful expression. “I love the theater.”
“I do as well, but this is something more… I don’t know how to describe it.” Catherine pursed her lips. “It’s a feeling, an engagement—rather, an emotional investment into what’s happening before you—as if it were happening to you, and—” She paused, her face heated.
“I understand,” Joan said.
Catherine considered her for a moment. “Indeed, you do.” Catherine regarded Joan, wondering if there was more than met the eye to this bold young woman.
They all had their secrets.
What were Joan’s?
Before she could inquire, the sound of purposeful footsteps sounded in the hall, and Catherine stood expectantly.
Joan followed suit, and within moments, Morgan strode into the room, his expression bright with success. “Good afternoon, ladies.” He bowed smartly and then smiled when he saw the tea service. “Exactly what I need.”
“Allow me,” Catherine offered, eager for him to tell them of the afternoon’s events. Surely, he had information.
“Thank you.” He took a seat. “I found Mrs. Burke, and while I didn’t talk to her, I think that tomorrow it would be wise for you to accompany me to where she is staying. You certainly have questions you’ll wish to ask, and I believe it is best done by the person offended.”
“Thank heavens,” Joan said in a relieved tone.
Catherine handed him a teacup and speared him with a questioning gaze. “Why not today?”
Morgan took a sip. “Pardon?”
“Why not leave for where she is staying directly? Confront her, get it over and done with. I’m sure she’ll…” Catherine paused. “Well, she might not feel guilty, but certainly she has some guilt. She left London quite suddenly.”
“Because she didn’t want to get caught,” Morgan said.
“No.” Catherine took her seat once more. “If she didn’t want to get caught, she wouldn’t have returned to the very first place someone would look for her.”
Morgan frowned. “Maybe she didn’t think anyone would search for her?”
At this, Joan twisted her lips impatiently. “Regardless, the question stands. Why not today?”
Catherine turned to him expectantly.
Morgan yawned. “Because I laid some groundwork, and I want to wait for a day.”
Catherine frowned. “What does that mean?”
Joan answered, her expression disapproving. “It means he went about finding information in a way that would get back to her, cause a little fear, seem like a veiled threat or two…”
“Ah…” Catherine turned back to Morgan. “I see.”