Amanda Quick - Quicksilver

“About this Dr. Spinner.”

“Never mind. What is our plan of action for the day?”

He reminded himself that the mystery of Dr. Spinner and his therapy for female hysteria was not the most pressing issue at the moment.

“I think it would be useful if you were seen going about your customary routine at the Institute this afternoon,” he said. “We need more information from that quarter.”

“You want me to try to discover some gossip concerning this affair?” she asked.

“Yes. Someone at the Institute must know something. You are the only one in a position to make inquiries.”

“No offense, sir, but if you are seen hovering in my vicinity, I doubt very much that anyone will risk engaging in any sort of useful conversation with me.”

“I’m aware of that,” he said. “Which is why Matt will accompany you today.”

Virginia glanced at Matt. “How do I explain his presence?”

“I’m sure you’ll think of something,” Owen said.

She turned back to him. “What will you do while Matt and I are at the Institute?”

“I am going to pursue some very boring research into Hollister’s financial affairs. Now that both Lord and Lady Hollister are conveniently dead, someone has just inherited a fortune. I would like to know the name of the happy heir.”

“You think that money might have been a motive in Hollister’s death?”

“Money is always a strong motive.”

“But I thought we concluded that there is some mad scientist running around in this affair,” Matt said.

“In my experience, scientists, mad or otherwise, are always in need of money.”

Virginia raised her brows. “That is a very good observation.”

“Thank you. I try to do that every once in a while in the course of an investigation. There is another angle I want to explore as well. Now, then, before I leave, I have a small gift for you.”

Virginia’s eyes lit up with pleasure. “Really, sir, you shouldn’t have.”

He reached into his pocket, took out the lock pick and presented it to her. “My uncle designed it. Very simple to use. Works on most standard locks.”

Matt got a pained expression. “Uncle Owen, that is not the sort of gift one gives to a lady.”

Virginia blinked in surprise, but she recovered immediately and took the pick from Owen. She examined it with evident delight. “How thoughtful. I’ve been wanting one of my very own.”

She was pleased, Owen decided. Satisfied that his first gift to her had been a success, he gave Matt a triumphant smile.

Matt rolled his eyes.

Owen headed for the door. “Matt, here, can teach you how to use it this morning before you go off to the Institute this afternoon.”

The Institute was humming with activity when Virginia and Matt arrived. Practitioners, researchers and clients mingled in the halls and lounged in the tearoom.

Matt looked around with interest while Virginia handed her umbrella and rain-spattered cloak to the porter.

“So this is the Leybrook Institute,” Matt said. “It’s not quite what I expected.”

“What, exactly, were you expecting?” Virginia asked coolly.

“I’m not sure,” he admitted. “Everyone in my family assumes that most people who call themselves practitioners are charlatans and frauds. I didn’t think this establishment would have such an academic atmosphere.”

“Leybrook and everyone else connected to the Institute work very hard to create that atmosphere,” she said stiffly.

Matt flushed a dull red. “My apologies, ma’am. I didn’t mean to imply that you are a charlatan. Of course I understand that some practitioners are genuine talents. And it certainly seems reasonable that they would congregate in professional surroundings like this.”

Virginia waved his protests aside with an impatient gesture. “My office is upstairs.”

“Yes, ma’am,” Matt said. He followed her meekly across the grand front hall.

Welch’s voice stopped her just as she was about to lead the way up the staircase.

“Good morning, Miss Dean,” he called. He hurried toward her. “I’ve been waiting for you. I was about to ask Mrs. Fordham to send a note around to your address.”

“Good morning, Mr. Welch,” she said. “I’d like you to meet my new assistant, Mr. Kern.”

“New assistant, eh?” Welch gave Matt a swift, critical appraisal and then nodded approvingly. “You look quite presentable, young man. That’s important here at the Institute. We have an image to maintain, you know. Mr. Leybrook is very insistent on that point.”

“Yes, sir,” Matt said politely. “I look forward to assisting Miss Dean.”

Welch turned eagerly to Virginia. “I have excellent news, Miss Dean. I am delighted to inform you that I have just received a request for a private consultation with you from a new client. A most exclusive new client, I might add. Mr. Leybrook will be very pleased.”

“Who is the new client?”

“Lady Mansfield.”

Virginia’s stomach fluttered. She knew that the attack of nerves was fueled by the rush of mixed emotions. Uncertainty, curiosity and a deep longing to see her half-sister again swept through her. But common sense told her that any attempt to forge a bond with Elizabeth would be a mistake. It was not in the girl’s best interests to maintain a personal relationship with an illegitimate half-sister, a sister who occupied a very different rung on the social ladder. Such an association could damage Elizabeth’s reputation and even affect her marriage prospects when she got older.

Those who moved in elevated circles were far from naive. They were aware of the facts of life. It was not uncommon for gentlemen to produce bastard offspring. But society and the members of the gentleman’s legitimate family never acknowledged such offspring socially.

“I’m a little busy at the moment,” Virginia said weakly.

“Yes, yes, I know, but this is Lady Mansfield,” Welch said. “Mr. Leybrook likes to encourage that sort of high-flyer.”

“There are other glass-readers here at the Institute.”

“Lady Mansfield was quite insistent. In her note she said that she wanted an appointment with you.”

“I generally meet new clients here at the Institute for the initial meeting.”

Welch gave her a reproving look. “You cannot expect a person of Lady Mansfield’s consequence to come to you for a meeting. You must go to her. Naturally I told Mrs. Fordham to schedule the consultation.”

Virginia sighed. “Naturally.”

“It is for this Thursday afternoon at three.” Welch smiled benignly. “In her note Lady Mansfield very graciously said that she would send her carriage to your address to convey you to the appointment. Just think, Miss Dean, you will not be obliged to hire a public cab. Isn’t that splendidly generous of the client?”

“Splendidly generous, Mr. Welch. Thank you.”

“Indeed, you’re quite welcome. I can’t wait to inform Mr. Leybrook.”

Welch scurried away.

Virginia continued up the stairs, Matt at her heels.

What was Helen thinking? Virginia wondered. She was surely aware of the risks involved in promoting a connection between her daughter and her dead husband’s illegitimate offspring. On the other hand, it was obvious that Helen genuinely cared for Elizabeth. Perhaps she had concluded that it would be best if Elizabeth were given some practical advice in regard to managing her talent.

At the top of the stairs Virginia led Matt along the hall to the door of her small office. She opened the small chatelaine purse that dangled from her belt and took out her key. Her fingers brushed against the lock pick. She smiled. Most gentlemen gave their lovers jewelry. The Sweetwater men were more original when it came to tokens of affection. After two hours of intense instruction and practice on every lock in the house, Matt had pronounced her quite adept at lock-picking. You would have made a very good burglar, Miss Dean, he’d said.