Star-crossed, Jamie thought. But not really. Neither had married or even spoken about it. The two simply needed a push. He had some ideas on how to do that.
Jamie departed an hour later. He enjoyed spending time with Andrew, the man both intelligent and fun-loving.
He’d put wheels in motion, and Andrew, he knew, would leave no stone unturned. Jamie, however, was too impatient to wait. He could kick over a few stones himself.
He hailed another cab and bade it take him to St. James’s and its cluster of exclusive clubs.
Breakfast in Chelsea was a lively meal. Evie couldn’t remember when she’d laughed so much over the morning toast.
Gavina and Belle were already down when Evie entered the sunny morning room, its sideboard loaded with poached eggs, potatoes, and ham, with a large pot of tea to wash it all down. The ladies greeted her as though she were their dearest friend, and offered her the chair next to the head of the table, a seat of honor.
The other two ladies who shared this house, and Mrs. Barrow, their chaperone, arrived not long later. Mrs. Barrow was a thin, middle-aged woman with a warm smile and shrewd eyes. The ladies were sisters, Adeline and Gayle Hodgkinson, and were Mrs. Barrow’s nieces.
The Hodgkinsons were a few years younger than the Mackenzies, the pair just down from Newnham at Cambridge, and had recently taken posts as assistants at the University College in Gower Street.
“We bring tea and make certain the ink pots are full,” Adeline told Evie, making a face. “Ladies obviously know nothing about astronomy, never mind we both completed the full course.”
“It is ever the way.” Belle sighed and reached for cream for her tea. “Likewise women who wish to study medicine are turned away in derision. I have tried in vain to be accepted to a program.”
“Cheer up, ladies,” Mrs. Barrow said. “In my day it was considered disgraceful for women to have any sort of knowledge at all, unless they wanted to be pitied as bluestockings. Things are much better these days. Now, no more morose talk in front of our guest.”
“I don’t mind,” Evie said sincerely. “I am interested.”
The blouse and skirt Belle had lent Evie fit well, and the collar, a soft fold of lawn, closed at the throat with a horizontal row of pearl buttons. The collar well hid the embarrassing mark, and Evie had covered anything that might peek over it with dabs of powder.
She’d felt decadent wafting the silken powder over her skin. Mrs. Atherton considered any woman who even thought about powder—or paint, as she termed it—a hussy.
The lively chatter went on, the talk turning to young men. Evie did not know those they spoke of, though they mentioned Mackenzie cousins and brothers. From the blushes on the Hodgkinson ladies’ cheeks, they’d noticed and appreciated the handsomeness of the various Mackenzies.
Evie hadn’t had a more enjoyable meal in a long time, but she knew she would have to depart soon. She must deliver the alabastron to Iris—she’d penned a note to her before breakfast telling her the mission had been a success—and then she’d return to Hayden’s home.
Her heart sank at the thought of enduring another long day in the quiet, lugubrious house in Upper Brook Street, trying to keep busy with wedding plans. Hayden had promised that after they married, they’d take a pleasant flat in another part of town. Evie had been looking forward to starting a life with him, perhaps in sunny lodgings like these.
A life that Jamie Mackenzie would have nothing to do with.
After breakfast, Evie tried to take her leave, but the other ladies protested. She ought to wait until her clothes were cleaned. She must take luncheon with them at least, and possibly supper. Why not stay another night?
“We are starved for entertainment here, obviously,” Gavina said as she escorted Evie upstairs. Agnes had left more clothes for Evie in the bedroom, and Gavina began to sort through them.
“You have all been so very kind,” Evie said. “To me, a stranger.”
“We know Jamie, is all.” Gavina lifted a gray skirt and matching blouse, lovely garments, made of fine broadcloth, sturdy and yet elegant. “Belle’s things are so very plain. She is determined to be a staid intellectual.”
By contrast Gavina’s frock, though not overly decorated, was a light blue square-necked gown with a narrow but flowing skirt. A simple gold locket rested on her throat, and small, sedate gold earrings adorned her earlobes. Her thick golden-red hair was dressed in a soft roll that left a few wisps dangling.
Gavina was indeed beautiful, and Evie wondered why there was not a string of male suitors languishing on the pavement outside.
“Belle is quite clever,” Evie said. Belle and the younger ladies had begun discussing the latest scientific questions after they’d finished dissecting the gentlemen of their acquaintance, leaving Evie bewildered.
“Immensely. Her father, my Uncle Ian, is brilliant at maths, and Belle inherited that. Megan inherited his musical ability.”
“And Jamie?” Evie asked before she could stop herself. “Is he brilliant at maths or music as well?”
Gavina shook out another gray skirt that had a pretty braided trim at its hem. “Jamie is a lot like his mother—Aunt Beth. She is a warmhearted woman, who helps everyone who comes within her sphere. Jamie does that too. We all go to him when we’re in trouble, or need advice, or just a listening ear. He’s always available for us, except when he’s off roaming the world, seeking …” Gavina shrugged. “Whatever he’s seeking. Jamie always seems to know how to fix everything.”
Such as coming up with a plan to spirit away an alabastron from a museum. A plan that had worked.
“Gavina.” Evie set down a skirt and rested her hip on the bed. “Would you be willing to accompany me to Jamie’s lock-up? Where he keeps the motorcars? I left something there, but I hesitate to go alone. The neighborhood was a bit frightening.”
“Of course,” Gavina responded without pausing. “But we’ll need the key. Jamie has one, and Cousin Daniel and Violet. We—”
“I have a key,” Evie said quickly. When Gavina’s gaze snapped to her, Evie’s face grew warm. “He lent it to me.”
“Did he?” Gavina shoved the clothes aside and sat down on the bed next to Evie. “This is interesting.”
“He wanted me to be able to fetch my item whenever I liked.” Evie said the words rapidly, while Gavina’s stare intensified. When Gavina continued to watch her without speaking, Evie grew impatient. “What is the matter? Jamie offered the key. I didn’t demand it, or steal it.”
“I know you didn’t.” Gavina’s tone became apologetic. “I am just surprised, is all. Jamie has never given any one of us the key. If we want to go near the cars, we ask Daniel or Violet, or Jamie escorts us.” A smile spread across Gavina’s face. “I knew you were a special person, Evie.”
“I rather think he does not want to bother with me,” Evie returned. “I can go without interrupting him.”
Gavina’s mirth did not cease. “If you say so. I will indeed accompany you. I am now mad with curiosity as to what this item is.”
“It isn’t mine, actually. It belongs to a friend.” Evie lowered her voice to a whisper. “And you must tell no one. Please.”