Total pages in book: 102
Estimated words: 95222 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 476(@200wpm)___ 381(@250wpm)___ 317(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95222 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 476(@200wpm)___ 381(@250wpm)___ 317(@300wpm)
‘Where was this?’
‘Just on the other side of town in a small clearing just before the inn on Hunter’s Lane. Anyway, I st––’
‘What were you doing on the other side of town?’
‘That is a story for another day.’ He waves off my question with ease, and, naturally, given he’s been spied entering Scarlet Dare’s abode, I’m suspicious. ‘So, as I was saying, I stopped and assessed the wheel, and concluded very quickly that there was little I could do, so I helped Lady Rose into my carriage, and we got on our way. We had gone just a few metres when I felt the vibrations on the ground, and when I poked my head out of the window to investigate the noise, I saw them, two black stallions and a white one!’
My blood starts to pound with excitement, and I know it is wholly inappropriate given we are discussing the mugging of my poor, terrified father. ‘And …?’
‘And they were coming right at us.’
‘And …?’
‘And, Lord, Frank, I was truly terrified, but, of course, Lady Rose was more terrified, screaming like an angry fox being chased by the hounds, begging me not to let them take her money, for she had a lot on her person.’
‘And …?’
‘And, well, I could hardly stop them, could I? But I didn’t need to, because, you see, one of the riders on the black stallion pulled down his scarf, smiled, winked, and Lady Rose handed it right on over on a breathless whisper of gratitude.’
‘What?’
‘Yes,’ he laughs, falling back in his chair, appearing to have lost his shock and found hysteria. ‘She was in a trance, I tell you, Frank.’
This sounds so familiar, for I know what it feels like to be in a trance, as does Casper. ‘And he didn’t take your purse?’
‘No,’ he says over a chuckle. ‘He obviously assumed I was Lady Rose’s manservant and thought I did not have one, so I got off scot-free!’
‘My God,’ I whisper, my mind racing.
‘Yes!’ Papa laughs. ‘They are dazzling their victims into handing over their money.’
‘Or putting them under a spell,’ I muse, taking more drink. ‘The female hasn’t shown her face.’ I turn to Papa. ‘But you said the man, or one of them, he removed his scarf?’
‘Yes, right there in front of us with not a care in the world.’
‘Very bold,’ I say, thoughtful. ‘And what did he look like?’
‘I couldn’t tell you. His face was a mess of hair. It was dark. His eyes pale.’
‘Pale?’
‘Yes. Pale grey eyes. Almost silver. And they twinkled madly.’
I stand. ‘I must visit with Lady Rose and get her account, too.’
‘I doubt very much she will admit to being hypnotised into giving up some of her fortune.’
‘Probably not, but I have a very reliable source who can confirm my claims.’ I smile widely, and Papa shakes his head in what I expect is exasperation, but also a little pride.
‘You will most certainly gain an enemy if you run this story, Frank.’
‘Oh, please, Papa. That old witch has been mean to each one of us. It’s nothing more than she deserves.’
‘Granted. I expect she would have dropped her pantaloons too, should he have demanded it.’
I laugh and visibly shudder, as does Papa. ‘Must dash, I have a story to write for tomorrow’s edition and a countess to question.’
‘Yes, yes, you go.’ He shoos me away. ‘I must say, I look forward to reading my own newspaper each day since my children are quite the talented journalists. It is a waste not to have these stories reach further afield.’
‘I’m working on it, Papa, I assure you.’
‘Oh?’
‘That is a story for another day,’ I tilt my head, and Papa smiles, seeming to miss my hint.
‘I can’t wait to see what else you have up your sleeve.’
I cringe at the room, my eyes falling to the corner where the Prince is laughing like a frenzied fool, drinking gin like it is a race and throwing coins on the table that are quickly claimed by others. He’s losing his bets, getting further into debt. Every coin that hits that table is the taxpayers’ money. I might gain quite a few enemies. ‘It’ll be sure to cause a frantic scramble to get a copy.’
‘That’s my boy,’ Papa says, and I smile, but it’s hesitant. ‘Happy writing.’
Chapter 16
LOCK UP YOUR PURSES … AND YOUR WIVES
‘I did no such thing!’ the countess shrieks the next evening, glaring at me in horror, her face under the glow of candlelight really rather frightening. ‘I was robbed! Threatened with a … a … a … a …’
‘A …?’
‘A pistol!’
‘Oh?’ I say, brushing my chin with the side of my index finger. ‘Because my source said you were threatened with a dashing smile and nothing more.’
Nostrils flaring, the countess waggles an intimidating finger at me. ‘We both know the source you speak of is your father, Frank Melrose, and he is lying!’