The River Knows

40

She hurried back to Arden Square, trying to make sense of what she had learned. It might mean nothing aside from the obvious, of course. What did it signify if Quinby was having an affair with Madam Phoenix? According to Daisy he had started visiting Phoenix House a couple of months ago. The implication was that he had met Madam Phoenix before he had become one of Hastings’s guards.

What was so odd about a liaison between Quinby and the brothel proprietor? Quinby was a handsome man, after all, if you didn’t mind those reptilian eyes. Madam Phoenix had every reason to be attracted to him and vice versa. They were probably two of a kind.

The door of Number Twelve opened before she could dig out her key.

“Welcome home, Mrs. Bryce.” Mrs. Galt stepped back. “There’s another message for you. It was delivered a few minutes ago. I put it on your desk.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Galt.”

Louisa untied the strings of her bonnet and hung it on a hook. She went down the hall to her study, stripping off her gloves.

The white envelope sat on the blotter. She picked it up, tore it open, and read the brief note written in a neat hand.

I have obtained the Milton at a reasonable price. However, another client is quite eager to purchase it and will likely pay more. I will give you until five o’clock this afternoon to come for the book. If I do not hear from you, I shall send word to the other customer.

Yrs.

Digby

Damn Digby. He would have to turn up the Milton this afternoon when she had other matters to deal with. She glanced at the tall clock in the corner. It was four-thirty. If she left immediately she could get to Digby’s Bookshop by five, pick up the book, and be home around five-thirty. There would be time enough to send word to Anthony about her recent discoveries after she returned from the shop.

She went back out into the hall, tugging on her gloves. “Mrs. Galt?”

The housekeeper appeared from the kitchen, wiping her hands on her apron. “What is it, ma’am?”

“I must go out again.” Louisa went into the front hall and plucked the straw bonnet off the hook. “The message was from Digby. He has found a book that I am anxious to buy. I will be back by five-thirty at the latest.”

“Very well, ma’am. Best take your cloak. You don’t want to catch a chill.”

“You’re right.” Louisa took down the cloak and pulled it around her shoulders. “I’m expecting Mr. Stalbridge to call. If he shows up, please ask him to wait.”

She snatched up her muff and flew out the door.