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The hairson the back of my neck stood on end and I spun around to face the alley. The old tailor maids Ladies Marjorie and Mary Tailor scurried into the courtyard.
Marjorie waved at us. “Count Castle! Miss Lucas!”
I gave them a weak wave and an equally weak smile as they scurried up to us. The two old maids were out of breath for a moment, and Mary was the first to recover.
“Your Excellency, your manservant knocked on our door and while he couldn’t tell us what he wanted, we just knew you wanted to see us about something very important.”
Ben gave them a more honest smile as he bowed his head. “My sincerest apologies, ladies, but I merely wished to ask a favor of you.”
Marjorie perked up. “My goodness, Your Excellency! You do us a great honor!”
Ben held up his hands in front of himself and shook his head. “None of that formality, ladies, I beg you. Please call me Ben.”
Marjorie clapped her hands. Her sister glared at her and yanked her arms down. “Please control yourself, Marjorie.” She cleared her throat and returned her attention back to us. “Now what can we do for you, Your-” A look of gentle warning from Ben stopped her. “What can we do for you, Ben?”
“Millie and I would like to borrow your smallest carriage,” Ben explained as he nodded at Serena who stood off to one side. “You see, we have an extra passenger this afternoon.”
“Serena!” Mary cooed as the pair hurried over to her. The old maid clasped the young woman’s hands in her own and gave them a shake. “How are you? How is your father?”
Serena smiled at the pair. “He’s quite alright, and Mother was wondering about her dress for the ball this weekend.”
“It’s nearly finished,” Mary promised her.
Marjorie bobbed her head. “Oh yes! We did a fantastic job on it! She’ll be the belle of the ball!”
I cast a curious and bemused look at Ben. “You didn’t tell me they were your neighbors.”
His eyes twinkled with amusement. “You never asked.”
“But where are our manners, Marjorie?” Mary spoke up as she nodded at Ben. “He’s made a very reasonable request, and we should oblige.”
Marjorie clasped her hands in front of her and nodded. “Oh yes! A very reasonable request. You may borrow the carriage any time, dear Ben!”
At that moment Tully reappeared looking very put out, or as put out as he would allow himself to look in front of so many people. Ben caught his eye and nodded at the ladies. “The ladies have been kind enough to offer their carriage. Would you take Ferox and fetch it for us?”
Tully’s face drooped, but he strode past us and into the stables.
“Does he ever get angry?” I inquired of his master.
Ben’s face showed a brief moment of memory before he shuddered. “Yes, and the heavens protect the target of his wrath.”
My face fell and my eyes widened. “That bad?”
Ben watched as Tully led Ferox out of the stable and into the alley. “He may have the patience of an angel, but he has the fury of a god.”
“Now where are you three young people off to on such a gorgeous afternoon?” Mary spoke up as she looked from between Ben and me.
“To Aria’s print shop,” Ben answered her.
Marjorie lifted an eyebrow. “Is it still in business?”
Mary shot her sister a warning look. “Don’t ask such silly questions! Of course it’s still in business, we advertise in it almost monthly!”
Marjorie folded her arms over her bosom and furrowed her brow. “Oh yes. She doesn’t bring in much business for us, does she?”
“But her father was a good man, and that’s good enough to stick with the daughter,” Mary insisted before she returned her focus to us. “It’s good of you to pay her a visit, Benjamin. She could use the company running that business all by herself. I dare say she doesn’t give herself a single day of vacation.”
Ben shook his head. “I’m afraid not, but I hope our little chat will lighten her burden.”
