Page 74 of The Not So Perfect Duke

Althea chuckled, then sobered. “Yes, Chellenham may be part of it. But there is another issue. A possible one. Why do I mention it? I wish to know if you would be interested in being the head investigator and eventual administrator of The Galway Agency once you are done with your studies. Only if you wish it. I don’t wish to pressure you in any way.”

Archie’s light brown eyes widened. “You mean it? You would trust me to take over running this agency?”

“My sister and I will still be involved, as will my cousin, Sybil. But yes, you would be running the day-to-day business. I thought to locate a suitable place to open an office, but perhaps we will turn this house into the headquarters. It is the Galway family home, bought and paid for. A few female investigators can live in the rooms above, and I will insist that most employees be women. But first things first.”

“Miss Althea. I want to work here and help you all run the business. I won’t disappoint you, and I’ll study hard. I can’t thank you enough. You and your sister, Allenby, and Miss Sybil and Mrs. Bartle. You’re like my family.”

Althea was genuinely touched by Archie’s earnest speech. “We think of you as the little brother we never had. You can call me Althea since we are family now.” She passed him the folded note. “Here is the telegram to be sent. Miss Callen located the woman in question and will bring her here to reunite with her daughter. Will you look after the particulars and make arrangements with Mrs. Bartle?”

“Yes, Althea. I will.”

Althea nodded. “Good lad. Come for dinner here tomorrow night, around six o’clock. With the family.”

Archie stood, his eyes glittering with emotion. “I will.” He departed.

Althea sat back in her chair and exhaled. She would invite Damon and tell everyone that she had the biopsy. Her heart ached at the prospect of possibly stepping back from running the agency, but she must plan for all conceivable scenarios.

The bell rang. Drat it, she was alone. Althea gingerly made her way to the front door to find a young messenger boy holding an envelope.

“No need to pay, miss. I’m to wait for a reply.”

She took the envelope.

“Wait here.” After closing the door, she leaned against it and opened the note.

My Thea,

If you are available, I would like to take you to dinner Friday night at the Savoy Hotel, in The Grill Room. It is not fancy dress, and most patrons are men, but I know you do not mind that. I chose it because it’s quiet and private, and I want us to enjoy each other’s company without speaking of the case. Send your answer along with the messenger, and if you agree, the carriage will be by to collect you Friday at seven.

Damon ♥

He had drawn a heart next to his name. Her own heart skipped a beat. When was the last time Althea had taken a meal at a restaurant with a man? Close to two years ago, with a solicitor. The evening had passed pleasantly enough, but there were no sparks, no pull. At least on her end. He had asked to see her again, but she demurred politely.

All sorts of eateries were cropping up, from pubs serving food to tea rooms, bistros, and formal dining. It was the latest craze in London, and it sounded like The Grill Room stood between a pub and formal dining, which suited Althea right down to the ground.

Pulling out a sheet of paper from the drawer, she then dipped her pen in the ink bottle and wrote,

Dear Damon,

I will join you for dinner Friday night. I look forward to it. Speaking of dinner, I am having a small, informal gathering tomorrow night. I would like for you to attend. Very much. It is a family dinner. Please arrive at about six. If I do not hear from you, I will assume you are coming.

Inviting Damon will show her family how important he has become in her life. And he had, beyond all sense. Why deny it or try to ignore it? She was falling in love with him.

Dipping the pen in ink, she signed the note.

Althea ♥

She opened the door and handed the note to the messenger. The boy touched his forelock and scampered off.

What to wear Friday night? She had a few gowns that were not quite formal but suitable evening wear for a social event. Althea smiled. She knew just the one.

It was copper and brown; the skirt was cream-colored with copper-shaded flowers with a dark brown velvet overlay. The copper puffed upper sleeves narrowed down to the elbow, where the rest of the sleeve was the same dark brown velvet as the overlay. The front of the gown resembled a laced-up bodice, with dark brown up to the high neck. She had a matching velvet hat to finish the look. It would be perfect for a night out with her duke.

Althea slowly made her way to her room. After laying the note flat, she carefully smoothed it. She removed a journal from the top drawer of her desk, then placed the note inside it to join the other message he had sent her some weeks ago. Also pressed between the pages was a cornflower from the priory, the one Damon had given her.

Yes, it appears she was a romantic sentimentalist at heart. At least as far as her duke was concerned.

Gossip be hanged. Althea was going to enjoy her dinners. Especially the one alone with Damon.