Page 64 of The Detective and the Baroness

He led them into an office and closed the door behind them as they took their seats. “My condolences, Baroness. I saw the newspapers.” Hallahan said gruffly as he sat.

Corrine pulled back her veil. “Thank you. I’m a dowager baroness now. There is an heir—a surprise to everyone. But I would much rather you call me Corrine when we are alone. Or Lady Corrine, whatever makes you comfortable.” She handed him the stuffed paper bag. “We discovered this costermonger selling baked goods. We think they are superb. We thought you might like to sample them and throw some business the man’s way.”

Hallahan emptied the bag and placed the food before him.

“We got it yesterday, so not exactly fresh, but you will get the idea,” Corrine added.

“Enya!” Hallahan yelled, causing Corrine to start.

The waitress that had served them the other night stuck her head in. “Yes, Liam?”

“Bring us three mugs of tea and four small plates. Any customers?”

“Nothing we can’t handle. A few ladies ordered tea and cakes.”

With the waitress gone, Hallahan tore off a piece of bread, prodding it with his fingers. “Nice and light, not doughy. I can’t bake bread to save my life.” He tore off a piece and chewed. “It’s delicious.”

“I told Royce Eckley that if you were interested, you would contact him using my name and yesterday’s date. I told the man the decision is yours,” Mitchell said. “Both he and his wife do the baking. They sell on Carol Street.”

Hallahan cocked a thick eyebrow. “Why are you doing this?”

“Why not?” Mitchell immediately replied. “The man and his wife are talented, and so are you. Why not arrange something that can benefit you all? Isn’t that the purpose of our group?”

“I don’t know, is it?” Liam questioned. “You’ve asked me to join this club and gave me a vague outline. What’s next?”

“I suppose a vague outline is all we have at the moment. I’ve been busy with another case.”

“I’m afraid I am the case Mitchell is speaking of,” Corrine said with a small smile. “I have taken up all his time and some of Drew’s as well. I believe doing good works is the foundation of The Duke’s Bastards, either with the members or those outside of it. Do I have the right of it, Mitchell?”

“You are correct,” Mitchell replied, giving her a warm smile.

Enya entered with a tray. She then placed the plates and mugs of tea on the table, along with spoons, napkins, milk, and sugar.

“Cheers, Enya. Take a sample of everything on the table and hand it out to the staff. I want your opinions,” Hallahan stated. She did and hurried into the kitchen. “Help yourself. Fix your tea and take samples.” Hallahan piled one of everything on the plate. He bit into the ginger biscuit. “Aye, these are exceptional. I will get in touch with the man. I definitely will want the bread and perhaps some of the others. I don’t get daily deliveries of the nob food. The one you saw in the kitchen was the first in a week. So I can use some baked goods to fill the gaps.”

Corrine realized that was the most she had ever heard Mr. Hallahan speak. It meant he was a little more at ease around them. They ate in silence.

“Liam?” Corrine asked.

Hallahan’s head shot up at the mention of his name.

“Did you receive the shoes and mittens I sent over a week ago?” she asked. “They are for the people who come for the free soup each morning.”

“Aye. I’m sorry I didn’t send a thank you. It slipped my mind. I’m not well versed in expected society manners,” he replied frankly.

“I don’t care about that. I am glad to help. I would like us to be friends.”

Liam snorted and looked at Mitchell. “Can you believe this?”

Mitchell took her hand and kissed it. “Yes, I can. Corrine is kind, generous, and a good friend to have. She likes you, although I am not sure why.” Mitchell gave Liam a crooked grin.

“I’m sorry I even agreed to see you and the earnest young doctor,” Liam grumbled. “All I can say is I’ll try. Thank you—Corrine.”

Corrine beamed. If she could do her part to soften Liam’s gruffness and make him amenable to accepting assistance and friendship, not only from her but also from Mitchell and Drew, then that would undoubtedly help her forget, for a while, all the stress in her life.

*

Later that evening…