Page 26 of A Scandal at Stonecliffe

“I find it hard to believe they wouldn’t notice a beautiful woman pretending to be a boy.”

Verity’s cheeks warmed a little, but she only said, “I’ll take that as a compliment. However...” She turned and picked up a creased and dirty cap that hung on the newel. After putting it on and pulling the bill of the cap down low on her forehead, she crossed her arms and planted her feet apart, her face surly. “A tuppence to clear the way, guv? Wot do ye say?”

“I’d say you’re charging entirely too much,” Nathan replied drily. There was no point arguing with Verity, she always did as she pleased. Besides, she had managed to look amazingly like a lad. “What am I supposed to do while you’re cavorting about as a street sweeper—and, just a word of caution, you look more like a pocket-size bruiser than a sweeper.”

She laughed and studied him. “Yes, a gent like you can hardly stand on the corner all day. I suppose you could go as a beggar too—I have some other tattered clothes and bandages upstairs.”

“I’m sure you do.” Nathan grinned. It was hard to hold on to a grievance with Verity.

“I could be a pickpocket and you could be my kidsman,” Verity suggested merrily.

“Just what I want to be seen as.” But Nathan couldn’t keep from laughing with her as he took her arm and steered her toward the door.

“I could put a mustache on you.” Verity’s eyes lit up. “Let me put a mustache on you.”

“No. Out.” Nathan started to pull her outside, but Verity resisted.

“Whatever would people say if they saw a street urchin leaving my home?” She fanned her face comically as if the mere thought gave her vapors. “I’ll leave through the servants’ quarters and meet you in the carriage.”

They started toward the inn, with Verity proposing schemes, each one more outrageous than the last, and Nathan dismissing them with a smile. It occurred to Nathan that he hadn’t felt this light in months.

In the end, Nathan wound up strolling past the inn a few times, keeping an eye on Verity as much as on the inn, and finally just going into the public room of the place and sitting down in the dimmest corner. He pulled his hat down to partially conceal his face and began to nurse one pint after another. He was going to get bosky doing this if Malcolm Douglas didn’t show up soon.

What was the man doing? Did he intend to spend the day locked up in his room? Of course, there was always the possibility that Malcolm had left the inn before they arrived, but if he had, surely he would return soon.

Nathan wondered how Verity was doing out on the street. She had shown how well she was able to take care of herself, but he couldn’t help but worry. If her hat somehow came off, her bound-up hair would mark her as a woman.

After a while, he got up and strolled outside to see her. She was in fine form, naturally, chattering in an almost unintelligible Cockney accent as she vigorously swept the dust from the pavement in front of a lady and her maid. She glanced up and saw Nathan, but made no sign, and after a moment he returned inside.

Clearly, there was no need to worry about Verity. She took to any role like a duck to water. Though he had spent a good bit of time with her the past few days, and Verity had learned a great deal about him, Nathan realized that he knew almost nothing about her. However, he was aware from their time at Stonecliffe that she had a very healthy appetite. So later in the day, after Nathan finished a light luncheon at the inn, he wrapped a hunk of bread and some cold meat and cheese in a napkin.

Verity wasn’t busy with a customer this time, just roaming up and down the road. He walked over to her and handed her the bundled napkin. She unfolded the cloth and hesitated for a second, then looked up at him with a smile. “You brought me food.”

“Well, I thought you might be hungry. I suspect the innkeeper would not let a street urchin in.”

“You are right about that,” she said, grinned, and thanked him. She stuffed an inelegantly large piece of bread in her mouth and turned away, keeping watch on the street.

Nathan had no reason to stay, but he lingered for another moment. “I take it you’ve seen nothing of our quarry.” When she shook her head, he went on, “Has anyone been suspicious of you?”

Verity swallowed and cast him an amused glance. “No, but they will be if you keep popping out here to talk to me.” She handed back the napkin, grinning.

Nathan rolled his eyes, determined not to rise to her teasing for once. “That’s gratitude for you.” He glanced about and sighed. “I fear this is getting us nowhere. I’m going back in to question the innkeeper.”

“You think he’ll tell you anything?”

“My dear boy,” Nathan drawled in a haughty voice. “Money will open nearly all mouths.” He flipped a coin to her and strode off.

Behind him, he heard her let out a crack of laughter and call out, “Thanks, guv!”

The innkeeper was pleased to see both Nathan and his money, and within minutes, Nathan was walking back outside. He looked at Verity and nodded in the direction he was proceeding, then crossed the street.

Verity caught up with him as he turned the corner. “What is it? What did you find out?”

“According to the innkeeper, Mr. Douglas gave up his room yesterday.”

“He’s scarpered?” Verity exclaimed.

“Apparently. Suspicious, wouldn’t you say?”