Page 93 of A Lady’s Guide to Mystery and Mischief

The corners of Helena’s mouth lifted. “Do you know what’s different about us, Farah?”

“What?”

“You’ve fallen in love with Mr. Montgomery for who he is. I fell in love with Andrew for his potential—and I made the mistake of counting on him to fulfill it.”

“I love you for who you are,” Farah told her. “And I always will.”

Bending over, Helena pressed a kiss to Farah’s forehead. “Should I expect a patented Farah Rafiq idea soon? An escape to France, perhaps?”

“If that’s what you want, then absolutely,” Farah said, beaming. She stood and straightened her skirts. “I only need a little time to think.”

“While you do, could you please tell Mr. Montgomery that I want to return the money to him? I spent a bit of it while traveling, but I still have the rest hidden away.”

“Are you sure?” Farah asked. “I doubt he’d ask for it back.”

“It’s not mine to use.” Helena accompanied Farah to the door. “I should have come to you before resorting to—I was in a rather desperate place, is all.”

“He won’t hold it against you. I promise.”

She walked Farah outside of the house, clutching at her wrist before Farah was able to climb into the awaiting carriage. “Thank you. You’ve no idea what this means to me.”

“Wait to hear from me,” Farah said with a fierce hug. “I’ll get you out of this yet.”

“And then we’ll all live happily,” Helena said, her face betraying the fact that she didn’t believe in the possibility.

“Yes,” Farah, who wholeheartedly did believe in the possibility, said. “We will.”

Chapter Twenty-Two

The following afternoon, Farah let herself into Hawkins & Montgomery. The front door was unlocked, which indicated that Grey was already working or that a secretary had magically materialized to take care of the place. She strolled down the hallway to the waiting area, recalling the first time she’d come here.

What she’d hoped to achieve.

In a strange, twisted way, she’d gotten exactly what she’d wanted. She’d fallen in love.

To her surprise, someone was at the secretary’s desk, rummaging through the drawer. The stranger’s head popped up, revealing a head of snowy white hair.

“I beg your pardon,” Farah said, taking a step back. Where on Earth was Grey?

“Can I help you?” the man asked, straightening his finely embroidered waistcoat. He was of average height, with a comfortable build that reminded Farah of a toy bear.

“I’m not sure,” she admitted with an uncertain smile. “It depends on who I have the pleasure of speaking to.”

“Oh, right.” The man skirted out from behind the desk to give her an awkward half-bow. “Mr. Hawkins, at your service.”

“Back from holiday!” Farah twinkled.

Mr. Hawkins tilted his head, his brown eyes curious behind his wire spectacles. “Have we met?”

Farah shook her head. “No, but I’m well acquainted with your business partner.”

A beat passed as Mr. Hawkins processed this new bit of information. “You’re well acquainted with Montgomery? Did hell freeze over while I was away?”

Farah replied with a pleasant, “I haven’t checked, so I cannot say.” She offered her hand to Hawkins, who took it without delay. “Miss Farah Rafiq. A pleasure to meet you, sir.”

“The pleasure is all mine, Miss Rafiq. Dare I assume you’ve come searching for my colleague?”

“You would be assuming correctly.”