At the other end, opposite the bow window, a wall cut across the space. Barnaby went next the stairs were so narrow he and Stokes had to angle their shoulders.Īt the top of the stairs, Barnaby stepped into a cozy room that extended in a bow window over the front of the shop. She climbed the stairs, Penelope followed close behind. “I have two apprentices, but they’re not working today.”
“Yes.” Griselda turned to a narrow flight of stairs. “Do you decorate all your bonnets yourself?” Beyond lay a small kitchen, the space all but filled with a large deal table on which feathers, ribbons, lace, and beads lay spread. She led the way past the counter and through the heavy curtain. “If you’ll come up to my parlor, we can sit and discuss how best to manage things.”
Miss Martin-Griselda-waved to the rear of the shop. “To our plans.”īarnaby exchanged a thin-lipped look with Stokes Penelope had won that skirmish before they’d fired a shot. Now!” She turned to survey Barnaby and Stokes, then glanced at Griselda. No matter the relative quality of our gowns, we are women before all else.”Ī smile slowly broke over Miss Martin’s face. “I hope you can set aside any reservations you might have over my social status, Miss Martin. Penelope tilted her head, her gaze still fixed on Miss Martin’s face. He was sure Stokes felt the same with her characteristic directness, Penelope had shifted the discussion onto a plane on which they, mere men, held much less clout.Įverything hinged on how Miss Martin reacted to Penelope’s words. She was studying Penelope’s face the frown on her own had faded, but remained in her eyes.īarnaby was tempted to say something, to try to mute Penelope’s appeal, but sensed if he spoke, he might well achieve the opposite. Miss Martin had remained silent throughout Penelope’s declaration. Despite being able to see quite clearly just where Penelope’s persuasion was going to land them-with her going into the East End in disguise-Barnaby had to, albeit grudgingly, admire her honesty, as well as her strategy. He clearly hadn’t anticipated Penelope’s appeal to Miss Martin, much less its fervor. If there’s any way at all I can help in locating these boys and rescuing them, as I believe there is, then I must be here, doing.”īehind him, Barnaby heard Stokes shift restlessly. “I hope you understand, Miss Martin, that I can’t simply sit at home and wait for news. Then she smiled, banishing the image of a warrior-goddess. The fierceness that lit her dark brown eyes and tightened her animated features bore testimony to her resolution, her unwavering determination. Watching her face, Barnaby understood that when she said “heaven and earth,” she meant it literally.
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