Page 61 of Weeping Roses
“I don’t understand?”
“Agree to meet her at the house and we will watch her every move in secret. Refuse her offer and then make your excuses and leave her alone for thirty minutes.”
“Go on.”
Her eyes are wide and burning with excitement and I laugh softly. “If there is something at Thorn House and she knows where to look, it will save us time and refrain from us tearing the place apart.”
“I see what you mean.”
Polly’s eyes sparkle. “It’s a good plan. I like how you think.”
I laugh out loud and reach for her again and whisper, “And I like everything about you, malyshka.”
Once again, I claim her lips that are just too damn tempting but that is all I will allow because we still have unfinished business to attend to before we leave for the Cotswolds. It involves Polly changing back into her suit and paying a visit to Harvey Williams before the day is out.
CHAPTER 34
POLLY
I’m not sure my nerves can stand another minute of this and once again I am smartly dressed and waiting to discover something that may change my life.
As weeks go, this one is the most thrilling and yet scariest of my life.
David was most accommodating when I called him with my urgent request for the meeting and within two hours, I am stepping out of the cab at his London office address.
Harvey Williams lies in a prestigious square off Marble Arch and I glance at the white stone building that has a gleaming brass name plate outside. This world is so different to the one I’m used to and the nerves flutter inside me as I walk up the steps toward the shiny black door.
I finger the pendant that Valentin gave me with unusual nerves and swallow hard as I enter the building, admonishing myself for being so weak. I tell myself I’m meant to be here. I’m a client of theirs. Well, my aunt was and I am here at their request.
I suppose I’m more nervous about what might be inside the box he insists I open in private, and yet the dormant detective in me is rubbing her hands with glee.
This may be everything we have been trying to find. The information we seek and I approach the task with a combination of reverence and excitement, mixed with dread because the contents could signify the end of my relationship with Valentin.
“Miss Scott-Stanley.”
A smart woman approaches with a smile and, as I grasp her outstretched hand, she says brightly, “My name is Lorna Travers. I am David’s assistant. Please allow me to escort you to his office.”
“Thank you.” I smile but my nerves are fluttering inside me as I follow her up a carpeted staircase where grand paintings of solemn looking men frown down at me as we pass.
The history in this building makes it creak with secrets and the wood paneling creates a darker atmosphere than I usually enjoy.
I’m almost afraid to speak out of fear of disturbing the peace and as we advance to a landing, I follow her to the right.
There are several wooden doors, all with names on brass plaques, and she stops before the one announcing that David Marchant lives inside.
She knocks discreetly and then opens it, standing to one side, saying pleasantly, “Miss Scott-Stanley to see you, Mr. Marchant.”
“Polly.”
David rises from his desk and heads my way with a broad smile and an outstretched hand that I grip in a firm handshake.
“David. It’s lovely to see you again.”
My voice sounds confident even though I’m not and he smiles broadly.
“I’m so glad you didn’t delay your visit. Loose ends and all that. We like our clients to be satisfied that we deliver on our promises.”
He points to the seat before his desk and I drop into it and sit stiff-backed as I watch him return to his.