A Scandalous Proposal by Kasey Michaels Page B

considering a shopkeeper in particular?”
    Now it was Dany’s turn to get up and pace. “I am, yes. The woman owns a small but thriving seamstress shop, and just as you said, in Bond Street. She had her ear to the curtain the whole time Mari and I were speaking in private this morning, but I didn’t think much of it at the time. She gave me the chapbook, hinting broadly that what my sister needed was a hero. You, in particular. She...she also told us Mari’s increasing.”
    â€œDare I even ask how the woman would know that?” the baron asked, also getting to his feet. He was all attention now, and clearly anxious to hear more.
    â€œShe didn’t. I mean, she told us she thought Mari was—although we didn’t say she was—but now we know she was right. So what if she’s in the employ of that horrible blackmailer and now he knows even more to dangle over Mari’s head. She certainly can’t be expected to suffer any more than she is now and still be healthy for the— We have to do something.” She grabbed his hand. “The shops are still open, aren’t they? Come on, we need to hurry.”
    Cooper looked down at their clasped hands. “Well, that lasted longer than I thought. Possibly even a full minute.”
    â€œWhat do you—oh.” Dany released her grip even as she gave him a sheepish smile. “I forgot?”
    â€œI understand completely, Miss Foster. It’s not difficult to forget what you’d already chosen not to remember.”
    â€œThat’s not amusing. I was... I was overcome with worry, that’s all. What if I’ve inadvertently made things even worse for Mari?”
    â€œShe picked up the spade and began digging long before you were involved,” Cooper pointed out, which served to mollify Dany, if only a little.
    â€œI suppose you’re right. I only arrived in town a few days ago.”
    â€œWhich explains your ignorance about Gabe’s birds. I’m rather glad you missed that.”
    â€œThere you go about the birds again. If they’re not germane to the current topic, and I’m certain they’re not, may we please return to the point? Mari is being blackmailed. And then there’s you, and even more if you’re correct. How many holes do you think have been dug across Mayfair?”
    â€œDozens would be my guess. Perhaps several dozens. Not that we can approach anyone and ask.”
    â€œThat would be rather difficult, I agree. ‘Good evening, my lord. Are you by chance looking so down at the mouth because you’re being blackmailed to keep your wife from learning you’ve replaced her diamonds with paste?’”
    Cooper smiled. “I can’t think of a swifter way to get my nose relocated to the back of my head.”
    â€œAnd Mrs. Yothers, the dress shop owner? We can’t approach her, either?”
    For a heartbeat, no more, it would have seemed the baron had been turned into a statue. “Did you say Mrs. Yothers?”
    â€œI did,” Dany returned, tipping her head as she looked up at him. “Why? Do you know the name?”
    â€œI’ve heard it mentioned, yes. Quite recently, as a matter of fact. I suppose that settles the thing—there’s no getting out of it now. I was going to suggest we leave, but I think you’d better sit down again.”
    â€œReally? No getting out of what now? And we’ve already been here a good quarter hour. Even a sad country looby like me knows we’ve overreached at least a few bounds of propriety even by being here in the first place. Do you think it prudent to stay longer?”
    â€œUnder the circumstances, I’m no longer concerned, no.”
    â€œWhat circumstances?”
    â€œDamn it, Dany—sit down.”
    â€œWell,” she said, positively grinning at him, “since you asked so kindly, I suppose I probably will.”
    Oh, how wonderfully and darkly green