The Royal Assassin by Kate Parker Page B

cascaded down her legs. I hung on to the packages of paints and brushes as I sat down hard in Blackford’s lap.
    Lady Raminoff berated Sussex in French for his rudeness, smacking him on the shoulder with her parasol. Blackford lifted me off of him as I begged his forgiveness for my clumsiness. It happened so fast I didn’t have time to enjoy my scandalous position.
    Princess Kira held one hand over her mouth, trying to keep her giggles contained.
    â€œEmma and Sumner were in position,” Blackford murmured, followed a little louder by, “I hope you weren’t hurt.”
    â€œOnly my dignity. Are you uninjured, Your Grace?” Then I whispered, “Tonight.”
    â€œYes.”
    â€¢Â Â Â â€¢Â Â Â â€¢
    WHEN I HEARD a knock at the front door that evening, I ran to answer it, hoping it was Emma. When I saw it was Blackford, I sighed and said, “Have you heard anything?”
    â€œNot yet. It may take them a while. They’ll be back when theycan.” He walked past me and left his hat, gloves, and cane on the entry table. Then he strolled into the parlor.
    I called Phyllida and followed the duke. “But it’s the East End. There are cutthroats and thieves and murderers lurking there. What if they can’t return?”
    â€œIt’s London, not Calcutta.”
    Phyllida walked in and he bowed to her.
    She curtsied and sat, twisting her fingers. “I’m worried.”
    â€œI would be, too, if it were only Emma,” Blackford said. “But Sumner is with her. The two of them together could withstand an army of thieves and cutthroats. No one in the East End stands a chance against them.”
    â€œIf that were true, why haven’t they returned?” I snapped.
    â€œThey haven’t found the girl yet, or she’s still on the move. Don’t worry.” He looked at each of us in turn. “Emma is going to laugh at you for worrying so.”
    â€œLet her. I’m worried.” I held Blackford’s gaze with an angry stare. “I think we should send in some people to look for them.”
    â€œAnd ruin all their good work by calling attention to them? They wouldn’t appreciate it. I’ll check hospitals, jails, and morgues, if it will make you rest easier.”
    â€œIt would, Your Grace.” And I’d go to the bookshop early in the morning to check on deliveries, orders, and stocking the shelves so my business didn’t flounder while both Emma and I were away. This mysterious Russian woman wasn’t really our concern, but we were both heavily involved. And now Emma was missing.
    Again, the thought hit me in the face like a blast of winter wind. Emma was missing.

CHAPTER SEVEN

    A FTER a night of twisting the bedsheets as I turned from side to side, I arose early. Phyllida was already up when I reached the kitchen and found she’d baked sweet rolls. She had the same purple marks below her eyes that I’d seen in the looking glass. When she offered me a roll, I took a few nibbles, neither tasting it nor hungry for it.
    I walked quickly to the shop in the cool of the early morning. I wasn’t surprised to see the sun had deserted us, leaving a gloomy sky. It suited my mood perfectly.
    Once I let myself into the shop, I turned on all the electric lights to ward away the darkness. Too bad the lights wouldn’t frighten off my despair. I was certain something bad had happened to Emma and Sumner.
    Nervous concern fueled my frantic work to reshelve books and check on my orders. We were out of two of the most popular magazines and the newest issues were due that day. A thump onthe back door told me someone wanted in from the alley. It had to be the deliveryman with the magazines.
    Unless it was Emma and she had to stay out of sight for some reason.
    I ran to the back door and threw it open without looking outside first. The deliveryman said, “Sure are eager to see me today,” as he carried