Cat and Mouse by Genella deGrey Page B

it’s what I read that the ton won’t understand. If they found out, I’d be ruined socially and my husband would never forgive me for it. You see, my Marvels aren’t at all the thing.” She sighed wistfully. “But I do so enjoy a juicy detective story.”
    Lady Susanna launched into a detailed version of one of her Marvels, while Katrina’s mind wandered. She imagined Jimmy would likely give up waiting for her at some point—and that would mean she’d have to make it back to the Den alone. Again.

Chapter Seven
    “Pardon the unsolicited enquiry, sir, but didn’t I see you at the Frosts’ ball not a quarter-hour ago?”
    Jimmy’s first impression of the man’s question raised significant suspicions, but the sincerity in the friendly manner with which it was delivered sent another message all together. He saw no harm in answering so he blew out a lungful of smoke. “I was.”
    “Tell me, how well do you know the woman with whom you last danced?” Then he pressed his lips together and drew on his cigar.
    “You mean my sister?” Jimmy smiled inwardly. So, this chap had been observing him, eh? Probably some runner from Bow Street. Well, he’d get no information this night.
    The man puffed out a laugh accompanied by cigar smoke. “Do you always hold your siblings so closely?”
    “I’ll give you that.” He shrugged and lifted the cigar to his mouth. “She’s a beautiful woman.”
    “I won’t argue with you in that regard. I’m just curious about her—where she comes from, why she left so abruptly.”
    He turned to fully face the stranger and tossed the half-finished cigar into the street. The glowing orange end exploded and smouldered out. “I wonder, though, what is it you want of her?”
    “Nothing untoward, I assure you.”
    “Mmm,” Jimmy answered, his disbelief ringing in the wordless retort.
    “Like you said, she’s a beautiful woman.”
    Jimmy didn’t answer. And whoever this fellow was didn’t matter. Jimmy wasn’t in the habit of spilling narrative about anyone involved with the Den.
    “Well, the night is young. I’ll be on my way, then.”
    Jimmy watched the man depart in the same direction from which he’d come. He lifted his hand to his chin and scratched. If Katrina ever got a look at such a fellow, he’d lose her for sure. At once he froze. His free hand went to his empty wrist.
    “Well, bugger me. The bloke lifted me dance card!”
    “Jimmy!” Katrina called out as she hurried across the street. She’d seen Mister Nosey pass by and waited a good two minutes before venturing forth from her hiding place.
    He looked up. “Where’ve you been? And who the hell is that?” He indicated belatedly to Susanna.
    Katrina heard the intake of breath from behind her. She stepped up to Jimmy and spoke before he could issue any more expletives. “This is Lady Kendrick. She’s a new friend of mine.” Susanna caught up to and stood next to Katrina. “Lady Kendrick, this is Mr Lock.”
    Susanna made to take a step forward. “How do you—”
    “For chrissake, Katrina! A lady ?”
    “That will be enough, Mr Lock. Lady Kendrick needed some assistance. It seems her reticule has gone missing. I was wondering if perchance you picked it up by mistake .”
    Jimmy looked as if he was going to throttle her. Instead he threw his hands in the air. “Unbelievable. No, I don’t have the bloody thing.”
    Susanna groaned from next to Katrina.
    “Well, did you see anyone else there tonight? Perhaps someone with whom we are acquainted ?” She tilted her head towards Jimmy to make him understand her meaning.
    “No,” he spouted with more force than necessary. “It was only you and I. Which is how it should be right now . Get rid of her ladyship and let’s be off.”
    Brave little Susanna spoke up then. “Oh, please, Miss Katrina. Please don’t send me home without my reticule! Mr Lock,” she turned to him. “I will make sure you receive a fine reward if you’ll help me locate