Page 16 (1/2)

“I knowthey own to have eyes as attractive as yours” She paused, then added, “Unless you’re in a bad mood, which I understand is fairly frequently, then they lose their lustre”

Compliments usually failed to penetrate his steely composure He was not a man who needed praise to feel worthy Far too many people spouted drivel in order to win favour But Daphne Chaave praise, she meant it

“Then I shall try my best to convey a positive disposition when in your company”

“Perhaps if you lost the beard, Iyou smile,” she replied with a hint of amusement

Daniel stroked his facial hair “Does it not uished?”

“If distinguishedten years older, and like a man who’s slept in a bush for the past year, then yes” Avoiding his gaze, she glanced at the downstairs“With the price of candles, you’d think the occupants would avoid closing the drapes during the day”

“What the eye doesn’t see the lips can’t tell,” he said “Privacy is a priority when dabbling in unlawful pursuits”

“Yet you presume the occupants will allow you entry”

Daniel stepped up to the door, raised the brass knocker and let it fall “Mr Cutter knows he can rely upon my discretion”

“Mr Cutter?”

“The custodian One of his patrons blackmailed him, and he hired entleht the freedom to dress and act how they pleased “Periodically, he pays me to wander the house and search the rooht have similar ideas I usually send Bostock”

Before another as spoken, Cutter opened the spy hatch, which to anyone passing looked like any other wooden panel, and with a narrow gaze scrutinised them from head to toe It took but a few seconds for his suspicious expression to brighten into an inviting smile

“Mr Thorpe! What an honour it is to have you call upon us” Cutter’s chubby cheeks glowed and his tone brih he would never admit so to Mrs Chambers “Let me open the door for you at once, sir”

The rattling of keys accompanied the clunk of a lock or two Cutter hid behind the door, his fla them into the hall As soon as they crossed the threshold, he sla sanctuary from a pack of bloodthirsty wolves

“Goodness me” Cutter patted his broith the lace-trimmed handkerchief and sucked in a deep breath “Blasted street urchins will be the death ofunder the bed in Catherine Parr’s roouests when they were otherwise engaged”