He’d not been waiting for her, surely. Granted, she’d been preoccupied with locking up but certainly would have noticed had he been there. He’d merely come around the corner at the precise moment she was striving to sneak away, and her guilt was attributing nefarious purposes to his arrival. People were still out and about, going to the pub, going home. Wagons, carts, and buggies traversed on the street. Children ran hither and yon. Amidst all that, it was merely coincidence that their paths crossed. Besides, after their encounter that afternoon, it was unlikely he’d search for any excuse to be near her. She certainly had no desire to be near him. “If you’re in want of a book, you’ll need to return tomorrow as I’m in the process of closing up.”

“Yesterday, it seemed nothing would prevent you from matching a person with reading material.”

“Yesterday I didn’t have plans.”

“I’m intrigued. You’re not by any chance going to the Jolly Roger for dinner?”

Was that interest in his tone, hope that they might again share a table? The man confounded her. Earlier it had been as though he couldn’t escape her presence fast enough. She owed him no explanation, but found a sort of perverse pleasure in revealing that her life also included things that took up a good portion of her time. “Actually, I’m off on an adventure.”

She peered up at the windows leading into Mick’s office, grateful not to see him standing there. After telling him that she’d be dining in tonight, she didn’t need him to catch sight of her up to no good. She couldn’t remember a time when she was allowed to do anything that wouldn’t better her marriage prospects. She’d been restricted from exploring areas far from home because her mum had worried someone might lead her astray, might introduce her to spirits, cigars, gambling, or profanity. Her siblings had all been able to do as they pleased, whereas she’d been watched like a hawk. Surely a bit of rebelliousness was in order.

“What sort of adventure?”

“I really don’t see that it’s any of your concern.”

He released a long, drawn-out suffering sigh. “I realize you are no doubt miffed about my response earlier—”

“No, not at all.” A lie. She was greatly disappointed his answer would result in them having fewer opportunities to become fast friends and would place an additional burden on Mr. Tittlefitz. “Your time is yours to do with as you please. As is mine.” Then as a bit of obstinacy hit her, she decided she really didn’t care if he knew her plans. As a matter of fact, she took satisfaction from the thought of possibly shocking him. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, a penny gaff awaits.”