“I am shocked that Mulholland attacked you,” Julia said. “Surely he knows there will be reprisals.”

I hesitated. Did I wish to draw Mr. Kent into it all?

He eyed me narrowly. “He does not fear reprisal, does he?”

The Runner was far too astute. “He does not. Instead he invited a report.”

“Ah.” Mr. Kent rubbed his chin. “High indeed,” he murmured.

Our eyes met in a moment of shared comprehension.

“Be wary when you leave the house,” Mr. Kent added. “Mulholland has noses everywhere in London.”

“Noses?” Julia echoed.

“My apologies, Lady Julia. It means informers in the thieves’ tongue.” Mr. Kent’s weathered skin colored slightly at his use of such base cant. “He pays well or extracts loyalty through coercion.”

Was that how he suddenly appeared in Pilgrim Street behind me? Noses keeping an eye upon our travel route?

“I assume Lord Evan is well gone, as was his plan?” Mr. Kent asked.

“Yes,” I said quickly, to forestall any unfortunate candor from Julia. “I told Mulholland the same, although I think he chooses not to believe me.” I glanced at my sister. Thankfully, she showed no inclination to tell Mr. Kent the truth.

“It may be that now Mulholland has confronted you, he will leave you alone,” Mr. Kent said. “I will take my leave and endeavor to find out as much as I can about his plans and his intent toward you.” He bowed, his eyes upon Julia.

“But surely that will put you and your position at risk,” Julia said.

“An agent is always at risk, whether it be from inside the court or out,” he said dryly. “But do not fear, I am not altogether dispensable.”

“Thank you,” Julia said, and smiled at him.

I murmured my own gratitude but I was plainly extraneous to the exchange.

The door closed behind him. It occurred to me that I did not know why he had called in the first place.

“Did he give you any particular reason for the visit?” I asked Julia.

“No.” Then she smiled again. “Which of course is a particular reason in itself.”

“Are you sure this friendship is wise?” I asked.

Julia lifted her brows. “I rather think you should look to your own friendships before you question mine,” she said crisply.

Touché.

A loud knock startled us both. Was he back?

“Yes?” I called.

Weatherly opened the door. A young man stood behind him, dressed in sober black and wearing a wide-brimmed Clericus.

Dr. McLeod had arrived.

7

The doctor prescribed rest over the next few days for both Samuel and me. Samuel had a cracked rib and I had suffered no more than a wrench to my previously injured shoulder.