Read Online Pentecost Alley by Anne Perry - Free Book Online Page B

wiser now, of course.” He dismissed the whole idea. He did not ask again whose badge it had been.
    “Mortimer Thirlstone?” Pitt increased his step to keep up with him on the pavement as Helliwell strode out in the sun along Albemarle Street towards Piccadilly, walking so fast he all but bumped into passersby. A landau with three ladies taking the air did not outpace him.
    “Haven’t seen him in a dog’s age,” Helliwell said breathlessly. “Really couldn’t say how he’s doing.”
    “Finlay FitzJames?”
    Helliwell stopped abruptly, causing a gentleman in striped trousers two paces behind him to trip and cannon into him.
    “I’m sorry!” the man said, although it was manifestly Helliwell’s fault. “I say, sir, do take a little care!”
    “What?” Helliwell was startled. He had been unaware of anyone but himself and Pitt. “Oh. In your way? For heaven’s sake, go around me!”
    The man set his hat straight, glared for a moment, then, swinging his umbrella, proceeded on his way.
    “Finlay FitzJames?” Pitt repeated.
    “You’ll have to speak to him yourself,” Helliwell said, swallowing again. “I daresay he lost his badge years ago.No need to keep it. Now you really must excuse me. I can see my family on the corner there.” He swung his arm to where a carriage was indeed slowing up and a very well dressed young woman was looking towards them. An older couple of immense dignity sat well back, comfortably, in the seat beside her, the gentleman facing backwards, the ladies forwards.
    Pitt inclined his head towards them and they nodded in reply.
    Helliwell was left with no alternative but either to take Pitt forward and introduce him or to dismiss him with what could only be construed as the utmost rudeness, which he would then have had to explain.
    Helliwell swore under his breath and made his decision. He strode forward, a fixed smile on his face, his voice artificially hearty.
    “My dear Adeline. Mama-in-law, Papa-in-law. What an excellent day. May I introduce Mr. Pitt. We met by chance in my club. A few acquaintances in common—in the past, not the present. Mr. Pitt, my wife and my parents-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Alcott.”
    Introductions performed, Helliwell made as if to climb into the carriage.
    “And Mr. Jago Jones?” Pitt said cheerfully. “Can you tell me where I might be able to find him?”
    “Not the slightest idea,” Helliwell said instantly. “Sorry, old chap. Haven’t seen him in years. A trifle eccentric. An acquaintance of chance rather than any common bond, you understand? Can’t help you at all.” He put his hand onto the carriage door.
    “And Mr. Thirlstone,” Pitt pressed. “Was he an acquaintance of chance also?”
    Before Helliwell could answer, his wife leaned forward, looking first at her husband, then at Pitt.
    “Do you mean Mortimer Thirlstone, sir? No, not chance at all. We know him quite well. Indeed, wasn’t he at Lady Woodville’s soirée the other evening? He was with Violet Kirk, I remember distinctly. There is sometalk that they may become betrothed quite soon. I know that, because she told me so herself.”
    “You shouldn’t speak of it, my dear,” Helliwell said huskily, his face reddening. “Not until it is announced. It could cause profound embarrassment. What if it were not true, after all?” He opened the door and was about to climb in when his wife spoke across him again, still addressing Pitt. She had a charming face and the most beautiful brown hair.
    “Did I hear you ask for the whereabouts of Mr. Jago Jones?” Adeline asked Pitt.
    “Yes, ma’am,” Pitt said quickly. “Are you acquainted with him?”
    “No, but I’m sure Miss Tallulah FitzJames could tell you. He used to be a close friend of her brother, Finlay, whom we all know.” She glanced at Helliwell, whose answering look should have frozen her. She kept her sunny smile on Pitt. “I am sure if you were to ask her, and explain to her how important it is to you, she