All That Glitters: A Maggie Power Adventure (Maggie Power #2) *Unedited version*

Chapter 6

Chapter 6

It was not until a full day later that Emily and I began to speak as if her argument with her brother, and indeed our own crossed words, had never occurred. Doubtless stinging from my accusation that she had somehow become apprehensive at the notion of leaving the house, that morning she accompanied me on my daily walk down the Pentonville Road to buy groceries.

I must confess to a certain wariness when I walked the streets alone in the morning, when out buying provisions. Since receiving the news of Whitmore's release, I was circumspect when out alone. I sometimes felt at all times as if I were being followed during my journey.

Indeed after walking tentatively for several yards, I would turn and look behind, suspiciously eyeing anybody who seemed too close; or anybody who appeared to lurk at a suspiciously premeditated distance; or, indeed, anybody who looked as if they might transfigure themselves at any moment, from a familiar passer-by into a wild-eyed assailant, a strangler disguised within the throng, a cut-throat killer ready to pounce...

So wild had my suspicious become, that I began to look upon every poor fellow who came close to me as one of Whitmore's hired assassins. But with Emily's self-imposed isolation within the home, one of us had to leave the house and purchase the commodities to keep us fed, warmed and illuminated through the up-coming winter months.

Even with her at my side that day, I remained excitable and watchful of those who came too close.

We had returned and were idly chatting and drinking tea, when there came a knock upon the door.

I jumped, covertly drew back the curtain and looked to see who was at the doorstep. Outside stood a tattered mess of a child, no more than eight or nine years. In his hand he held a letter. Before I could turn and head to the door, Emily had indicated that I should continue with my tea, and was up and out before I knew anymore of it.

"It's a letter. A letter for you Maggie," she said on her return. "I rarely seem to get any letters these days."

I did not reply and waited for her to pass on the letter.

"I recognise the handwriting, too. It's from Samuel," she said, placing the letter on a side table.

"Perhaps it is more news of the case, now that the Countess is at liberty," I said unconvincingly.

"Maggie, I had not meant to cast any doubts on your impeccable character, when I spoke out the other evening," she said.

"I did not think that you were, Emily."

"It's just that, lately, you have been spending ever so much time in Samuel's company. It's not healthy. He is a single man. A man whom, one day – mercifully soon – will require a wife. This home we live in is his reward for his years on the beat as a bobbie. He has done well. So wonderfully well. Hopefully, with his new promotion, he will begin to move in different circles. And if people talk...well let's just say neither he nor you will come out of this well."

I blushed. I was unsure how to respond. "Emily, I can assure you–"

"Oh, I know, you think it harmless. Samuel has told me all about your time together. Also, I know you are greatly interested in his work, but his world is for men. And we should allow him to go about his business in the way that men aught to. It's not a world you should know, nor even care about for that matter."

"I think he sometimes enjoys to talk of his work with me, Emily. That is all. Nothing more."

"Oh, I know he humours you. Too well, indeed. And no doubt he admires your eagerness. Perhaps he indulges you because of how you have helped him in the past. But I think we need to agree, that you have to leave Samuel alone at his work. When he calls, please do not ask after this case or that. Don't comment on his work or offer opinions about who and which people may want to steal or kill or kidnap, or do all those dreadful things that are bound to give you nightmares. It's does not suit you, Maggie."