Mistress - Amanda Quick [125]
“It would, indeed, appear that he was correct,” Amelia agreed.
“He very often is,” Iphiginia muttered. “What is worse, he knows it and does not hesitate to make one aware of that fact. I vow, it is vastly annoying at times.”
“I suspect you feel that way because you are so accustomed to being correct most of the time yourself,” Amelia said.
Iphiginia wistfully recalled her plan to solve the blackmail problem by discovering the owner of a phoenix seal and some black sealing wax. “I have never met a man who is right more often than I am. It is rather unnerving,” she admitted.
It was even more unsettling to know that she was in love with a man who was convinced that he was intelligent enough to learn anything except how to fall in love again.
“What is Masters’s latest hypothesis, Iphiginia? Who does he believe is behind this nasty attempt to reveal everyone’s secrets?” Amelia asked as she and Iphiginia walked up a flight of stairs that led to Adam Manwaring’s office.
“He does not know the new villain’s identity yet,” Iphiginia said. “His most interesting theory is that Mrs. Wycherley may not have been the villain in this piece, after all.”
Amelia shot her a startled glance. “Really? But who else could it have been?”
“As I said, Masters does not yet have a new suspect, merely a few doubts about the old one.” Iphiginia reached the landing and started down the hall to Adam’s door.
“What do you believe, Iphiginia?”
“I no longer know what to make of the events. I am still stuck on black wax, phoenix seals, and the fact that whoever sent that first note to Aunt Zoe knew that Masters would be out of Town for an extended period of time.”
“I know how difficult it is for you to abandon your own notions. Well, I’m certain that Masters will soon get to the bottom of this”
Iphiginia wrinkled her nose. “Goodness, such faith in his intellect and talents. There was a time not so long ago when you spent a great deal of energy warning me off him.”
“I still think that he will break your heart, but in the meantime, perhaps he will also solve the puzzle.”
“You are always so very practical, Amelia. It is one of your most endearing qualities.”
They came to a halt in front of the narrow door. Iphiginia raised her hand to knock and then noticed that the door was ajar. A man’s voice, raised in blistering rage, boomed through the opening.
“I demand to meet with the principals of this venture, d’ye hear me, Manwaring?”
Iphiginia opened the door quietly.
A large, thickset man was leaning over Adam’s desk. His face was contorted with anger. Adam sat quietly, his own expression one of cold disgust. Neither of them saw Iphiginia and Amelia in the doorway.
“I have told you, that is impossible,” Adam said.
“I insist upon it,” the stranger roared. He slammed his meaty fist down on the desk with such force that the wax jack and pens shuddered. “I insist upon being allowed to speak with them. I won’t take no for an answer.”
Iphiginia heard Amelia’s soft, choked cry of dismay.
“Amelia?” Iphiginia touched her cousin’s arm. “Are you all right?” she whispered.
Amelia did not answer. She stood stock-still, her attention riveted on the man who was pounding on Adam’s desk.
“I’ve told you that the principals behind this speculation venture are not interested in including you in the pool, Dodgson.” Adam got to his feet, his jaw set as solidly as that of a bulldog. “And I told you the reason why.”
“Lies. All lies told by a slut of a governess,” Dodgson howled. “I cannot believe men of the world would listen to the creature.”
Amelia took a step into the room. Her shoulders were rigid. “They are not lies. You are a nasty, vicious man, Dodgson. You know it and I know it.”
Dodgson whirled around. “Who the devil are you?” he demanded.
“Don’t you even remember me, Dodgson? I’m Amelia Farley.