Storing Up Trouble, стр. 12
Norman was not amused when Agent Mahoney muttered, “Too right you are” under his breath, then closed his notepad with a snap and stood. He presented Beatrix with a bow. “It’s been a pleasure, Miss Waterbury, although I’m sorry we had to meet under such unusual circumstances.”
Beatrix smiled, which drew attention to a dimple that was right next to the freckle Norman had noticed earlier, although he’d not noticed the dimple until just then, and found it to be—
“Perhaps we’ll meet again under normal circumstances,” Beatrix said, rising to her feet. “Do feel free to call on me if you need any other questions answered. I’ll be staying at my aunt Gladys’s house for the next few months.”
“That’s very kind of you,” Agent Mahoney said, opening up his notebook to the one and only page that still had some room on it. “I’ll just need your aunt Gladys’s address, as well as her full name.”
Beatrix’s smile faded. “In all honesty, I don’t know my aunt’s address off the top of my head, and I’m afraid the scrap of paper on which I jotted that address down is long gone since I tossed it into the satchel Mr. Nesbit left behind for the train robbers.” She tucked an errant strand of hair behind her ear. “Aunt Gladys was supposed to meet me here at the depot, but I don’t know if she’s still waiting for me, or if she came to the conclusion I’d missed my train and would arrive later.”
“There’s no need for you to worry, Miss Waterbury,” Agent Mahoney said. “I am a Pinkerton detective after all, so if you’ll give me your aunt’s full name, I’ll find her address for you, as well as send someone to see if she might still be waiting for you here.”
“That would be much appreciated, Agent Mahoney,” Beatrix returned. “My aunt’s name is Miss Gladys Huttleston, and I believe she lives at the north section of Hyde Park.”
It took a great deal of effort for Norman to keep his mouth from dropping open. “Your aunt is Miss Huttleston?”
Beatrix nodded. “She is. Are you acquainted with her?”
“I believe most people in Chicago are acquainted with Miss Huttleston,” Norman said. “She enjoys a reputation of being somewhat . . . odd.”
“Odd how?”
Before Norman could respond, Agent Mahoney instructed one of the men in the room, a Mr. Engle, to find out what he could about Norman and Beatrix’s trunks, as well as ascertain whether or not Miss Huttleston was still waiting for her niece. After the man quit the room, Agent Mahoney turned back to Beatrix.
“I’m certain we’ll soon have you on your way, but perhaps you’d be more comfortable retaking your seat and finishing your tea while we wait.”
Beatrix sent the Pinkerton a most charming smile, one she’d never sent to Norman, as she retook her seat, where she and Agent Mahoney, who’d claimed the seat next to her, immediately began chatting as if they’d been friends forever, with Agent Mahoney going on and on about what sights Beatrix should make sure to take in during her stay in Chicago.
“I’ll make certain to visit that Washington Park Club you mentioned,” Beatrix said five minutes later. “Although I am disappointed to learn that the American Derby occurs every June, since clearly I’ve missed it.”
Before Norman could point out that the Washington Park Club was a racetrack that catered to the very well-heeled, of which she was apparently not, Mr. Engle hurried into the room. “Good news, Miss Waterbury. Your aunt was here. However, when she was informed by some of the other passengers that you’d departed from the train, she evidently decided to return home and took your trunks with her.” He sent Beatrix a weak smile. “And while I’m sure you must find that somewhat concerning, what with having your aunt mosey back home after discovering her niece was missing, Miss Huttleston did arrange to have a hansom cab made available for you if you eventually showed up here.”
Beatrix’s brows drew together. “That is considerate of her, although I’m beginning to wonder if I’m going to be staying with her long, what with how she seemed less than concerned I was missing.”
Mr. Engle nodded. “I’d be wondering the same.” He nodded to Norman. “We found your trunks as well, sir. They’re right outside.”
“Then I suppose this is where all of us part ways,” Beatrix said briskly, setting aside her teacup and rising to her feet. She sent Norman a nod. “It’s been interesting, meeting you.”
“And I can say the same of you, while also adding that our time together has seemed much longer than the single day it actually was.”
“Has it really only been a day?”
“Shocking, I know, but yes. However,” Norman continued, “before we part ways for good, if you’d be so kind as to allow me just another moment of your time, I feel compelled to revisit the subject of your aunt.” He arched a brow at Agent Mahoney, who immediately bobbed his head before he took hold of Beatrix’s hand, an action that left Norman feeling somewhat annoyed, although why that was, he couldn’t say.
“Thank you again for your assistance, Miss Waterbury,” Agent Mahoney began. “I’ll have that hansom cab waiting for you right outside.” With that, Agent Mahoney strode from the room, the remaining men in the room following after him.
“Why do I get the distinct impression I’m not going to like what you have to say about my aunt?” Beatrix asked, resuming her seat.
Norman settled into the chair Agent Mahoney had recently occupied. “Because no one enjoys hearing less-than-pleasant tidbits about their relatives, but before I disclose anything, how well do you know your aunt?”
“I’ve only met her a few times, so not well.”
“And do you not have any other family you might be able to call on in what I’ve only recently determined must be