An Agent for Emily Read online

  When Todd had agreed to come to Denver to assist in this case, he’d never imagined that he’d be meeting so many independent women. It was rather refreshing, but it was becoming more and more difficult to keep from cheering aloud. “Well put, Miss Chapman,” was the only praise he allowed himself to give.

  Mr. Tobler seemed completely unbuttoned. “If you really believe we can do this . . .”

  “I know we can.” Todd gave an affirmative nod. “You forget that we handle this sort of thing all the time. We’re not always successful, but we are an impressive amount of the time, and you can trust us to do our very best at all costs.”

  The room went silent as Mr. Tobler weighed his options. It didn’t matter to Todd which way the man chose to go—he knew the Denver office would have more work for him regardless, and the trip would be worth his while. Besides, he was looking forward to the chance to explore the mountains and see the beauties of the area Liam had been telling him about.

  Finally, Mr. Tobler nodded. “Very well. Let’s move ahead with your plan, Agent Wilcox. It was foolish of me to pin so many of my hopes on Miss Gray anyway.”

  “It’s always best to have a plan B waiting in the wings,” Miss Chapman said, approval in her voice. “You never know from one minute to the next when things will fly out from under you.”

  Agent Gordon came to his feet and shook hands with both of the men. “I’m glad to see that you’ve gotten this resolved. I wish you both all the success in the world, and I look forward to hearing your reports. I’m sorry to excuse myself at this point, but I do have another meeting to attend.”

  “Of course, Agent Gordon. We’ll be in touch,” Todd assured him.

  Agent Gordon escorted the two men to the door of his office. Todd reached it first and had just grasped the knob when the door opened from the other side, knocking him off balance.

  “Oh, I’m so sorry, Agent Wilcox,” Miss Gray said, still holding her side of the knob. “I had no idea I was about to plow you over.”

  “No harm done,” he replied. “I thought you left.”

  “I thought so as well, but I was wrong.” She pasted on a bright smile. “I wonder, Agent Wilcox, if you think Mr. Tobler would be interested in a business proposal of sorts.”

  ***

  Emily smiled at the two men across the lovely table that had been set up on the back terrace. She hadn’t felt right about barging out of the Pinkerton office. At the moment, she hadn’t seen any other alternative, but as she waited for her carriage, her brain started churning, and it had only taken a quick tap on the door to regain admittance. Pearl had been lovely to suggest laying out tea, and the girl had gone all out, providing sandwiches and cheese and fruit. It couldn’t have been nicer if Emily had ordered it from a teashop downtown.

  Agent Wilcox took a sip from his teacup, then leaned back and studied her. “You’re certainly keeping us in suspense, Miss Gray.”

  “I suppose I am. You see, I haven’t quite worked out all the details yet, but I’m sure they’ll come to me as we chat.” Emily popped a small grape in her mouth, then dabbed her lips with her napkin. “I’m sorry for the way we left things a few moments ago. I’m not at all sorry for leaving, but rather, for leaving without making certain arrangements first.”

  “Certain arrangements? What sort of arrangements?”

  “To begin with, I’d like to dispense with all the formality, shall we? I’m Emily, that is Jeremy, and you’re Todd—unless you’re taking on another name for this case.”

  Todd shook his head.

  “Excellent. Now I don’t have to remember an alias.” She ate another grape. Thank goodness for luncheon. Breakfast, if it could be called that, had been so skimpy, and she was getting peckish. She turned to Jeremy. “You’re a businessman, so I’m sure you’ll be interested in hearing my proposal. I have something you want, and you have something I want. Shall we discuss the particulars?”

  Jeremy looked startled over the sandwich he held to his mouth. “Er, yes,” he said after he swallowed. “I’m willing.”

  “I thought you might be.” Emily sipped her tea, added another sugar cube, and then took another sip. Jeremy was becoming more rattled by the minute. Todd seemed more amused. Interesting. “I will come along to the house party and pretend that we’re resuming our courtship. I’ll mingle and be charming, and I’ll do whatever else is asked of me. In exchange, I’d like a seat on the board of your largest company.”

  Jeremy almost dropped the remainder of the sandwich. “I beg your pardon?”

  “Just a seat. I’m not asking for controlling interest, and I’m not asking for any money. It’s the title I want, the title and the recognition. I think that would do wonders for restoring my reputation, don’t you? Those who have seen me as being young and ill-equipped to deal with all of life’s veracities would surely have to revise their opinions of me.”

  Jeremy nodded, then shook his head. “Yes, I can see that. But no, I’m afraid I can’t agree. It’s too . . . Well, I couldn’t . . .”

  “Aren’t you the president of your companies, Jeremy? Isn’t that what being the owner is all about? And doesn’t the president make the decisions?”

  “Well, yes, but . . .”

  Emily put down her cup and gave him a smile. “I don’t understand the problem, then. I’m not taking anything from you but a name, a position. I’ll make no moves to change company policies or procedures—in fact, I imagine I’ll be as quiet as a mouse most of the time.”

  Jeremy cleared his throat. “You . . . you wouldn’t try to change things?”

  “Of course not! What do I understand about business?” She waved off the notion. “It’s a simple request, really, and just as simply carried out.”

  Jeremy looked over at Todd, desperation on his face. “What do you think, Wilcox?”

  Todd leaned forward and helped himself to a sandwich, his movements now as deliberate and slow as Emily’s had been. “I don’t see the harm in it,” he said at last. “I also don’t see any harm in proceeding without her. We have that alternate plan in place.”

  What? They’d already come up with an alternate plan? That was . . . unexpected. Emily nodded as though she wasn’t surprised. She thought they’d be completely lost without her and that she’d be able to make any demands she wanted.

  Jeremy nodded. “Yes. The . . . alternate plan.”

  It wasn’t at all hard to guess who was the instigator of that plot. Jeremy looked like a pink-eyed rabbit caught in a trap, and Todd looked as though he’d just settled down with a novel and a glass of sherry.

  Emily wasn’t going to pry. Instead, she picked up one of the dainty plates and helped herself to a chocolate tart and a ham sandwich. No sense in starving while they decided their next move.

  “All right, Emily, I’m agreeable,” Jeremy said after a long delay.

  She swallowed the last of her tart and patted her lips. “You are?”

  “I am. You’ll have a seat on the board in name only—you’ll carry no authority whatsoever, and you’ll receive no pay. Just as you suggested.”

  “Yes, exactly as I suggested. I think you’ll find this is a very good arrangement, Jeremy—I will lend your company a bit of polish, if you don’t mind my saying so.”

  “It’s merely a seat on the board, nothing else.”

  “Of course, but my very presence should be helpful.” Emily found it hard to control her relief. If Jeremy hadn’t accepted her offer, she’d be left looking even more foolish than she had before. “But we’ll work out all those details later. For now, let’s concentrate on the case, shall we?”

  “Yes, let’s,” Todd said, his tone of voice wry. “You’ve resigned yourself to the idea of marrying me, then?”

  “I have, although I still don’t think it makes any sense. If you’re my cousin, any time I spend with you should be well above reproach, shouldn’t it?”

  “We’re not talking about during the case—we’re talking about afterwards. When the case is solved
and it’s learned that you went undercover.” He leaned forward a little. “I’ll be frank—not every detective holds himself to such high standards as the Pinkertons do, and there are plenty who would take advantage of having a young woman in their care. This is a protection for both you and for me, Emily, and it’s only on paper. A real marriage happens in the heart, after all.”

  Oh. That was actually rather sweet and romantic. Yet another unexpected thing. “You’re right,” she said. “I’ve been far too silly about this. How do we go about arranging it?”

  “Agent Gordon and Miss Chapman handle all those details,” Todd said. “Your task is to go home, pack up all your pretty things, and get ready to eat, drink, and be merry all weekend long.”

  “I’m sure I can handle that assignment,” she replied. “You might say I’ve been in training for it my whole life.”

  Todd laughed. “Very good. I’ll expect an excellent performance, then.”

  Chapter Four

  Emily stood in front of her wardrobe, hands on her hips, a sea of confusion. “How am I supposed to choose?” she said at last, turning to face her sister. “I have so many lovely gowns, I can’t possibly narrow it down.”

  “I suggest pretending like you’re dressing for Mr. Tobler,” Anna replied. She finished wiping a speck of dust from Emily’s ivory shoes and then placed them in the trunk. “If you’ve reconciled, your goal would be to keep his interest, so think about his favorite colors and so forth.”

  “You’re too clever by half.” Emily reached into the maelstrom and pulled out a light blue frock with silver embroidery. “He always told me how much he likes me in blue.”

  “Excellent choice.” Anna took the dress from Emily and laid it in the trunk. “What else?”

  “That my lips are as pink as a garden rose.” She found a pink dress near the back that Jeremy had never seen. “Oh, and that my skin has the purest alabaster sheen. Here’s a white one.”

  Anna raised an eyebrow over the armload of satin skirts she now held. “He said all those things?”

  “He did, and at the time, I thought they were sure protestations of love. Now they sound like twaddle.”

  “Yes, yes, they do.” Anna arranged the folds of fabric carefully so they wouldn’t become too crinkled. “I suppose not every man is a poet, though.”

  “Well, is Liam any better?”

  Anna chuckled. “Liam doesn’t even try. That’s the thing about a real relationship, Emily—you have real conversations. He tells me I look beautiful—he doesn’t compare me to plants or to anything else.”

  “It sounds a bit boring.”

  “It’s absolutely heavenly. Now, what about day dresses?”

  “Oh, bother with day dresses. You choose them for me, would you? I’m becoming fatigued.”

  Anna looked at the ceiling and shook her head. “All right, but you can’t complain if I choose something entirely wrong.”

  Emily wouldn’t complain. In fact, she doubted she’d be getting packed at all if it wasn’t for Anna. Things like this were overwhelming—so many decisions to make in such a short period of time. Her trunk had to be ready by five o’clock—Jeremy’s footman would be collecting it so it could be stowed away with the other luggage heading to the party.

  “And now for another bit of help,” she said once Anna had chosen out matching jewelry for the weekend.

  “Another bit? My goodness. You’re certainly needy today,” Anna replied good-naturedly. “What is it now?”

  “Jeremy is taking me to dinner tonight. He wants to discuss our relationship.” Emily sighed and plucked at the pillow on her lap. “What does one wear in a case like that?”

  “Your relationship? So he meant it when he said he regretted calling an end to it?”

  “I’m afraid so. This meal is going to be so awkward, but I can’t think of a way to get out of it. We need to clear the air before we start this assignment, but I’d so much rather stay home and read or do something restful. There’s been so much excitement today.”

  Anna sat down on the edge of the bed and faced her sister. “Yes, it will be difficult, but you’re right that it’s for the best. Not only will you need to work as a team for the sake of the investigation, but conversations like this are important for your life experience.”

  Emily shook her head. “Of course—yet another opportunity for me to grow up. Gracious. I could compile a book with all the advice and counsel and lectures I’ve been given on that topic. You’d think no other young lady in the entire country was as immature as myself.”

  “That’s not what I’m saying,” Anna protested. “I just think it will be good for you.”

  “It’s all right, Anna. I’m not going to argue with you. I’m simply going to endure it and hope there’s a good dessert afterwards. Now, what should I wear?”

  Anna walked back over to the wardrobe and riffled through the remaining gowns. “I trust Agent Gordon and Miss Chapman talked with you about the policies at the agency,” she said causally.

  “If you mean the part where I need to marry Agent Wilcox, yes. We discussed it quite a bit,” Emily replied. “And it’s all taken care of.”

  “It is?” Anna turned around. “You mean, you’re already married?”

  “We held a very brief and very impersonal ceremony before I came home this afternoon. You’re looking at Mrs. Todd Wilcox, not that it means anything.” Emily shrugged. “I’ve mailed letters with more pomp and circumstance than that. When I get married for real someday, believe me, it will be entirely different.”

  Anna smiled. “I know—my wedding to Liam wasn’t anything like I’d always imagined, but in the end, who could have wanted anything more?”

  Emily sat up straight. “We’re talking about two entirely different things, sister dear. You found the love of your life. I only got married for the sake of this case, and I’m being very well rewarded for my involvement, by the way. There’s nothing romantic going on here whatsoever, so please keep any notions of it to yourself.”

  “All right. I’ll try.” Anna paused. “What do you mean, you’ll be very well rewarded?”

  Emily outlined the agreement she’d made with Jeremy, and Anna looked at her in shock.

  “That’s . . . that’s astonishing,” Anna said at last.

  “What, that your sister could be so cold and heartless that she wouldn’t offer to help just because it was the right thing to do?”

  “No, not at all. I’m astonished that you came up with such a shrewd business arrangement.”

  Emily lay back again. “I am capable of having good ideas from time to time.”

  “Yes, you are, and you should show off that skill more often.” Anna pulled out a green dress that reminded Emily of the sea. “How about this?”

  “Perfect. Thank you.”

  Anna draped the dress on the bed, then chose some emeralds to wear with it. “I don’t think you’re cold and heartless,” she said while her back was turned.

  “You don’t?”

  “No. I can’t always understand your motivations or how you could be so very different from me, but you have a good soul, Emily. You always have.”

  “I’m not so sure.” Emily traced the pattern on her pillow with the tip of her finger. “I can go for days without having a single kind thought about anyone. Doesn’t that make me rather soulless?”

  “I’d say it means you need a good spanking, but I’ll lay that at the feet of the stern governess you never had.” Anna walked over to the bed. “Come on—time to get you dressed or you’ll be late.”

  Emily thought about Anna’s words as she brushed through her hair. A good spanking—yes, she supposed that’s exactly what she deserved. But she doubted it would do any good. If she hadn’t learned her lesson by now, would she ever?

  ***

  Todd heard a knock at his door and crossed the floor to open it. “Liam,” he greeted when he saw his friend. “Welcome to my humble boarding house room. Please, come in.”

  “Don
’t mind if I do.” Liam entered, having to duck a little. The doorframe was shorter than in most buildings, and Todd had to wonder at that. “I’ve brought you some information you might find useful.”

  “Thank you. I’ll take whatever I can get.”

  Liam spread out some papers on the small table in the center of the room. “These aren’t official blueprints by any means, but it’s a rough idea of the layout of Astor’s house,” he said. “A friend of a friend has a maid who used to work there, and she sketched this out for me.”

  “It’s all about who you know.” Todd hunched over and began to study the drawings. “This is Astor’s personal office here?”

  “That’s right—on the main floor. I thought that was handy—makes it easier to access.”

  “And easier to get caught while accessing it.” Todd traced the route from the dining room to the office, and then from the ballroom to the office. If he slipped away during dinner, not only would he be missed, but he’d be gone too long. It appeared that the best bet was to wait until the dance. Not only could he get to the office easily from the hallway, but he could slip in through the windows on the terrace. He liked having multiple options.

  “And easier to escape if caught.” Liam sat back and crossed one ankle over his other knee. “How are you getting along with my sister-in-law?”

  “You mean, my new wife?” Todd shook his head. “She’s a firecracker, that one. There’s no figuring her out, is there? You should have seen her this afternoon. She turned us down flat and left, but then came back with a counteroffer that had Tobler ready to vomit in the bushes. Believe you me, I wish she was married to him instead—I don’t think I feel quite safe around her.”

  Liam chuckled. “Emily’s definitely not one to be trifled with. No, I haven’t figured out her little games either, but that’s all right for now—keeps our family dinners more interesting. As long as she comes through when she’s needed, the rest is just fluff and stuff.”