Constantine Capers: The Pennington Perplexity by Natalie Brianne (new ebook reader TXT) 📕

crisped under her feet, and Kensington sounded marvelous to her. She walked past the reflection pond in front of the palace and watched the ducks playing in the sun-speckled water. The air smelled of dirt and frost, and she loved it. Sounds of geese flying overhead caught her attention. She sat on a park bench to read Walker’s letter.

My dearest Mira,

We have returned from the Alps! And I’m rather disappointed to see that you haven’t been writing. I’m hoping that it is because you are so busy that you have forgotten, rather than you not having anything to do.

My professor suggested another inventor for me to apprentice under. After my final exams, I’ll have my certificate and be able to join you and Uncle for a little while. I look forward to that. I hope neither of you have touched my room or my things. I’d like to come back and find everything how it was.

I love you, my dear Mira, and hope you’ve gotten further in our case. Write me as soon as you are able!

Much Love,

Walker Blayse

Mira laughed a little and placed the letter back in the envelope. She’d practically shredded some of his clothes the day before. Hopefully they wouldn’t be missed. Even if they were, she could ask for forgiveness when he came to visit. She stood and continued her walk across Kensington.

About halfway across, she caught sight of the mysterious man who stopped her the last time she walked through Kensington alone. Her high spirits dwindled. He sat on a bench feeding the ducks. She walked a bit faster and shot another glance at him to make sure it was the same man. He looked directly at her and then stood, throwing the rest of the bread into the pond. She tried to calm herself, but her thoughts jumped to and fro. What if this stranger was one of the Whitechapel killers? Of course, he couldn’t kill her here in broad daylight. And he hadn’t killed her when he had talked to her before. There were people around, and they were her safety. She turned towards a couple walking their dog. Running footsteps followed her and soon the man walked at her elbow. He put his hands in his pockets in a nonchalant fashion.

“I hoped you would be walking through here, Miss Blayse.”

“What do you want?”

“Is that any way to greet a friend?”

“I thought we established that you weren’t?”

“Will acquaintance do, then?”

Mira stopped and looked at him. “I don’t even know your name. How could we be acquaintances when we haven’t even been properly introduced?” She turned back on her course across the park. He followed.

“Perhaps another time. I do need you to do something for me though.”

“And why would I do that?”

“It concerns Byron Constantine.” She stopped again and turned towards him. He smiled.

“I thought that would get your attention. I need you to give him something.”

“Something?”

“This.” He handed her a small envelope that was sealed shut with wax.

“Just a letter?”

“Just a letter.”

“Alright.”

He tipped his hat to her and walked back towards the pond. She watched him for a few moments and then looked at the envelope. It seemed normal enough. She turned it over and looked at the seal. A standard floral pattern decorated it. She placed it in her sketchbook and continued to Palace Court.

Music flowed from an open window. She smiled as she unlocked the door and walked in. Time to meet Byron once again. The piano continued, and she walked into the front room. He looked up at her and smiled. She saw the journal sitting on the arm of his chair. The room looked just as she had left it the day before, except for some roses sitting on the table and several new notes pinned up to the wall. She went to examine them.

You solved a crime yesterday. Thatcher will likely come visit you today.

Buy roses early tomorrow.

She smiled and took a seat in her own chair to listen to the music. She opened her sketchbook to sketch the roses. Everything felt right. The music swelled and then it came to its resolution. Byron closed the lid on the piano and took a seat in his armchair across from her.

“I know this sounds ludicrous, but I have to make sure you are—”

She interrupted him. “Mira? Yes.” She smiled, and he took a breath of relief.

“For a moment I thought a beautiful stranger had entered my house.”

“You’ve read the journal then?”

“Indeed, I have. It was very informative.”

“I suppose even if you didn’t, the notes on the wall are the most important things.”

“Especially the second note.” He smiled.

“The roses are nice. Although it is rather exciting to have solved a case.”

“That was your first one, was it not?”

“Yes, it was. If you count my parent’s case, I’ve solved two.”

“It only gets better from here.”

“How many cases have you solved?”

“According to my journal these two make forty-three from the time I lost my memory.”

“And before that?”

“I lost count. Well over a hundred.”

“Brilliant.”

He smiled and nodded, then walked over to the window, pensive. He turned back towards her.

“You seem to have become more than just a secretary, Mira. You really are an extraordinary girl.”

“I’m glad you think that.”

“I’m serious. Not many women would be willing to go through what you have.”

“It’s worth it just to know what happened to my parents.”

“So now that that case is solved…?”

“Oh no. Don’t think you can get rid of me that easily.” She smiled.

“You’ll stay on then?”

“Of course. After all, I’d like to learn more about the man who is in love with me.” She gave him half a smile as he turned a bit pink.

“I did say some rather ridiculous things yesterday, didn’t I?”

“Who is to say that they are ridiculous?” Her smirk softened to a smile.

“You are alright with them then?”

“As long as you understand that I’m still trying to understand my own feelings.”

“Of course.”

“I see no problem with them, then. As long as what you told me was true.”

“I hope you know by