Chapter 9
Twilight was casting a golden sheen upon the cobbled streets when Celeste, hidden by a concealing cloak, arrived at the stipulated address. As if by magic, the front door opened the moment she raised her hand to knock. A small, round-faced woman dressed in black, who introduced herself as the housekeeper, welcomed her into the grand hallway, then led her to a small drawing room where she offered Celeste refreshment while another servant led Mary downstairs to join the staff.
For a moment Celeste was confused by her reception, wondering if she’d perhaps walked straight into Lord Peregrine’s own townhouse. Then she realised that the décor and general air did not accord with the kind of abode a single gentleman was likely to inhabit when in London. There was a distinctly feminine
