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Grace nodded and Janey went on. “Dr. Thornhollow’s sent a telegram, says Ned won’t take the horses out in this weather and he’s stranded in Pomeroy until sense returns to the man. Which, we may never see the good doctor again if that’s what we’re waiting on.”

Janey handed a telegram to Grace. “This one’s meant for you. I can’t make head or tail of it.”

Have found at least two STOP Am delayed by Ned’s sentimentalism STOP will return whenever possible STOP Elizabeth smells fine without improvements END

Janey watched Grace’s eyes flick over the message. “I guess you know well enough what he’s saying?”

Grace nodded, thanking Janey with a pat on the shoulder.

“All right,” the nurse said. “Now I want to see you head to the kitchens instead of to your room, you hear? Joanna’s chewed the laces through on one of her mitts, and I’ve got to see if I can’t mend it before she tears into someone. But the kitchens may have a bite or two left, if you get down there.”

Grace moved as if in a fog, the familiar veil dropping between herself and reality as she walked, body in the present, mind working furiously toward a point in the future and all the elements required to make it her own.

He was startled when he saw her, as she opened the shop door just as he’d been about to lock up for the evening.

“Miss Baxter,” Beaton said, nearly dropping his keys. “I had thought perhaps the weather delayed you.”

“Not the weather, but my own disarray,” Grace said, raising the carpetbag she’d pulled from under Lizzie’s bed, her asylum clothing inside. “Packing for a journey always leaves me in a fuddle. I’d hoped to catch you on my way to the depot. Is the scent ready?”

“It is,” he said, returning to the counter with his head down. “If you’d like I can deliver it to your friend’s mother with your compliments, since you are leaving town.”

“That’s very nice, but I’d rather send it along myself with a thank-you note for their hospitality.”

Beaton produced the bottle and Grace took a whiff, the familiar scent of Lizzie’s perfume reinvigorated with the bloom of freshness. “That’s . . . really quite extraordinary. It will mean a lot. Thank you,” she said honestly.

He blushed at the compliment, and Grace hesitated as she paid with the money she’d stolen from Thornhollow’s desk, the moment before her now if she chose to take it. “I . . .” Her voice broke as she deliberated, the tentative manner of a well-bred young lady conveyed all too easily in her tone.

“I hope you won’t think me too forward, Mr. Beaton,” she went on, her voice gaining strength. “I delayed much more than I meant to and have missed my train. I’m sure I can catch the next, but I’m wary of walking to the depot alone now that night has fallen. Would it inconvenience you greatly to accompany me? I’d feel so much more confident with a man of your size alongside me.”

It was easy to read the thoughts flickering behind his eyes, his own scale of indecision weighing the opportunity versus the risk. In the second before he accepted her proposal, his gaze raked her body and the freely offered sacrifice was too tempting to deny.

“Of course, Miss Baxter,” he said with a true smile. “If you’ll give me a moment I just need to lock up the back room.”

He returned with the barest scent of ether on him, and they stepped out into the darkness together.

THIRTY-THREE

“Grace, wake up. Grace.” Janey was shaking her roughly as she came into consciousness, rolling to face the nurse. “Thornhollow’s just now got back. The horses weren’t even unhitched before he got a message from town. There’s another body found, and the doctor’s wanting you.”

Grace dressed quickly and climbed into the carriage to find an exhausted Thornhollow facing her.

“I was looking forward to my bed, but that’s a comfort that will have to wait,” he said. “I’m sorry for my delay, Grace. Ned refused to take the horses out, and I didn’t want to upset him needlessly. Though if it’s another doll we go toward it’ll be on my conscience for not insisting we return sooner.”

“Don’t borrow trouble,” she said coolly as they rattled into town.

They traveled in silence to the park, where Davey and George waited, gas lamps raised. “Not a woman,” Thornhollow said as they approached, eyeing the form of the corpse. “There’s that relief, at least.”

Grace didn’t even nod, the practiced mask of insanity appearing the moment she exited the carriage.

“Well, if it ain’t our pleasure to see you again,” George said the moment they came into the light. “Oh, and you too, Doctor,” he added, tipping a wink.

“Yes, the joy of your company cannot be overstated,” Thornhollow said, removing his gloves to lean over the body in the snow.

Davey moved to stand next to Grace. “Are you warm enough? It’s been some bitter cold we’ve had here lately. I can stand it, though, if you need my coat.”

His sincerity was wasted, all her attention focused on Thornhollow. Her nerves steeled for what was to come, her vision tunneling to include only him and the blood congealing in the snow.

George stamped his feet, breath fogging in front of his face. “Seeings as we’ve got to stand here and freeze our balls off I’d appreciate you explaining how your voodoo is so much better than our regular police work.”