Free Gilded Hearts (The Shadow Guild Series) by Christine d'Abo

able to make out the—
    “I don’t believe that eavesdropping is behavior befitting an archivist, Miss Smith.”
    Piper gasped as she straightened and turned to face Master Ryerson. This was worse than the time she’d gotten caught trading her bread for extra sweets during the evening meal. “Sir, sorry. I’m concerned for Sergeant Hawkins. I was simply trying to hear what was going on without disturbing the physician.”
    “The sergeant’s well-being is not your concern. You should be in the library conducting your studies. You still have much to learn, even if you have been assigned to active duty.” The haughty expression, punctuated with the lift of a single eyebrow, highlighted his feelings about her continued interest in Samuel.
    “Not my concern?” How could he not see that she was responsible for him? Samuel trusted her, counted on her to ensure nothing went wrong. “He’s a friend, sir. I don’t believe it is unnatural to express an interest in his well-being.”
    “He should never have been here in the first place.”
    “With all due respect, sir, I am not an apprentice any longer.” It was probably not the wisest strategy to antagonize her mentor, but she was almost to the point of not caring. For the first time in years, Samuel was here with her and her carelessness had gotten him hurt. “He’d asked for my help with the prostitute investigation. I know we are to wait for the official report, but I thought—”
    “No, Miss Smith. You didn’t think. He might have been one of us, your
friend
, but he is no longer. He doesn’t believe in what we do. He calls us fools and yet he carries superstitious beliefs of the soul and the possibility of redemption and the afterlife. Your renewed friendship, no matter how brief, is putting your position with the Archives in danger. Do you wish to be cast out?”
    “No, sir.” She’d lost the only family she’d ever known—her mum—once. The idea of being separated from the people who’d taken her place was unbearable.
    So when Master Ryerson beckoned her closer, Piper wasn’t sure she could make her body move. Every step would take her further from Samuel, the one man she’d cared for above all others. She’d forgotten how he made her feel, the comfort and joy that simply being in his presence brought her.
    But Master Ryerson was correct in one thing—Samuel didn’t understand them any longer. Giving herself a small push, Piper moved.
    “Miss Smith, do you have feelings for the sergeant?” While Ryerson’s tone was casual and curious, Piper knew the question was anything but.
    She’d spent extra time on dressing her hair that morning. Why, she wasn’t exactly certain, but it felt right to take a bit of extra pride in her appearance. It was her birthday after all.
    Stepping out into the corridor, she wasn’t at all surprised to see Dennison and Jones waiting for her. With a right proper bow, Dennison held out a small parcel for her.
    “Happy birthday, Miss Smith.” His brown eyes shone and she could tell he was properly excited and pleased. “I got you a present.”
    “I see that. And how did you manage to sneak something into the Archives?”
    “I have my ways.”
    “Bloody bastard gets special considerations.” Jones kicked at the floor before he stepped in beside Piper. “Happy birthday.”
    “Thank you, Jones.” Ignoring Dennison, she jumped up and placed a kiss to Jones’ cheek. “I know you’d get me something if you could.”
    “I doubt he’d manage something like this.” Dennison crossed his arms. “Open it.”
    Unable to stop her curiosity, Piper pulled the string, allowing the thin material to fall away, revealing a small bottle. “Oh.”
    “It’s rose water. I thought you might appreciate something more refined.”
    Samuel joined them in the hallway. “Still trying to buy her affections, Emmet?”
    Piper shouldn’t feel guilty for enjoying the attention, but the moment Samuel arrived she couldn’t stop. Not