Free Lillian Holmes and the Leaping Man by Ciar Cullen

Lillian knew her friend struggled with whether or not to pretend all was fine. “A painting of a character from a story?” she said at last. “I suppose that is acceptable. But you mustn’t follow the man anywhere, Lil. It’s simply not done—and it’s not safe. Neither for you nor the Musketeers.”
    “When I choose to go, he will not know it is me. I will disguise myself as a boy. I will dress you in the same fashion, and even your father would not recognize you.”
    “Me!”
    “All right, I will do it alone.” What am I putting her through? I’d be best alone, anyway. Perhaps I was meant to be always alone.
    “Do you think that thieves and cutthroats only accost girls?”
    “I have a pistol, Bess.”
    “I try to forget that. Please don’t mention it again. I’ve only been as far as the train station. I’m not allowed… I can’t walk very far, and I don’t have the money for…” She stared at nothing, twisted her handkerchief and wiggled her foot.
    “You can walk far,” Lillian said. “You choose not to, because you care more about the stares of strangers than fulfilling your desires. Please do not do this to yourself, Elisabeth. It is a crime against your own person. Even if you do not wish to follow Mr. Orleans you should—”
    “I cannot go, and you will not go alone. I insist. Or…or, I will tell Thomas.”
    “Balderdash.”
    Bess held up her palm. “May I die a hatless old maid. I will tell him your plan. It is bad enough that you have tried to deceive us all, and often done so. You are far too clever. I know you ride that blasted steambike—”
    “Steam-powered velocipede.”
    “—at night. I will love you no matter how you dress, no matter how many men you turn away, no matter how many invitations lay unopened on your desk. But you are asking too much. You are asking me not to care about you.”
    “I understand, Bess. But if you don’t want me following anyone, will you at least help me uncover the truth about the Orleanses tonight? I do feel there is something odd about Phillip, and I cannot wait to meet the brother. I do so hope he is there. Perhaps you can speak with Kitty and learn all about him. How would that be? Then no one need head into the harbor district at midnight.”
    Bess’s face brightened and she rose, clapping her hands together. “I would be thrilled to help in that manner!”
    As she turned toward the door she hesitated a moment, but she did not turn back. Lillian knew her friend realized she’d been fooled again, that this was only the prelude of investigations yet to come. She only prayed Bess would forgive her for the necessity of her actions and her lies.
    Or, perhaps it was time to ask the doctor for help. Eventually she would lose everyone she cared about.

CHAPTER SEVEN
    A Dangerous Woman
    “So, Madam Pelosi, what brings you to Charm City? The oysters? The scum floating on the harbor? The fascinating society? I understand you are still practicing the dark arts to lure in your victims.”
    “Some things never change, George. Your wit hasn’t improved. But it’s good to see you, too.”
    George laughed and kissed the ridiculously attired would-be gypsy on the cheek. “Because it’s about to pour, Phillip went to fetch Kitty and her dull friends in a cab. They should be here soon. So we have a moment to chat.”
    Annaluisa sat next to George and pulled his arm around her shoulders. “Let’s talk about Kitty. This concerns me, Georgy. I have not seen such an arrangement ever end happily, have you? And Phillip shows a bit of disregard for his own kind by trusting her to stay silent.”
    “While I don’t welcome the scrutiny of mortals, I believe that Kitty may be trusted. Her love for Phillip is strong.”
    “Obviously.” Annaluisa paused. “To answer your initial question, I left New Orleans because the voodoo priestesses there are making it increasingly uncomfortable for our kind. While their magic is absurd, they do have a solid grasp of how