All About Love (Cynster 6)

His intention was impossible to mistake. He knew she was hiding something; he was going to cling to her side-unnerve her as much as he could-until she told him what it was. Or until he uncovered her secrets for himself.

The latter, Phyllida decided, was not a fate to tempt. How soon could she see Mary Anne?

Lucifer followed her to the Rectory, too conscious of the lithe grace of her stride, the unfettered freedom with which she moved. To senses steeped in consideration of the feminine, she registered as something beyond the norm. Infinitely more desirable, and infinitely more elusive.

Why, he wondered, did she not wish him to be a party to her meeting with the curate?

That gentleman had seen them coming; he stood waiting for them at his front door. Fair, pale, and slightly built, his clothes fastidiously neat, Filing had the appearance of a gentleman aesthete. He greeted Phyllida with a smile, one that held the warmth of long-standing friendship.

"Good morning, Mr. Filing. Allow me to present Mr. Cynster, an old friend of Horatio's."

"Indeed?" Filing offered his hand; Lucifer shook it. "Such a sad occurrence. It must have been a shock to discover Horatio slain."

Lucifer inclined his head.

"As you'll have heard, the funeral's tomorrow morning. Perhaps, as an old friend, you'd like to give the eulogy?"

Lucifer considered, then shook his head. "With this knock on the head, I'm not sure I'll be up to it, and frankly, I think Horatio would consider his connection with the people here of more importance to him over these last years than his professional associations."

And he suspected he'd be of more use to Horatio by studying those attending the funeral.

"I see, I see." Filing nodded. "Well, then, if there's no objection, I'll give the eulogy myself. Horatio and I often shared a glass of port of an evening. He had a wonderful collection of ecclesiastical texts and kindly gave me free rein to browse through them. He was truly a gentleman and a scholar-that will be the theme of my eulogy."

"Very apt." Lucifer turned his gaze on Phyllida, and waited; Filing did the same.

Her expression calm, her eyes watchful, she glanced at him. "There are a number of organizational matters I must discuss with Mr. Filing."

Lucifer nodded, as if giving her permission to speak. Shifting back, he let his gaze roam the common, down to the cottages lining the lane.

"Our discussion will take a few minutes. Perhaps you should rest on that bench over there."

The bench was halfway down the slope overlooking the duck pond, well out of hearing range. He frowned and glanced at her. "It might be wiser if we descend together. Just in case I'm overcome with giddiness."

Her annoyance reached him in a wash of heat; anger glowed momentarily in her eyes. But she inclined her head, her expression cool, unconcerned-a perfect social mask. Filing glanced back and forth; he sensed something, but couldn't define it. Couldn't see past her facade.

Lucifer wondered why he could-and why he wanted to see so much further, to know so much more.

She turned to Filing. "About the flowers for tomorrow…"

Fixing his gaze down the common, Lucifer let their discussion flow past him. There seemed a great deal to be said about the flowers. Then, with not the slightest shift in her tone to mark the shift in her subject, she continued. "Which brings us to our other business."

Lucifer suppressed a cynical smile. She was good. Unfortunately for her, he was better.

"You have the collection complete, I believe?"

From the corner of his eye Lucifer saw Filing nod-and shoot a glance at him.

"I assume you foresee no difficulties in the distribution to those deserving?"

"No," Filing murmured. "All seems… straightforward."

"Good. Our next outing will be as scheduled. I've had a letter confirming there's been no change to the plans. If you could pass the word on to those interested?"

"Of course."

"And do remind them that we'll need the group assembled in good time-we can't wait for stragglers. If they're not there from the very first, then we really cannot include them in the group, so they'll miss out on the benefits of the excursion."

Filing nodded. "If any want to argue that point, I'll suggest they speak with Thompson."