Miss Radley's Third Dare (Miss Mayhem 3)

Julia tossed her head. “People are often jealous about another’s success or popularity.”

“Sometimes.” Imogen shrugged. “I simply wish he’d spend more time listening to you than talking about himself. Anyone could see you wanted to go with him, which reminds me to warn you again about wearing your heart on your sleeve in public.”

“We will never agree on this,” Julia insisted. “I don’t care who knows how highly I regard Mr. Linden. I love him.”

Imogen sighed deeply. “One day, perhaps you’ll understand the difference between infatuation and real love.”

Julia turned away from Imogen without a word as Sir Peter returned juggling three oranges for his

wife’s amusement. Of course she understood what real love felt like. She loved Anthony with her whole heart. When they were together, it was as if nothing else existed but him.

She was certain she could eventually bring Anthony up to scratch. She just needed to be patient. Some married couples were so sweet together. Take Mr. and Mrs. Faraday, who were approaching, arm in arm. Mr. Faraday tended toward gruff speech but his wife was entirely devoted to him. They’d been married for thirty years and were forever in each other’s pockets. When Mrs. Faraday glanced up at her husband, she saw nothing else.

Especially not the hurried approach of a rough-looking man who snatched her reticule from her grasp and hurried away with it before the woman could even cry out in protest.

Julia grabbed two oranges from Sir Peter, sighted her target, and flung the first fruit, catching the man a glancing blow to the shoulder. His stride broke but he didn’t fall, so Julia chased after him a few steps and flung the next. She landed a solid hit to his back and he fell.

Thankfully the man lost his grip on Mrs. Faraday’s reticule as he regained his feet with a vile curse and then fled the scene empty-handed.

Sir Peter, who’d also given chase, stopped at the nearest corner crossing and glanced around. “Damn, lost him,” he called back.

Julia hurried for Mrs. Faraday’s reticule, and after brushing off the lovely silk accessory, quickly returned it to the distraught woman. “Are you all right? I hope nothing of value is damaged, Mrs. Faraday.”

“Thank you. Oh, that was such a fright.” Mrs. Faraday stared at her as she held her reticule close to her chest. She blinked back tears. “How did you do that?”

She shrugged. “Practice and good aim. The first shot went wide because I wasn’t concentrating hard enough.”

Mr. Faraday set his arm about his wife’s shoulders and squinted at her despite his glasses. “Who are you?”

“Miss Julia Radley, sir. I know you both by reputation, of course. My brother patronizes your shop when our clock needs repair. A pleasure to make your acquaintance.”

However, her stomach flipped when the man turned away from her immediately. “We should go home.”

Most of the older set condemned her now, and despite her good deed, it seemed they still would. However, she did not regret her behavior today. She had acted on instinct, even in an unladylike manner, and despite the likely lecture coming from Linus she would do it all again. Her behavior had aided another. “I hope you are unharmed, Mrs. Faraday.”

Mrs. Faraday glanced at her wrist and rubbed over it. “A little abused but…”

“May I?” At her nod, Julia carefully peeled back the lady’s glove and inspected the reddened skin around her wrist. “Cloths dipped in a strong violet-leaf tea, after cooling of course, soon and repeated before bed. I would not embroider or sew for several days to allow proper healing if I were you. If it pains you greatly when bumped, perhaps a binding of linen, firmly done, would offer support for the hand and wrist.”

Faraday peered at her strangely. “You have experience with injuries of this nature.”

“Only my own. I once tripped and twisted my ankle very badly on a long walk. I was some distance from home and by the time I returned, my ankle had swollen from overuse. I could not walk freely for several days.”

“I see.” Faraday glanced down at his wife. “I’d better get you home, my dear.”

“Thank you, Miss Radley.” Mrs. Faraday touched her arm. “I truly appreciate what you did for me today.”

They turned for home and a small crowd of older residents went with them, asking question and offering aid. She smiled at how Mr. Faraday ushered his wife along with one arm wrapped protectively around her back. Old people were so sweet, even when they didn’t entirely approve of her.

Imogen clutched her arm. “That was amazing. I had no idea your aim was so true.”

“It normally isn’t, but I suppose I had the proper incentive. Mr. and Mrs. Faraday looked so happy moments before the thief struck.” She sighed. “I think I was a little angry that their mood would be spoiled.”

“Well, whatever the reason,” Imogen gave her a quick squeeze, “no one could fault you for thwarting a thief. Not even Miss Merton could complain. She’s an intimate friend of the Faradays, if you remember. So is Mr. Merton.”

Julia sighed. By nightfall, Valentine would certainly be regretting his rash marriage proposal to someone like her at that news.

“Val dined with them last night,” Sir Peter added. “I thought he was courting the daughter, but after what you told us of his proposal, I’m not so sure that could be the case. He’s not one to act rashly.”