Read The Hidden Man: A Phineas Starblower Adventure (Phineas Starblower Adventures) for Free Online

thoughts?”
    “You have gone off without your cloak again madam.”
    “What?” Tash was yanked out of the mass of lists and plans she was busily forming in her head. She turned to Gopal and focused on him for the first time since Mansfield had left.
    Gopal smiled. “You have forgotten your rain cloak Tash, I sincerely doubt that the rain has ceased for the evening.”
    Tash rolled her eyes. “Alright, I shall calm down, I suppose what you are trying to say is that if I have forgotten my cloak what else have I forgotten?”
    “That is precisely correct. Tash, you used the term “we” shall I remind you that Lord Mansfield demanded your presence in his office tomorrow morning? It sounds to me like you are planning on being in attendance on this expedition.” Gopal offered up a slight smile before continuing.
    “As for my thoughts, I found Lord Mansfield’s behavior deplorable, he did not so much as ask for your and Mr. Starblower’s assistance as he demanded it. The very notion that an airship, worth thousands of pounds, be turned over to a complete stranger “to be used as he saw fit” is completely outrageous. However I understand that you were not in a position to refuse nor would you have as it sounds as if Dr. Nordstrom may well be in danger.”
    Tash fidgeted and opened her mouth to speak but Gopal held up his hand. “Another point of consideration here is that Lord Mansfield seemed intent on contacting Mr. Starblower and I am afraid that he will not give up until he speaks to our honored gentleman; despite the fact that Mr. Starblower is completely unreachable at the moment. How are you going to get out of this one?”
    “I am not going to “get out” of it Gopal. I will be on board the Soul of Discretion as Mr. Starblower’s mouthpiece. It will not be the first time I have acted as such. I plan to send a man from Lovelace to Lord Mansfield’s office and tell him exactly that. If he can’t understand then, tomorrow after we depart will be a little too late to stop me!” Tash grinned, “Besides when I tell William the story, I am betting that he will enjoy going himself to meet with Lord Mansfield.”
    “Perhaps, Tash, perhaps.” Gopal sighed. “I rather thought you would do something like this, I left instructions with Mrs. Hoskins to pack your trunk and let her know that we are not sure of our return date. She is to forward all inquiries for yourself or Mr. Starblower to Tumbledown House in Scotland. That should delay anything “urgent” for a few days at least. It will also put her in doubt that we will be returning to London anytime soon.”
    “Excellent! Oh Gopal, what would I do without you?”
    “Honestly Tash? I do not know. Now, you
are
going to tell Mr. Lovelace all of the details? It would be a good idea for someone to know where we are.”
    “Yes of course, you’re right.” Tash muttered. But Gopal had already lost Tash to her lists and plans. With a small smile Gopal settled back to work on his own list of things that needed to be done.
    When the carriage arrived at the solicitor's’ offices Tash offered Gopal a smile. The manservant returned it a little uncertainly, not liking the mischievous glint in her eyes. However he could not fault her decorum as he helped her down the carriage steps and escorted her to the front door of Lovelace, Binder & Morcombe’s. Gopal rang the bell and the door was opened promptly. “Miss Smythe-Harris to see Mr. Lovelace,” Gopal announced.
    They were ushered immediately into the outer offices. Gopal took his customary seat on the settee and watched Tash with some amusement.
    “Good Day Martin!” Tash declared to the elderly clerk.
    “Good Day Miss Smythe-Harris,” Martin got to his feet and bowed. “I am sorry madam, I did not know you were expected today. You are looking as lovely as ever.”
    “Thank you Martin, you are so kind, and you are also correct. I do not believe Mr. Lovelace is expecting me. However I have a matter of