And Theo- he hadn't once left her side since this business began. He was at once concerned and solicitous, if that was the right word. She sighed, inwardly. But he was still treating her like a child.
She kicked herself mentally for thinking that. At least now she had his undivided attention. Why couldn't she be satisfied and just leave it at that? Unfortunately, she had the answer for that one ready at hand. She couldn't be satisfied because it wasn't the sort of attention she wanted from him. At the same time she began to suspect that perhaps Tessa might be right; that once she and Theo were married, he would be able to let his guard down. Perhaps he needed to distance himself in order to keep his passions at bay. But was that possible? Was he waiting for the day when they would share themselves as man and wife?
She ventured a glance at him and found that he was watching her speculatively, and for a moment she had the uncomfortable feeling that she had spoken out loud, or- even worse!- that he could read her thoughts! He gave her one of the small, enigmatic smiles he had taken to giving her lately. Then, he kissed her.
Her arms quickly encircled his neck, as though possessed of a volition all their own. All too soon, however, they parted, she breathless, he with an unmistakable smile lurking in his eyes.
'Theo, sit down and stop tormenting the poor girl!' his mother said, buttering a piece of toast. 'And you, young lady! If you don't stop looking like that, you're going to hurt yourself.'
'It takes a one to know a one, Mother,' Theo drawled, causing Mrs. Dewhurst to look up at him in perplexity.
'If you don't mind your manners, Theo, I'm going to . . . well, when I think of something, you'll definitely be the first to know.'
To Pamela's incomprehension, Mrs. Dewhurst was blushing. Catching Pamela's eye, she mouthed, 'Don't even ask.' Pamela began eating her breakfast, thoughtfully, wondering what was going on. Until she noticed the look that passed between Inspector Matthews and Mrs. Dewhurst. She didn't realize she was staring until Theo gave her hand a little squeeze. To her lasting surprise, when she looked up, he was grinning broadly, but he erased his smile as quickly, putting a finger to his lips.
You utter fraud! she thought, having finally gotten a look behind his mask.
And yet, for some reason, she still wasn't entirely sure of what she'd seen, or what she'd learned about him.
The following day, she, Tessa and Fred went to the Crown Tavern to check on how the work was progressing. Theo had been right: the entire wall was less than stable. The masons had to literally take it apart, stone by stone, and reassemble it. But the work was nearing completion and already business was brisk, despite the renovations that were taking place.