Ring of Secrets by Roseanna M. White Read Free Book Online Page A

in Connecticut to know my way about the city these days.”
    â€œYou can certainly do no better than Mulligan’s,” Rob interjected. “He and my father have been friends for decades as well.” They had in fact known each other back in the days when one could confess one’s politics without being beaten and dragged from one’s house for them, or forced into the city with a blanket over one’s head.
    Rob took the buttons Mulligan selected and wrapped them up.
    Lane turned and faced Mulligan. “Your name is bandied about with respect as well, Mr. Townsend. I am told I can do no better for my dry goods. And my not-dry goods, if I incline that way, though I confess I am not overly fond of rum.”
    â€œNor am I, truth be told.” Rob handed the package of buttons toMulligan, along with the cloth. “But I am happy to help you with your other needs. We received a new shipment of mushroom catsup.” At the look upon his customer’s face, Rob chuckled. “Spanish olives, perhaps? Some Gloucester cheese?”
    Lane straightened, shaking his head. Unlike most gentlemen of his standing, he wore no wig under his hat. And was that cloak of homespun?
    Yes, he needed that appointment with Mulligan, to be sure.
    â€œWhat have you by way of stationery? I am in need of a good deal of paper, a new journal bound in leather, and some ink, if you have it.”
    â€œCertainly. One moment.”
    Rob moved to the aisle containing the requested goods.
    â€œA good deal of paper, you say?” Amusement sounded in Mulligan’s voice. “Writing a book, good sir? Or perhaps a pamphlet?”
    The newcomer chuckled. “I am afraid I must plead guilty to all manner of scholarly pursuits. I am a professor at Yale in the subjects of chemistry and philosophy, and I have been known to fill many a winter night at work upon my treatises. Unfortunately, I left my home in haste and failed to bring adequate supplies with me.”
    â€œUpon hearing your family’s news, I assume. With your father gone, your mother is no doubt pleased to have you home.”
    Lane released a breath that sounded of laughter. “She may have been, had she remained long enough to receive me. It seems she had little faith in my arrival and went to visit her sister upon my father’s departure, as my brother is away on maneuvers as well.”
    Rob lifted a goodly amount of paper from its shelf, its color near white and its weight thick, and then he added the nicest of his leather-bound diaries. And, in case the man’s cloak was a testament to his spending habits, poorer versions of the same. After adding a selection of quills, ink, and a pen knife for mending nibs, he returned to the counter.
    Mulligan had gathered his notions together and nodded upon Rob’s return. “I must be away. I thank you, Mr. Townsend, for yet again coming to my rescue. Do give your father my regards when you write him. And I shall look forward to seeing you next week, Mr. Lane.”
    â€œLikewise.”
    â€œâ€™Twas a pleasure speaking with you, Mr. Mulligan.” Rob smiled atthe older man as he left, and then he spread out the writing supplies on the counter. “Here you are, Mr. Lane.”
    â€œAh, thank you.” With the exact expression children usually wore when perusing his sweet selections, Lane flipped through the paper and examined the writing instruments. “A most excellent stock of paper, sir. Very white.”
    â€œI always keep some of the highest quality on hand.” Largely because the sympathetic stain worked best upon paper of pure white, though others oft preferred to buy it as well. Rob adjusted his spectacles and glanced at his partner’s back at the end of a long aisle of goods. He had to watch his every move, his every thought whenever Oakham was nearby. Heaven help him if the man ever realized Rob was aiding the Patriots under the cover of their store.
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