I lifted my head and met Blunt's gaze. Jacob shot a small smile my way. "That's it," he said.
"I was looking for Mrs. White and my friend George Culvert," I said to Blunt. "I believe they came this way. I've got a headache you see, so I waited in the drawing room while they looked for a suitable new maid." I pressed my fingers to my temples and feigned discomfort. Blunt's expression didn't change so I couldn't be sure if he believed my little act or not. "Unfortunately I don't feel any better so I was looking for George to ask him to take me home."
Blunt's moustache twitched and two wet lips appeared through all that hair. I think he was smiling at me. Or not. It was hard to tell. "Who were you talking to just now?" He looked over my head down the corridor. "There's no one here."
He'd heard me!
"Tell him your name," Jacob said, "and let him make his own conclusions." He chuckled darkly.
"Forgive me, I haven't introduced myself," I said sweetly. "My name is Emily Chambers and I-."
"Chambers!" Blunt's eyes widened. "The spirit medium?" His gaze quickly flicked past me again, side to side, over his shoulder then back to me once more before going through the routine again.
Perhaps my reputation wasn't such a bad thing after all. I tried to keep my satisfied smile to myself. "The very one," I said.
He shuffled closer then bent almost double to speak to me at my level. He reeked of cigar smoke. "A ghost haunted me last night. You weren't, ahem, talking to it just now by any chance?"
I dropped my voice to match his. "I can't discuss that with you. Professional reasons, you understand."
Jacob tipped his head back and laughed. It was very difficult not to laugh along with him.
"Ah." Blunt nodded and straightened. "Yes, of course, you and your sister have to make a living. No one knows about the necessity of a good business ethic more than me." He puffed out his barrel-sized chest, which pushed out his waistcoat and tightened the pocket watch chain. I kept one eye on it in case it snapped and I had to quickly get out of the way of any flying links. "I called on you both this morning but you were out," he said. "Perhaps you could have your sister contact me to schedule an appointment. I am in great need of your services."
"Of course."
"Tell her it's urgent."
"She's always prompt."
"Good, good. Now to that headache of yours. Can I have someone bring you a draft?"