Cassandra allowed genuine pleasure to brighten her features.
"Truly? I hope you do not mind."
"Not at all. If speaking with Professor Holstoke helps you find Mr. Whitmore, I am more than happy to assist."
She thanked him warmly.
Inside, Cassandra felt only satisfaction.
The opportunity had presented itself without her having to ask for it.
Professor Bellamy seemed like a genuinely decent man, and that realization left an uncomfortable weight upon her conscience. She was deceiving him, using his kindness to gain access to people and information he believed she sought for entirely innocent reasons.
But she could not afford to dwell on it.
Compared with the larger purpose behind her investigation, it was inconsequential. More than that, it was necessary.
She was searching for a man she believed to be involved in crimes far more serious than most people could comprehend.
If she revealed her true identity or the real reason behind her search, word could travel through the Association and eventually reach Whitmore. She could not risk exposing herself merely to ease her conscience over deceiving Professor Bellamy.
Her conscience would have to wait.
For now, Cassandra intended to cling to her alias for as long as possible. Elizabeth Pembroke, a widow desperately searching for a man connected to her late husband.
So far, the identity had served her well.
—
The gathering was held in one of the institution’s private lounge rooms.
Despite all the descriptions Bellamy had given her, Cassandra still had no idea what to expect when she arrived.
It was nothing like the stuffy, formal affair she had imagined. A table stood along one side of the room, laden with an assortment of tempting refreshments, drinks, and hors d’oeuvres. Guests mingled freely, forming loose clusters throughout the room, while conversations rose and fell at varying volumes.
Professors spoke with junior lecturers, assistants, physicians, and several advanced students. Everyone seemed comfortable in one another’s company, and judging by the ease with which they moved from one conversation to another, most appeared to know each other well.
Cassandra took in her surroundings carefully. She was one of only four women in a room otherwise dominated by men, and she would not have been surprised if the other three had accompanied their husbands.
Bellamy introduced her to several people as they made their way through the room. She listened attentively, smiled when appropriate, asked polite questions, and did her best to commit each name to memory.
Then she saw him.
Professor Matthias Holstoke stood on the opposite side of the room, deep in conversation with another man.
Her target appeared to be in his late sixties, perhaps older. His distinguished bearing and silver hair made it difficult to guess his exact age. Whatever the subject of their discussion, it appeared serious, and neither man seemed particularly eager to bring the conversation to an end.
Cassandra did not mind. She could wait.
She remained beside Bellamy as another gentleman approached them.
"Professor, I have just received word from—"
The man stopped when he noticed Cassandra standing beside Bellamy. He cleared his throat, looking slightly sheepish.
"Forgive me. That was terribly rude of me."
Bellamy smiled. "Mrs. Pembroke, allow me to introduce Mr. Alfred Yardley. He assists with several of our lectures and demonstrations. Mr. Yardley, Mrs. Pembroke."
Mr. Yardley bowed. "It is a pleasure."
"The pleasure is all mine."
Once the introductions were over, Yardley turned his attention back to Bellamy and briefly discussed a matter concerning an upcoming project. Cassandra listened politely while continuing to survey the room.
Holstoke was still occupied.
Eventually, another group drew Bellamy into conversation. Cassandra remained close enough to him that she would not appear stranded, though her attention continued to wander toward Holstoke.
She could hardly walk across the room and interrupt him. It would be both rude and uncouth.
Fortunately, she did not have to.
The conversation on the opposite side of the room eventually came to an end, and Holstoke turned in their direction.
His eyes settled on Cassandra.
He studied her with mild curiosity, evidently trying to determine whether he had encountered her before.
Then he approached.
With every passing second, he drew closer to where she stood. Yet once he was within reach, his attention shifted to Bellamy.
"Bellamy," he said pleasantly. "I did not think you would be able to make it this evening."
"I nearly did not," Bellamy replied. "Fortunately, circumstances were kind."
Holstoke smiled. "I am glad they were."
Bellamy gestured toward Cassandra.
"And I brought someone you are yet to meet." He turned toward her next. "Mrs. Pembroke, may I introduce Professor Matthias Holstoke? Professor, this is Mrs. Elizabeth Pembroke."
Holstoke bowed. "Mrs. Pembroke. How good of you to join us. Are you enjoying yourself so far?"
Cassandra nodded. "Yes, very much, actually. Thank you."
"Mrs. Pembroke has taken a considerable interest in our field of late. She has attended several of my lectures," Bellamy added.
"That I have," Cassandra said, uncertain of the sort of response she would receive.
For all she knew, Matthias Holstoke might be one of those men who held stringent views about gender and a woman’s place within the world. He could either indulge her or scoff at her interests.
She had expected the latter.
Instead, his response pleasantly surprised her.
"And what do you find so interesting about it?" Holstoke asked, genuine intrigue evident in his expression.
Cassandra allowed herself a small, almost demure smile.
"Oh, where should I begin? There isn’t any one particular aspect I could name. Everything I have learned so far about the human heart and lungs has left me in awe, though I confess I especially enjoy Professor Bellamy’s practical demonstrations."
"So you enjoy the dissections?" Holstoke asked.
𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝚠𝕖𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝕖𝚕.𝚌𝗼𝗺
"Why, yes." She did not hesitate. "I know it is hardly considered ladylike to admit such a thing, but I find them intriguing. Every lecture seems to uncover some new mystery of the human body that I had never considered before. I leave each one having learned something I did not know when I arrived, and I must confess, I find that immensely satisfying."
Holstoke nodded slowly. "I felt much the same way when I was a student. Though there were moments when remaining committed to the field proved to be the hardest thing in the world." He paused before adding, "Medicine is not a profession one can pursue simply because the idea of it is appealing. Many begin their studies filled with enthusiasm, only to discover that enthusiasm alone is not enough to carry them through."
Cassandra wasn’t certain whether his words were intended as a pointed remark about her, but his next statement dispelled her suspicion.
"But when a person possesses a genuine love for the subject, perseverance becomes considerably easier," he added sagely.
"You are quite right, Professor," Cassandra replied. "And you speak with great knowledge of the matter."
Men like Holstoke responded well to flattery. Cassandra knew that from experience. She had spent enough time around them to understand how easily their egos could be stroked.
People were also often more willing to reveal themselves when they believed the person listening admired them.
Holstoke’s mouth curved into a pleased smile.