The Golden Spider (The Elemental Web Chronicles Book 1) by Anne Renwick

over the papers. “You’ve done impressive work here.”
    Amanda nodded, accepting both the apology and the compliment. She had a feeling he rarely delivered either. She swallowed, gathered her nerves and pressed her advantage. “Working together, we might well be able to speed the process.”
    He nodded. “I’ve not been much of a mentor, I’m aware.” He glanced at the door to his inner laboratory. “There’s been a pressing issue with other research…‌ but now, I find I have some time.”
    Her heart sank. He wasn’t here of his own accord. At best, her project was a way to fill his free time. At worst, Lady Huntley had badgered him into fulfilling his duty toward his student. Possibly both. Either way, she’d best set her girlish infatuations aside and focus on the task at hand. She directed her words to the sketches before her. “I’d quite welcome the assistance.”
    “There’s one more thing.” His voice held a note of warning.
    She held her breath.
    “Mr. Simon Sommersby appeared in my office yesterday, petitioning me for a place in my laboratory.”
    Amanda’s jaw tensed. Not only had she won a coveted laboratory position, she spent many long hours in here, out of Simon’s view, out of his reach. With so many laboratories to choose from, why this one? Classic male territorialism. Simon perceived Thornton as competition for her hand. Perhaps he would be right to worry, if only his perceived opponent demonstrated any interest. Both of them frustrated her to no end.
    Thornton gave her a significant look. “It seems he thinks I have need of a nerve calming agent. I realize that the two of you have something of a personal relationship‌—‌”
    “We’ve made no promises,” she objected, then, her face flushing, realized his true concern. With wide eyes, Amanda shook her head. “I’ve told him nothing.” Simon knew of her work. They’d discussed their respective research interests in vague terms over tea, but nothing specific. “He knows only of my interest in using clockwork devices to repair nerves, nothing more.”
    His eyebrows rose. “Really? Interesting.”
    Her stomach clenched into a tight knot. There she’d sat, wondering if such a man could be romantically interested in her, quite possibly jealous of Simon, and all the while he’d actually been wondering if she was betraying him, leaking laboratory secrets. Then a thought occurred to her. “Your…‌ your injury is common knowledge. Perhaps‌—‌”
    “Yes, perhaps.” Thornton rolled down his cuffs and lifted his coat from a nearby stool. “Now, the hour is late,” he said, once again all stiff formality. “I’ll escort you to your carriage.”
    They walked in uncomfortable silence down the stone-paved hallway, the only sound the rhythmic tap of his cane, his movements easy despite the small hitch in his step.
    Amanda had to ask. “Has there been any progress on the gypsy murders?” She waited as his lips twisted in consideration. Would he still tell her? Still include her in the investigations?
    “None,” he said. “Though I’m afraid it’s only a matter of time before another victim is found, Black works diligently to make it otherwise.” His steps paused and he turned a thoughtful stare upon her, then seemed to come to some kind of decision. “Black’s mother is gypsy. He was raised in a caravan, around campfires. He speaks Romani. If there is anything to be learned among them, Black is our best chance to ferret it out.”
    “Gypsy,” she repeated. That would explain his dark, swarthy looks and the distinct air that he was anything but a gentleman.
    “Do you have a problem with that?” Thornton’s eyes grew hard as they searched her face.
    “No! Not at all.” But this new knowledge left her no choice. She had to tell him, before Black discovered her family’s secret and told Thornton himself. She would not have him looking upon her with suspicion again. She desired his respect. “There’s