Miss Howard was certainly an intriguing subject to study. Right now, Joseph was pondering what could have put such a frown upon her face as she leafed through a book she'd picked up at the book-sellers. That she'd gone on to buy it was also interesting to him.
But such mysteries were of no consequence. What he was there for was a story. And surely soon she would lead him to one.
Joseph was so intent upon following Miss Howard, that he didn't notice the larger man crossing in front of him until it was too late. They collided, and the balding gentleman scowled at him menacingly.
"Oi! Whatcha doin'? Tryin' to lift me purse?"
Joseph smiled weakly and hurriedly shook his head. "No, my good man, I was just..." He glanced over to his quarry. "Distracted by a bit of skirt is all." He tried to dust off the man's lapel. The offended gent glowered some more and then finally accepted his reasoning and left him alone.
Joseph couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief.