Chapter Twenty-One #2
“Each in a different way. All suspicious but plausible causes of death. One drowned in the bath; one slit her wrists, with her death deemed a suicide; and one was strangled by a supposed intruder. Anyway, this pattern is certainly frightening.”
“Where did you get this information from?” Rhys asked.
Elizabeth arched an eyebrow.
“I’m impressed,” Rhys said. “Just curious how you always find out this kind of gossip.”
A small smile played around Elizabeth’s mouth. “I have many sources, but in this case, my grandmother’s lady’s maid was a fountain of information. She pays attention and enjoys telling what she finds out.”
Rhys frowned. “I wonder who his current mistress is?”
“I know,” Violet said. “Lady Awbrey. She is a widow who lives over in Portman Square. She has been under the duke’s protection since last summer.
She often entertains with him because she knows everyone in society, as her late husband was the Earl of Awbrey.
But come to think of it, I haven’t seen her in several weeks.
I wonder if they have broken it off.” She exchanged a look with Rhys, and his frown deepened. “What are you thinking?”
“Nothing. Just something I missed in all this.” His frown stayed in place.
“How’s the leg?” Matthew asked him.
“Oh, fine.” Rhys waved a hand dismissively.
Violet turned to Rhys with alarm. “Oh dear, I didn’t even think of it.” She had sat on his lap and probably pressed on his wound. “I didn’t hurt you, did I?” she said in a low voice.
“No, sugar.” He pressed a kiss to her temple.
Across the table, Violet didn’t miss the other couple exchange curious looks. Good Lord, what must they think of her? She lowered her gaze to her hands. Here she was, in the middle of the night in the kitchen of a gaming hell, only days after her husband’s funeral.
Then Elizabeth’s hand covered hers. “Hey, this is the last place where you need to worry about propriety. Trust me, we don’t judge. We are simply nosy friends.”
Violet relaxed her shoulders and returned the other woman’s smile.
Elizabeth turned her sharp eyes to Rhys. “Don’t think I didn’t notice earlier when she said there was no food at your house. Your house—where I have never once been invited.”
Matthew shrugged. “Neither have I, darling.”
Rhys rubbed the back of his head with one hand. “I don’t invite anyone to my place. It’s a safety issue.” He glanced at Violet. “This one just shows up.”
Violet’s mouth gaped. “Pardon, you said—”
Rhys put two fingers on her lips. “Shhh, luv, you are getting me in trouble.”
“Perhaps you should let people into your life more, then,” she said against his fingers. “And get some furniture.”
Across the table, Matthew burst into laughter. “Never thought I’d see the day…”
Rhys glared at his friend. “All right, perhaps it’s time to get you home. It’s very late, and you need sleep.”
Violet rose to her feet. She was tired now that she had a full belly. “Yes, sir.” She raised her hand in a mock salute but couldn’t quite stop her smile.
Rhys grumbled and helped settle her cloak around her shoulders.
“It was a pleasure to meet you, Matthew, and to see you again, Elizabeth.”
Elizabeth came around the table to embrace her. “I’m so glad to hear that you are safe. I have been very worried for you ever since last Christmas.” She whispered, “The change in your circumstances must be a relief.”
Tears unexpectedly pricked the back of her eyes at the kindness from this woman whom she barely knew. She returned Elizabeth’s embrace. “I hope to see you again soon. Good night.”
As they walked out of the back door, Rhys weaved his fingers with hers. He was quiet while they walked down to the mews. Violet glanced over at him and noticed his furrowed brow. “Are you thinking about the piece of information you missed?”
“Yes.”
“Do you want to tell me?”
“When I was asked to stop Lavensham, the person said that ‘she was in danger.’ I was so focused on what Lavensham could be up to that I didn’t remember the ‘she is in danger’ part. It must be about his mistress, I think. I almost missed it.”
“We could warn her. If we can find her. Perhaps I could pay her a call.” Violet frowned. “No, I am not allowed to make social calls.”
“Don’t worry. I will take care of it. This isn’t your problem anymore.”
“What do you mean?” The finality of his tone stung.
“I mean that your husband is no longer a threat, and you no longer need to hunt for blackmail. My business with Lavensham need not be your concern.”
“So, you are saying you no longer need my help.”
“Yes.”
Violet pulled her hand free of his. “I see.” And she did.
She had been inserting herself into his life, into his home, a home he didn’t even share with his closest friends.
All this time, she thought they were working as a team, but he’d simply recognized that she needed help.
He had been rescuing her at every turn. Feeling a fool, she quickened her pace.
“Violet, what’s wrong?” Rhys caught up to her easily.
“Nothing,” she lied. “I am tired. You’re right; it’s time for me to go home.”