Page 75 of Temptress in Disguise
The men did not embrace, but love flowed between them, an unstoppable molten river capable of destroying anyone who stepped in their path.
“We’re extremely pleased to see you, Mr Chance.”
Aaron looked at her with a disapproving eye. “I had every reason to fear the worst. The innkeeper in town said you left for the manor at midday and failed to return. I called at the house, but no one answered. I’ve spent hours searching the woods and scouring every deep ditch.”
Another woman might cower beneath the force of his growing temper, but she knew his annoyance stemmed from fear. Who comforted him in the darkness?
Much to the man’s shock, she hurried forward and hugged him. “I’m sorry if we worried you. Please know I’d rather die than let anything happen to Aramis.”
Aaron stood stiffly, his body as hard as granite. “Based on the facts, it’s only natural a man would be concerned.”
Silent words must have passed between the brothers because Aramis came to Aaron’s aid. “If you don’t release him, we’ll have another body to contend with. He’s not drawn a breath since you pressed your cheek to his chest.”
She stepped back into the comfort of her husband’s embrace. “Forgive me. My emotions often get the better of me.” And it was evident from Aaron’s stony expression he did not welcome this show of affection.
Aaron brushed his hand down his black waistcoat. “Would you mind telling me why you’re creeping about in the dark?”
Aramis explained all that had happened since they’d left London, omitting to mention they could barely keep their hands to themselves. “We think Lydia discovered the truth about Edwin Budworth. That’s why she’s agreed to hide at Chivers’ apartment.”
“No woman in her right mind would want Chivers for a husband,” Aaron agreed. “The man’s terrified of his own shadow. Though I have news that may cast doubt on your theory.”
“Oh?” Nothing Lydia did would surprise Naomi now.
“Miss Fontaine has disappeared again along with her clothes and Chivers’ diamond cuff links.” Aaron’s raised hand prevented them from interrupting. “We found the solicitor’s clerk. Miss Fontaine paid him a visit along with a man fitting Edwin Budworth’s description.”
“Edwin?” The news hurt like a blade to the heart. Lydia was attempting to find evidence of fraud. “Have any letters arrived for me?” Had guilt pricked Lydia’s conscience? Was she trying to help solve the case? Did she even know her lover was a cold-blooded killer?
“Not to my knowledge,” Aaron said.
“Did the clerk say what Miss Fontaine wanted?”
“The clerk admitted his employer was paid to forge the will. He insists he played no part other than remaining silent. Miss Fontaine made him pen a confession. Daventry has the man in custody.”
“Does he have his employer’s new address?” she said.
“No. He’s not seen or heard from the solicitor since the reading of your father’s will. There’s every chance he’s dead.”
Sadness hung like a heavy weight in her chest.
Greed was indeed one of the deadliest sins.
“Had my sister visited the clerk with Mr Chivers, I might have faith in her motives.” She glanced at Aramis. The tower of strength she couldn’t live without. “She has chosen Edwin Budworth over me. They mean to frame me for murder and claim my share of the inheritance.”
Aramis captured her hand and pressed a lingering kiss to her knuckles. “You have my word they won’t succeed.”
“Every instinct says you’re right,” Aaron said, observing his brother keenly. “Lord Bedlow told me he offered to marry your sister, but she refused him. He said regardless of the gossip, he was not her lover. She insisted he was too good for her, so he showered her with gifts to win her favour.”
Naomi hung her head in shame.
It was her fault Lydia was cavorting with a criminal. Had they remained at Hartford Hall, things might have been different. “I knew Lydia Grant. I don’t know Lydia Fontaine. My sister was patronising but always caring. The actress is everything I despise.”
Aramis gathered her in his arms. Despite the uncomfortable silence, he stroked her hair. “Nothing I can say will ease your pain, but you’re not alone, Naomi. You’re part of my family. Delphine will be a good friend to you.”
“Difficult decisions lie ahead.” Aaron’s stern tone said he thought she would stumble at the first hurdle. “No one wants to see their sibling hanged. Miss Fontaine’s actions will lead to nowhere but the scaffold.”
It hurt to hear the truth, but she couldn’t worry about Lydia anymore. Not when she risked losing the one thing she held dear.
She kissed Aramis on the cheek and then straightened. “I mean to save my own neck, Mr Chance. Let us search the house for clues before departing for Northwood. I suspect we will find Lydia and Edwin Budworth there.”
