Page 84 of My Kind of Scoundel
“No, I acquired it this morning.”
Aaron studied both books. “They have the same bookplate.”
Eleanor straightened. “Who does the book belong to?”
Daventry found the question amusing. “I confess, I had my agent break into the house toborrowit. Therefore, wecannot use the book as evidence.” His smile broadened into a grin. “D’Angelo took it from Lord Wrotham’s library. He inherited the books from his mother. Hence the image of two turtle doves. In her memory, Wrotham had more plates printed. D’Angelo found a file full of them in the desk drawer.”
The room plunged into silence.
While Eleanor tried to imagine Lord Wrotham attacking her in the yard, Aaron gritted his teeth and cried, “That cowardly fop used Miss Darrow because of her connections to this family.”
“That’s not the motive,” Theo said. “How can it be? Until our encounter at the Olympic, Wrotham knew nothing about my relationship with Miss Darrow.”
“This case has us going around in circles.” Eleanor knew there was but one way to solve the mystery. “We need more information. We should begin by using what we have against Lady Lucille and Miss Franklin.”
Everyone remained quiet while considering the point.
“I agree,” Mr Daventry eventually said. “We trick them into meeting and apply pressure to get answers.”
Eleanor had an idea. “I have a letter Miss Franklin sent thanking me for giving her sewing lessons. I could copy the handwriting and write to Lady Lucille.”
“You have a book from Miss Franklin’s cousin,” Theo added. “Why not say you were given a message as well? Use the termfriendinstead of giving a name. If the plan works, they’ll both believe they have been summoned by the other.”
It could work.
Providing Eleanor perfected her acting skills.
“Excellent.” Mr Daventry clapped his hands together. “Let’s put the plan in motion.” He raised his hand. “Just a word of caution. It takes cunning to keep a secret. Men kill for a pocket watch. Remember, nothing is more important than protecting each other.”
Chapter Eighteen
“Thank heavens Rothley is otherwise engaged tonight.” Aaron observed the men throwing their fortunes away at the tables. “Many refuse to play with him. I might ask Devon Masters to join a game and see if Rothley is hiding cards up his sleeve.”
Theo wondered if Aaron’s problem with Rothley had more to do with the marquess’ interest in The Burnished Jade. “You’re the only man in London who could accuse Rothley of cheating and live to tell the tale.”
Theo prayed the marquess hadn’t set his sights on Miss Scrumptious. Aaron could handle anything, except watching the woman he secretly admired being courted by another man.
“I’d take great pleasure in wiping the smug grin off his face.”
“You should tell Miss Lovelace that Rothley is watching her property. You don’t want him to catch her unawares.”
Aaron cursed under his breath. “If he hurts her, he’s a dead man. I don’t care about his damn title.” He paused,realising his outburst may have revealed too much. “I cannot abide men who target vulnerable women. The sooner Rothley gets bored with this club, the better.”
An argument erupted at the hazard table.
After a few cross words from Aaron, the game resumed peacefully.
“Thank you for letting Eleanor stay,” Theo said. They agreed that until they determined how the Franklins were involved, it was safer for Eleanor to stay at Fortune’s Den. “I’m sure this dreadful business will be over soon, and we can return to normality.”
Aaron held Theo’s gaze, a questioning look in his dark eyes. “We don’t keep secrets, not from each other. You know I despise being kept in the dark.”
Theo should have called him a hypocrite. Aaron was never honest about his own feelings. “I have kept you informed every step of the way.”
“I’m not referring to the case, but your feelings for Miss Darrow.” Aaron gave a humourless chuckle. “Daventry possesses an otherworldly skill. He knows exactly what a man needs in a woman. He found your ideal mate.”
Eleanor was more than his ideal mate.
She completed him.
