Page 61 of The Last Chance
There was an unmistakable look in his eyes, a silent plea for something more intimate than words. “Do you know what prevents me from mounting the stairs and inviting you to my bedchamber?”
“Yes, your vow.”
“No, the fact I would rather die than hurt you. I would rather suffer your indifference than your disappointment. I would rather be a man you admire, not one you grow to hate.”
Their eyes remained locked, their breathing no doubt mimicking the erratic train of their thoughts. Should she take a step forward or make a hasty retreat? Could she begin a love affair with him and keep her heart intact?
Fate made the decision for her.
The clopping of horses’ hooves and the rattle of carriage wheels on the cobblestones outside drew their attention to the front door. The vehicle stopped. A man called to the driver, the muffled voice impossible to identify.
A chill of fear swept through her.
Had there been a new development in the case? Had the magistrate come to make an arrest? Or was Mr Daventry the bearer of bad news?
The caller knocked on the door—the thud like a death knell—then he turned the handle, grumbling when two dogs began barking in the street.
Mr Chance tutted and marched to the door. “If that’s a wastrel come to ask when the club reopens, there’ll be hell topay.” He looked through the viewing window, gave a shocked gasp and opened the door.
Three people hurried into the hall, escaping the cold weather.
“Oh, what a dreadful night,” Mr Chance’s sister, Delphine, exclaimed. “We left Oxford at three o’clock, but there was a terrible accident near Waddesden. The road was blocked for hours. Then a vagrant tried to steal our luggage, and Dorian gave chase. We thought we’d never get home.”
Joanna watched from the gloomy depths of the stairs.
“We planned to arrive before the club opened,” the lady’s husband, Dorian Flynn, said. He removed his hat and combed his fingers through his dark hair. “Hoping to cover sixty miles in five hours was wishful thinking on my part.”
“Did you not receive my letter?” Mr Chance snapped.
Mrs Maloney—a kind, loving woman who had given the family lodgings as children and was like a second mother—wasn’t concerned about the accident or the delay. “It’s as I thought. The problem is more serious than you mentioned in your letter.” She tugged off her glove and cupped Mr Chance’s cheek. “Are your brothers well?”
“Presently. You were told to remain in Oxford.” He did not sound pleased. “No one knew you were there. Now, you’ve merely added to my burden.”
“We were worried,” Delphine said in their defence. “Where else would we be than here, offering our support?”
From amid the shadows, Joanna cleared her throat and descended the stairs. “Good evening. Mr Chance is just relieved you arrived home safely. You must be tired and cold after your long journey. I’ll light a fire in the drawing room and make tea.”
“Miss Lovelace.” Delphine’s gasp became a slow smile as she scanned Joanna’s daring dress. “What a pleasant surprise to find you here late at night. And what a beautiful gown, and such a fetching shade of blue. You look breathtaking.”
“I borrowed it from Mrs Daventry for the soiree we attended tonight.”
Mrs Maloney’s eyes widened. “Aaron went out?”
“To a demimonde gathering,” Mr Chance said impatiently. “We’re working with Daventry on a case. It was business, not pleasure.” He cast a covert glance Joanna’s way, the warmth in his eyes so opposed to his cold, abrupt tone.
“We’ve both been framed for murder,” Joanna informed them.
“Murder?” all three said in unison.
“It’s a long story.” Mr Chance motioned to the drawing room. “I’ll explain everything, but I insist you reside here until the matter is resolved.” He drew the villain’s letter from his pocket and gave it to Mr Flynn. “Threats have been made to our family. You’ll do exactly as I say. Is that understood?”
Mr Flynn read the missive.
The men shared a look of genuine concern.
“Do you know who sent this?” Mr Flynn handed the note to his wife. “What other threats have been made?”
“Berridge is involved, though I have no proof. The magistrate has granted us a temporary reprieve while we hunt for clues.”
