Page 94 of The Last Chance
A sudden knock on the door brought Aramis, who cut a commanding figure despite him wearing nothing but trousers and a loose white shirt. “I heard a commotion.” He stared at Miss Stowe and frowned. “I trust all is well.”
Aaron nodded. “Miss Stowe found a few notes in Lucia’s room. The maid corresponded with someone who knew she wasn’t an orphan of Italian descent. Daventry will be interested in the handwriting.”
“It bears similarities to the other letters sent,” Joanna said.
Aaron gave Aramis the note he held. “It’s from Lucia’s mother, though she told Miss Stowe her parents died on the ship from Naples. It proves she lied and is working with Howard’s killer.”
Miss Stowe sniffed. “How could I have been so blind?”
Joanna tried to ease her guilt. “Kindness is not a weakness. Lucia is the only one who should be ashamed.”
Aramis studied the elegant script. “Yes, I would say it’s identical to the other letters in your desk. Though until we find the maid, we can’t prove anything.”
Aaron stifled a yawn. “It’s late. We can discuss it at the family meeting in the morning. We need a plan of action. We need answers before the magistrate loses patience.”
“A plan that involves your brothers helping you,” Aramis stated.
“We’ve been over this a hundred times.”
“I demand we discuss it again.”
“Tomorrow.”
“We’re men now,” Aramis complained, perhaps glad of an audience because it meant Aaron had to control his temper. “How long do you intend to keep treating us like children?”
Aaron jerked like he had been hit with an arrow. Despite everything he had sacrificed for his family, he wore the pain of failure in his strained expression. “I wasn’t aware my concern for your safety grieved you.”
“You’re twisting my words,” Aramis said through a strained sigh. “I would like to fight for this family, too, but you rule with an iron fist. Let me help you.”
Aaron nodded. “We’ll discuss it tomorrow. It’s been a long day, and I must ensure Miss Stowe arrives home safely. Send Sigmund in on your way out.”
It was Aramis’ cue to leave.
He did so, calling his brother a stubborn ass.
Sigmund came to the study, but Aaron ushered him out onto Aldgate Street so they might speak privately. He returned to inform Miss Stowe there was a hackney waiting to take her home.
“If Lucia returns, you must call a constable.” Joanna hugged Miss Stowe, offering a warm smile when every cell in her bodyfeared what Aaron planned to do. “I’ll visit you tomorrow and inform you of our progress.”
Miss Stowe left with Sigmund.
“It’s bitterly cold tonight,” Aaron said, pulling the blanket tighter across Joanna’s chest. “Wait for me in bed until I return.”
Joanna ripped the blanket off her shoulders and threw it onto the chair. “I’m coming with you to Lambeth. I’ll wake the whole house if you refuse.”
He exhaled calmly, which proved more unnerving than his blunt retorts. “I’m walking into a trap and need to go alone.” He tucked her hair behind her ear and kissed her so deeply it was like he had slipped beneath her skin.
“You can’t bribe me with a kiss.”
“I can’t fight if I’m worried about you. Stay here. Please, Joanna.”
She laid her palms on his chest. “I’m in love with you, Aaron. I’ll not sit here, mindless with worry. Besides, if it is a trap, they won’t be expecting me.”
He remained silent.
“Trust all will be well.” She alluded to their earlier conversation about being ruled by fear. “Believe we’re living the life we’re meant to, regardless of what happens tonight.”
His smile was tepid at best. “That’s easy to say, but nothing scares me more than venturing into unknown territory.”
