Page 34 of Moonlight Encounter
“It will be a strange request, but I suppose I could visit Smythe and put the request to him. I shall propose we marry in the Smythe home if I am to pretend repairs of such magnitude are required. It will not do for him to visit our home.”
“That might be best.” Filminster hesitated. “I know it is much to ask, but I would truly appreciate it. Smythe is theonly suspect from our list who has any indications of questionable activities. He could be the one.”
As his heart sank, Aidan raised a hand to knead at his chest. He was hoping that one of the other investigations into their list of four suspects would bear fruit. Anything rather than hurt his intended in the near future.
Filminster must have noted his distress. “We will keep investigating the other men, but if Smythe killed my uncle, he will have to pay the price.”
“I know that. Lily’s safety is at risk, so I do not need reminding that it is my duty to reveal him as the killer if he did do it.”
“I regret that you are in this position … Aidan.” Filminster had moved closer, patting him on the shoulder even as he appeared uncomfortable. But Aidan appreciated the gesture.
Clearing his throat, he attempted to reciprocate. “Thank you … Brendan.”
Trafford chuckled, resuming his languid sprawl in the armchair. “It is heartwarming to witness family closeness.”
Aidan shut his eyes in aggravation. Trust the fop to ruin the moment. “Sod off, Trafford.”
Brendan laughed, his earlier bemusement forgotten, and Aidan caught a glimpse of the carefree fellow that his brother-in-law might be under less trying circumstances. “You are one of us now, Aidan. Only Trafford’s nearest and dearest tell him to sod off.”
Aidan shook his head. “If we reach the day that Trafford and I are friends, you should take me out back and put a musket ball through my head because it can only mean I have achieved a preposterous level of farce.”
Trafford pulled a face. “Careful, Little Breeches. You might hurt my feelings.”
“Do you have any?” Aidan shot back.
The clown shrugged. “Occasionally.”
Aidan snorted in disgust, albeit with an iota of gratitude that the fool did make him forget his troubles for a moment here or there. He supposed the other heir might have some use under the right circumstances, such as when a man was doing his best to act with honor to the women in his life.
How on earth had he managed to find himself toiling to secure Lily’s safety at the same time as protecting Gwen from scandal? Next week he would wed and this muddle would become ever more complicated.
CHAPTER 9
“Hope is a waking dream.”
Aristotle
AUGUST 25, 1821
Buttercup, Octavia, and Gwen stood in the family hall watching footmen moving Aidan’s trunks into the bedroom next to hers. Aidan’s valet, a gaunt man with a fastidious sense of style and an effeminate voice, directed the servants.
It was all rather strange, but her father had informed her that they would be staying with him until their new residence was ready.
Gwen did not know of higher-ranking members of thetonmoving into the homes of lower-rankingmembers for an extended length of time, but she supposed it made sense, what with Lord and Lady Moreland leaving London in a few days.
“What do you suppose is in Lord Abbott’s trunks? There are so many.” The footmen were showing some signs of strain as they filed past the door of Gwen’s room to enter the next one.
Gwen drew a speculative breath before finally answering with an air of confidence. “Books. The extra trunks are his books.”
Octavia frowned in question.
“He just returned from the Continent. He quotes Marcus Manilius and William Shakespeare with an accuracy and detail that imply a frequent interaction with his books.”
A smile broke over Octavia’s face. “He doesn’t possess the form of a scholar.” She held up her hands to indicate the width of his shoulders compared to his lean hips, finishing off with a slight cupping motion that provided evidence she had noticed—Gwen stopped breathing at the thought—hisderriere.
“Octavia!” Gwen’s remonstration was halfhearted. After several years of the servant’s company, she was well aware that the woman was entirely incorrigible.
The lady’s maid shrugged without remorse. “I know you’ve noticed, Gwendolyn Smythe.”
