Page 125 of A Dangerous Game (Regency Spies & Secrets 2)

Oliver tucked a lock of her hair behind her ear. “The bricks outside your window wouldn’t be too difficult to climb.”

“Now you say something,” she said lightly.

“We should get you out of this room,” he encouraged as he rose. “You will sleep in my bedchamber tonight.”

“I couldn’t possibly—”

He spoke over her. “Nonsense,” he said, offering his hand. “You will sleep in the bed, and I will sleep in the chair near the fireplace.”

“I don’t want to intrude,” she replied, rising.

“Frankly, I don’t want you out of my sight tonight,” Oliver asserted.

Her eyes turned downcast as she said, “I must admit that I feel the same way.”

“I am pleased to hear that.” Oliver slipped his arm over her shoulders, tucking her into his side. “Would you care for some tea?”

“Tea would be nice.”

“I shall see to it.”

“Thank you.”

“Don’t look at him,” Oliver instructed as they passed by her attacker’s sprawled-out body. “He isn’t worth your notice.”

They stepped into Oliver’s room, and he led her towards the four-poster bed. “I want you to rest until the tea arrives.”

She sat down on the bed. “Thank you for tending to me, Oliver.”

“It is my pleasure,” he replied. “Now, I’ll go see about that tea.”

Emmeline watched as Oliver walked over to the door, opened it, and provided instructions to the footman in the hall.

After he closed the door, he approached and sat down next to her on the bed. “What else do you require?”

She rested her head on his shoulder. “Just don’t leave me,” she murmured, her words coming out as a plea.

He kissed the top of her head. “I won’t, at least until the constable arrives,” he said. “But I will make sure your lady’s maid stays with you then, so you won’t be alone.”

“That is most thoughtful of you,” she acknowledged before retreating to her own thoughts.

“Have you seenhim before?” Oliver asked as the constable crouched next to the body.

“I have,” Constable Philmont replied. “His name is John Shaw, and he lives in the village.” He hesitated. “At least, he did.”

“Do you know of any reason he would attack my wife?”

“I do not,” the constable responded. “He worked odd jobs and spent entirely too much time at the pub, but he had never been in trouble with the law before.”

Oliver glanced over at the window, then said, “Her Ladyship believes he came in through her window.”

“Perhaps, but have you considered that someone intentionally let John into the manor?”

“I have,” he replied, his jaw clenched. “I also can’t help but wonder if my wife was attacked as retribution by the smugglers.”

“That is a possibility, as well,” the constable agreed, rising. “With your permission, I would like to interview the household staff and see if anyone lets something slip.”

“That would be wise,” Oliver commented. “Would you like me to join you?”

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