‘Which makes him an excellent choice to continue someone else’s work, since you yourself can vouch for his whereabouts when your brother’s death happened. There is a twisted sort of irony in the killer’s choice of assassin, if that is the case.’
‘Salford was constantly borrowing from his fellow officers, that much I do know, and had to be reminded of his obligations more than once,’ Ezra said, ‘which implies a permanent shortage of funds.’
‘Even so, killing a duke…’ She mangled her lower lip between her teeth. ‘I cannot imagine how desperate he would have to be to take the risk.’
‘Even a duke against whom he bears a massive grudge?’
‘Well,’ Clio said, getting to her feet and brushing down her habit, ‘in that case, I had best make myself agreeable to him and complain about your high-handed manner. Then perhaps he will let something slip.’
Chapter Seven
Clio had lingered too long in the duke’s company, making it seem as though she was encouraging his interest in her. If Beth wasn’t to his liking, she reasoned, then she herself stood no chance. Not that she had any particular desire to impress him, but she would at least like to win his respect. Respect, yes, that was the best she could hope for.
‘Slow down!’
His voice behind her caused her to turn sharply and her foot slipped from the worn stone she had placed it on. A strong arm circled her waist, preventing her from taking a tumble and twisting her ankle. She let out a startled little cry as her body collided with his and the air left her lungs in an extravagant whoosh.
‘Careful,’ he said, his voice as smooth as velvet as his breath peppered the top of her head and his dark eyes glowed with an unfathomable emotion. ‘This place is rife with dangers.’
Clio was unable to find her voice but nodded, agreeing with him for reasons that probably didn’t coalesce with his own thinking. He was slow to release her but when he did so he tucked her hand into the crook of his arm and insisted upon conducting her back to the horses.
‘I cannot help but wonder how I have managed to negotiate these stones so many times alone and not come to grief,’ she said in a sweetly sarcastic tone.
‘You will have to learn to accept gentlemanly gestures before you take yourself up to London for your season.’
‘I will do no such thing!’ she replied, thinking she probably sounded as immature as she felt at that moment, totally out of her depth when exchanging verbal barbs with this elegant sophisticate. And yet smiling and simpering and agreeing with every word he spoke simply wasn’t her way, so she would be herself and let him think what he liked. When she stumbled again, he took matters literally into his own hands by muttering something beneath his breath, sweeping her into his arms and carrying her the rest of the way as though she weighed nothing at all.
Clio was too astounded, too breathless, to raise any objections about his unorthodox conduct. He carried her effortlessly to the horses, at which point he set her back on her feet, looking smugly satisfied. Her legs were now so unsteady that she actually wondered if they would support her weight. Refusing to allow him to see that the gesture had affected her in any way, she merely nodded and reached for Raven’s reins. But once again, he was ahead of her. He untied them himself and swung them over Raven’s head.
‘Easy, boy!’ he adjured as the gelding shifted his quarters.
‘He doesn’t like impudent strangers,’ Clio said. ‘It is a trait that we share.’ She patted Raven’s neck as she wondered how to mount elegantly. Ordinarily she would stand on a rock but…‘Oh!’
Once again, he lifted her, this time into her saddle, but he held onto Raven’s reins close to the bit. ‘I don’t want you getting yourself into a compromising position with Salford on my account,’ he said in a stern tone.
‘I can assure you that there will be no compromising.’ But the sting had left her tone because she could tell from his concerned expression that he was…well, concerned for her reputation.
‘You cannot be sure of anything, since you are unaware of his intentions. I don’t mean to insult you, but if it is just your fortune that attracts him then he is not only foolish but desperate too. I dare say he has pressing debts…’
‘And he expects me, as an inexperienced chit without guidance to fall gratefully into his arms. Ha!’ She tossed her head indignantly. ‘In that case, he is destined for disappointment. However, I will have to speak with him at some point,’ she said in a considering tone. ‘Trust me to know how to handle him. I do not require your protection, your grace.’
‘You think you do not, but the man is dangerous.’ He grinned at her. ‘However, part of me wonders if you actually crave that danger and excitement.’
‘Part of you might be right about that,’ she conceded.
He sighed. ‘Reckless female!’
The duke—had he really invited her to address him as Ezra?—reclaimed his own horse and swung effortlessly into the saddle.
‘We had best not ride back to the estate together,’ Clio said. ‘If we are seen then it will raise eyebrows and leave me with awkward questions to answer.’
‘Raising speculations concerns you?’ He looked unconvinced. ‘Since when did you let such paltry considerations influence you?’
‘It is not my reputation that concerns me, but yours.’
‘Mine?’ He affected surprise that couldn’t possibly be genuine. Surely he knew what she was referring to, but he obviously intended to embarrass her by making her spell it out. ‘My aunt has plans for you and I would not have her think that I have scuppered them, which of course I have not. But I cannot convince her of that without telling her the real reason for our partnership, which obviously I cannot do without betraying your confidence.’
Aware that she was babbling, Clio abruptly stopped talking and pretended to concentrate upon guiding Raven across territory that he knew as well as she did and didn’t require any help to negotiate. She probably sounded very young and unworldly to such a refined gentleman, she thought, wishing that she could impress him with her wit and lively conversation. She searched her mind for amusing anecdotes but found it to be uncharacteristically blank.
‘Your aunt’s plans are doomed to failure, I’m afraid.’ His deep voice recalled her wandering attention as he held his stallion back and waited for her and Raven to join him. ‘However, I shall not embarrass you unnecessarily, sweet Clio.’
‘Behave yourself! We have agreed upon a strategy of sorts. I will help you to watch for men with murderous intent, and you have no need to charm me into compliance.’
‘I have agreed that you can observe. You will anyway, so I see little benefit in withholding my approval in that regard. But I will not have you taking any risks.’ He removed one hand from the reins and waggled a finger at her. ‘I am perfectly capable of looking out for myself and cannot be worrying about your welfare too.’
‘If you refer to the captain, then let me put your mind at rest. There is nothing he can say to persuade me to marry him. There are no threats or coercion he can employ, and he cannot take liberties here in the middle of a crowded house party.’ She twitched her nose. ‘Not that I would put it past him in other circumstances. He must be very desperate if he has settled his interest upon me, but—’
‘Clio!’ The duke threw back his head and sighed. ‘If you continue to underestimate your charms then you will put yourself into the middle of the very danger that I am attempting to protect you from.’
‘Let us reach an agreement, your grace. I will play my part, you will play yours, and we will trust one another to know how to go about so doing. In other words, I will not worry about you and you will return the favour.’
He smiled. ‘Have it your way.’
‘If you take that fork there, to the right,’ Clio said, pointing with her crop, ‘it will return you to the stables by a circuitous route.’
‘Then I shall do so, and look forward to seeing you this afternoon. I dare say your aunt has entertainments planne
d for our participation. But in the meantime, do not do anything rash or you will have me to answer to.’
‘Rash? Me?’ She adopted an arch expression. ‘I think you have mistaken me for a daredevil, your grace.’
She could hear his rumbling laughter echoing behind her as she cantered away.
Clio had been out far longer than had been her intention, she realised, as she approached the house. The sound of voices coming from the terrace implied that the guests had stirred and ventured out of doors. She glanced up at the sky, thinking it must be well past the noon hour. Not fit to be seen with her tangled hair and flushed face, she slipped into the house through a side door and reached her room without encountering anyone. Daisy was waiting for her, sitting on the window seat engaged with her sewing.
‘You were a long time,’ she said, putting her work aside. ‘I was getting worried. Goodness, what happened to you? Did you take a tumble?’
‘I don’t look that bad, do I?’ Clio glanced in the mirror and gasped. Her hair resembled a bird’s nest once more, tangled and in total disarray, and there was a smudge of dirt on her nose. Her cheeks were indeed flushed, which if one didn’t know better could be put down to the exhilaration of her ride. But her sparkling eyes, brimming with infectious amusement, told a different story. God forbid that she had seemed so…well, so provocative and disreputable to the duke. Whatever must he have thought of her?
Daisy helped Clio to strip off and then provided hot water for a much-needed wash. When she was clean, her nose smudge-free, she submitted to the long and painful process of having her hair untangled, thinking she only had herself to blame for riding hatless as she half listened to Daisy’s chatter about the goings-on below stairs.
Eventually her hair was restored to the type of order that Daisy insisted upon but seldom managed because Clio didn’t have the patience to sit still long enough for her to achieve it. She had only just finished a late breakfast and stepped into a pretty walking gown when Adele burst into the room.
‘Ah, you’re back. I came looking for you earlier.’
‘I lost track of time.’ Clio couldn’t admit the truth, not even to Adele. Especially not to her. ‘It’s such a lovely day, and there didn’t seem much point in rushing back when I knew everyone would still be asleep.’ Clio thanked Daisy and dismissed her. ‘Come and sit with me.’ Clio lowered herself onto the window seat and patted the space at her side. ‘I can see that you have something that you are bursting to tell me. Besides, I want to hear everything about you and Lord Fryer.’ Clio pinched her cousin’s cheek. ‘He was very attentive last night, which shows great good judgement on his part.’
‘Beth is dejected,’ Adele said, ‘and Mama is doing her best to comfort her.’
‘What is she dejected about?’ Clio asked, knowing very well.
‘She doesn’t think that she made a good impression upon the duke. He is so formidable that he intimidated her, and she got tongue-tied as a consequence. She forgot all the things she had endlessly practised saying to him inside her head and…well, she finished up not saying much of anything at all.’
‘Even so, she is by far the prettiest girl here, so if she does not meet with his approval there is no hope for anyone. And as for not talking,’ she added, thinking of her own outspokenness in the duke’s presence earlier and blushing, ‘we all know that young ladies are not supposed to be capable of forming opinions of their own, so I do not see how her reticence in that regard could have met with ducal disfavour.’
‘Oh no, no one could ever accuse my sister of having decided opinions.’
They both laughed.
‘Does Beth actually like the duke, or is she acting solely on my aunt’s orders?’ Clio asked after a short, reflective pause. If it proved to be the latter, then Clio would feel less guilty about occupying his attention, even if she had not done so with amatory intentions in mind.
‘I think most of the ladies in the room last night were intimidated by him, not just Beth. All except Cora Marlow, who is a forward little madam who thinks far too highly of herself. I heard her crowing to her mother about how ineptly Beth had handled the duke and how much better she will do when her turn comes. Anyway, I understand why Beth felt unequal to the task. He does rather dominate, although I don’t suppose he does so on purpose. It’s just his natural authority, his regal bearing and cultured style that gives one pause. But despite being daunted by his presence, all the ladies feel they have a duty to attract his interest. All except you and me, dearest. We are far too sensible and down to earth to harbour such lofty ambitions—but there is healthy competition, at least amongst the mothers and chaperones in that respect.’
‘Which seems unfair. It would be perfectly possible for Beth to make a good marriage to a man who does not frighten her. However, enough of Beth. I dare say the duke will decide upon a wife without concerning himself with our speculations.’ Clio turned towards her cousin and clasped her hand. ‘I am more interested in your impressions of Lord Fryer.’
‘Oh, Clio, I am so very pleased with him!’ Adele’s pretty eyes glowed. ‘He is so well travelled, an excellent raconteur and so attentive. I will confess that I liked him very much, and I dare to hope that he likes me a little in return.’
‘How could he not? But have a care, dearest, I have heard it said that his attentions can be fleeting. I would not have you build your hopes up only to have them dashed.’
‘Wherever did you hear such a rumour?’ Adele sent Clio a wary look. ‘I am perfectly sure there is no truth in it and someone was simply being spiteful because they are jealous that Lord Fryer showed me so much attention.’
‘I cannot recollect who told me.’ Clio grinned. ‘But even if it is true, someone must make him realise that he has finally met his heart’s desire, and if he cannot see that for himself in short order then he does not deserve you.’
‘Well, you are biased, and I know your warning was kindly meant. However, I shall not put myself forward today, and I shall see if Lord Fryer seeks me out. If he does not then I shall know that you are right about his fickle character and think of him no more.’ Adele bounced on her seat. ‘Anyway, I came to ask you about Captain Salford. He has created such a stir and set hearts afluttering. We were not at leisure to discuss his unexpected arrival last night, but I remain to be convinced that you knew nothing about it in advance. Come along, Clio, tell me everything. Has he proposed? Will you accept him? This is all so very interesting.’
‘Sorry to disappoint you, my love, but there is no mystery. Well actually, there is. His arrival here and the assumptions he appears to be harbouring as far as I am concerned are both mysterious and presumptuous.’ Clio sighed. ‘I suppose I shall have to listen to whatever he has to say in his own defence. I owe that much to my father, even though I cannot believe that the captain is acting with his prior knowledge and approval. Nor can I ask him, which is rather convenient from the captain’s perspective. Anyway, you can be sure that I shall not be announcing my engagement to the captain and leaving you to make your curtsey to the ton alone. Not that you will have to, since I dare say Lord Fryer will have the good sense to go down on bended knee long before then and save himself from the torment of seeing you surrounded by a dozen suitable beaus.’
‘If you are dead set against Captain Salford, then of course that is your decision, but don’t feel that I will hold you to your promise about our coming out together if you have found your heart’s desire.’
‘I have not, but if you have then you can be sure that I will excuse you from our agreement.’
Adele glanced out the window and smiled. ‘We ought to go down. Some of the guests are already gathering outside.’
Clio followed Adele’s glance, and immediately noticed the tall figure of the duke in the middle of a cluster of gentlemen. As though sensing her watching him, he glanced up and their gazes briefly clashed. He inclined his head and Clio felt her cheeks warm as she imagined the lazy, appreciative and slightly irreverent smile gracing his
lips that she had become familiar with. A smile that she hadn’t noticed him employing with anyone other than her.
She turned away, adjuring herself not to get carried away with fanciful notions.
Chapter Eight
‘I thought the assassin must have succeeded, you were gone that long,’ Godfrey remarked in a matter-of-fact manner when Ezra returned to his room with Merlin panting at his heels.
‘I have enjoyed a charming conversation with Miss Benton,’ Ezra replied, stripping off his shirt and throwing it on the bed.
Godfrey chuckled as he poured hot water into the ewer. ‘Is that what they’re calling it this week?’
‘I told her everything.’
‘You did what?’ Godfrey looked up askance, appearing to forget the scalding water and pouring it over his own feet. ‘Damn it!’ He quickly jumped clear of the flow and put the jug aside. ‘Bit risky, wasn’t it?’
‘I don’t suspect her of being the killer, or of being associated with him.’
‘Even so, guv’nor, what made you do such a thing?’ Godfrey looked perplexed. ‘Everyone knows that women can’t keep secrets to save their lives. Word of your impending demise will have spread like wildfire by the end of the day, you just mark my words. It’s far too juicy a snippet for her to keep to herself.’
The moment Clio had left him, Ezra found himself pondering upon the wisdom of his candidness himself but wasn’t about to confess that the minx was a little too easy to confide in. Or that by sharing his concerns with her, he had assured himself of her continued company and would be in a position to defend her against unwanted advances. ‘She had decided to warn anyone I frowned upon that I might be about to kill him,’ Ezra said, rolling his eyes. ‘I wouldn’t put it past her either, so it seemed safer to tell her the truth. If an agent of the assassin’s is here, we don’t want him alerted to the fact that we’re on to him.’
‘You don’t have to justify yourself to me,’ Godfrey said, grinning.
Fit for a Duke: Dangerous Dukes Page 10