A Perfect Deception

by Alyssa Drake

“I do not believe I have had the pleasure, Mr. Flannery.” Curtseying, Miss Randall widened her grin.

  “Da!” Alana’s voice echoed from behind them. A shotgun blast followed. Mr. Flannery issued a heavy sigh.

  “Miss Randall.” He nodded his head, setting Daphne on her feet. “If you don’t mind, I will leave you in Miss Randall’s care and see to my father. He’s been a bit of trouble this morning.”

  “Of course, Mr. Flannery. Please thank your sister for her invitation. I do hope she gets to sleep.” Daphne curtsied.

  Miss Randall offered her arm to Daphne, who accepted it gratefully. “Miss Clemens, I am delighted to have found you. It was your company I sought this morning. I have a problem, and you are the only person who can solve it.”

  “What can I help you with?” Leaning on Miss Randall, Daphne limped toward the main house.

  “I want you to end your friendship with Mr. Reid.”

  Chapter Fifteen

  Stretching his jaw wide, Thomas winced, rubbing a sore spot on the lower-left portion of his chin. He trudged toward the main house, oozing irritation. Aidan struck him. Once, and only once because Thomas had been focused on Miss Clemens. After which, he was forced to reprove Aidan for such a daring transgression. And Aidan never touched him again.

  The odds were unfair. Aidan was never much of a fighter, and Thomas knew his weaknesses. Which he used, not to hurt Aidan but to prevent him from landing another blow. Aidan looked worse for the lesson.

  A whinny caught Thomas’ attention. Standing next to the barn, Shadow waited, shaking his head, nudging the barn door. Thomas growled, sucking in a quick breath as a sharp pain radiated through his jaw. Marching across the courtyard, Thomas approached Shadow—who remained immobile—and wrapped his fist around the reins. “You caused me a great deal of trouble recently,” he grumbled to the horse.

  Pushing his head against Thomas’ shoulder, Shadow whinnied.

  “No, I am not giving you a treat.” He unlatched the barn, leading the horse into the stables. Ushering Shadow into his stall, Thomas stepped in behind the horse, closing the stable gate. He removed the bridle and bit, hanging them on the wall. Running his fingers over Shadow’s soft coat, Thomas reached into his pocket, removing a sugar lump. Shadow shoved his nose into Thomas’ chest, sniffing, his lips smacking together. Holding out his hand, Thomas patted the horse. “Thank you for taking me to her.”

  Exiting the stall, Thomas’ head wavered between the barn door and Phantom’s stable. It would be quicker… Miss Clemens flashed into his mind. If she were with him, she would suggest the passageway, even with her injured ankle.

  For someone who was considered a wallflower, Miss Clemens certainly found herself in a fair amount of complicated positions. Unlatching the gate, Thomas stepped into Phantom’s stall. His eyes sweep over the floor, several pairs of footprints had trampled the hay. He smirked. Benjamin was making use of the passageway too.

  Sticking his finger into the hidden hole, Thomas lifted a section of the floor, climbing down the ladder and pulling the board securely over his head. Stepping to the edge of the square of light, he aligned the tips of his shoes with the darkness, then stepped forward.

  One… two… three…

  When he reached the opposite end of the passageway, Thomas ran his fingers along the wall, searching for the lever. The bookshelf slid open before his hand touched anything. A mirror image stared back at him through the opening.

  “Thomas! What a surprise to find you here. I heard you took Miss Clemens horseback riding.” Benjamin tilted his head, a giant smile pasted across his face.

  “I did.” Thomas stepped out of the passageway.

  “Back so soon?” Benjamin rotated partially, matching Thomas’ movement.

  “She fell off.”

  “Again? I am beginning to doubt your ability as a tutor. What have you been teaching her?” Benjamin pressed his lips together, swallowing a smile. Thomas’ eyes flashed dark.

  “I have never been anything but proper with Miss Clemens.”

  “I am not accusing otherwise,” Benjamin replied, walking over to the bookshelf and pushing a book back into place. The bookshelf slid closed. “If Miss Clemens fell from her horse, then where is she?”

  “She is with Alana, learning to shoot.” Thomas grimaced. “Miss Hastings is invited to join them.”

  “Miss Hastings has a prior obligation,” said Benjamin. His eyes flicked to the library door as she entered, closing it quietly behind her. She turned and froze, a bright smile pasted on her lips.

  “Mr. Reid? What are you doing here?” Approaching them, she slid into Benjamin’s outstretched arm, leaning against his side.

  “I took Miss Clemens horseback riding this morning. The horse was startled by a snake and rode off with her toward Morris’ property. I chased them down but was unable to catch them before Miss Clemens fell.”

  Miss Hastings’ hands flew to her mouth, paling. “Is she alright?”

  “She is fine, Alana and I”—he noticed Benjamin flinch at the casual mention of Alana’s name—“rescued her from Morris’ estate—”

  “She fell on his property?”

  “We discovered her next to his barn.” Thomas’ eyes flicked to Benjamin. “She went with Alana,”—another flinch—“and Aidan to learn how to shoot a rifle.”

  “But she is injured, she should be resting.” Concern flitted across Miss Hastings’ face.

  “Perhaps she is stubborn, like you.” Benjamin brushed his lips across the top of Miss Hastings head. She turned her face to him, sliding her fingers down the side of his cheek.

  “Or you,” she replied.

  “It was faster for me to travel alone.” Thomas lowered his voice, leaning forward. “We discovered something on Morris’ estate.”

  Benjamin’s hand locked around Miss Hasting’s, squeezing tightly. “What did you find?”

  “Mrs. Clark.” The gruesome scene flashed into his mind—Mrs. Clark’s eyes, forever frozen in anguish, staring accusingly at him from the hay-strewn barn floor.

  “We will send Mr. Davis for the constable.” Benjamin glanced up as the library door opened again.

  “I will leave immediately, my Lord,” replied Mr. Davis, with a short bow. “What shall I tell him?”

  “That the body of Mrs. Clark has been discovered in a barn on Morris’ estate. The constable is currently lodging at the inn while he investigates the death of Mr. Pierce.”

  Mr. Davis nodded once, touching his hand to his forehead, no emotion passing over his face. Spinning, he exited the library. A moment later, the front door closed. Thomas shuddered, his eyes raising to Benjamin. “Are you certain we can trust him?”

  “Mr. Davis?”

  “Yes.” Thomas crossed his arms. “Did you know he used to work for the Shirely’s?”

  “That was the main reason I hired him.” Benjamin released Miss Hastings, walking over to the library wall, his fingers trailing over the books. “A servant who retains the secrets of his master, even after his employ has concluded, is a worthy employee.”

  “Worthy or not, he could still be working with Morris.”

  Benjamin yanked a book from the shelf, thrust it at Miss Hastings and turned, his green eyes blazing darkly. “Do not question my mind, Thomas.”

  The low growl rolled through the room. Thomas held up his hands, offering an easy smile. Benjamin must know something of Mr. Davis’ past to unequivocally defend his character—a deeply buried secret.

  “Why does Benjamin look as though he is about to strike you?” Edward’s head popped into the library. Grinning, he opened the door, strolling into the room, gesturing widely. “Please, continue with your discussion.”

  “Why does it amuse you every time we fight?” Thomas glowered at Edward.

  “Any activity which may result in striking my sister’s future husband,”—Edward tilted his head, glaring at Benjamin—“is one which I wholly approve.” His eyes flicked over Thomas, pausing on the discolored portion
of his jaw. “Although it appears you have already lost.”

  “Aidan hit me.”

  “Aidan?” Benjamin turned toward Thomas, arching an eyebrow. “How did you manage to anger him?”

  “I broke a pact…” Thomas waited. Benjamin stared blankly at him. “The same pact you broke when you proposed to Miss Hastings…”

  “I see.” Benjamin grinned, his gaze flicking to momentarily to Edward. “I am amazed Aidan managed to touch you.”

  “I was distracted.”

  “By who?” The grin on Benjamin’s face widened. “A lady, perhaps?”

  “Edward, since you are here, we need to discuss something.” Thomas returned his attention to Edward, ignoring Benjamin’s glee. “This morning, we discovered the body of Mrs. Clark.”

  “Who is we?”

  “Miss Clemens, Alana, and I.”

  “That sounds like an interesting morning.” The corner of Edward’s mouth twitched as his gaze slid to Benjamin. A silent conversation passed between them; Thomas’ eyes narrowed.

  “Yes, finding a woman stabbed to death in a barn is quite interesting,” snarled Thomas.

  “Thomas!” Edward’s visage purpled. “Samantha is in… the… room! You are worse than your brother.”

  “Thank you,” replied Thomas, winking at Miss Hastings.

  “Samantha,” Edward sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. “Please stay inside the house,”—he held up his hand, silencing her protest—“while Benjamin, Thomas, and I investigate the barn on Morris’ property.”

  “I gave you a book to keep you occupied,” murmured Benjamin. He slipped his arm around her waist, drawing her close. Pressing his mouth against her ear, he whispered, “You’ll enjoy it.”

  She tilted her head toward him, sinking her teeth into her lip. “Is that a promise, Lord Westwood?”

  “It is.” His lips brushed over her mouth. Edward growled, crossing the room in three steps. Thomas debated allowing Edward to reach Benjamin. At the moment, he was not pleased with either man. On the other hand, Benjamin had always defended him when the need arose…

  With a groan, Thomas stepped into Edward’s path, placing a hand against his chest. With a grimace, he shook his head. “As much as I would like to see you strike Benjamin’s smug face, he is my brother, and I must intervene.”

  Edward’s head slowly rotated toward Thomas, his eyes narrowed. “One day, I hope you are a father and all your children are girls.”

  The thought should have frightened him, but as images tumbled through Thomas’ mind, he could picture himself with children—even girls as Edward had threatened—teaching them to ride, fish, and all other manners of inappropriate activities. Beside him, her fingers laced through his, stood Miss Clemens. Desire poured through his veins, and his thoughts moved in a carnal direction—Miss Clemens’ sweet lips pressed against his, her body moving beneath him, her soft skin glowing under his touch.

  Bloody hell! How had she managed to penetrate his mind, his blood? He could not be in love with Miss Clemens. He hardly knew a thing about her, but here she was, filling his fantasies with promise, yet not the woman his mother intended for him—which perhaps was part of her charm. His brain flipped the idea over and over. Was he willing to risk his heart again? He stumbled, collapsing into a nearby chair as the familiar pain slashed through his chest.

  “Thomas? Are you alright?” Benjamin released Miss Hastings, diving toward him. “You look as though you are about to faint.”

  Thomas raised his eyes to Benjamin and forced a tight smile. “I think I may have come down with a terrible affliction.”

  “Shall I send for a doctor?” Miss Hastings asked, twisting her hands around the book.

  “No.” Benjamin snickered, returning to Miss Hastings’ side and snaking his arm around her waist. He touched his lips to her forehead. “Medicine will not help Thomas.”

  “What will?” Tearing her eyes from Benjamin, she focused her deep sapphire gaze on Thomas.

  Benjamin snorted. “Matrimony.”

  Miss Hastings’ face scrunched, a thin line appearing on her forehead. “I am not certain I understand Mr. Reid’s illness.”

  Wrapping her tightly in his arms, Benjamin bumped his nose against hers. “I do. I have seen that exact pained expression before.”

  “Where?”

  “In the window of my study,” he replied, cryptically. Releasing Miss Hastings, Benjamin shooed her toward the door. “Before we antagonize your brother too much,”—Edward rolled his eyes—“may I suggest finding something to occupy yourself for the next hour or two? We need to investigate Morris’ property, and I would prefer you remain somewhere safe.”

  “Is that a command, Lord Westwood?” Miss Hastings tilted her head, a peculiar light sparkled in her eyes.

  “My dearest wife,”—a snarl rolled around the room—“I would never consider issuing you an order, it is merely a suggestion to ease your brother’s mind.”

  “She could join Alana and Miss Clemens for their shooting lesson.”

  Benjamin’s eyes narrowed at Thomas’ comment. He glanced over, blackness ebbing through his visage. “I said no.”

  “Why can I not spend the afternoon with Alana?” Miss Hastings stepped away from the door, planting her hands on her hips.

  “Yes, Benjamin, why can she not see her cousin?”

  “You are very fortunate you are my brother, Thomas.” Benjamin glowered, lifting his eyes to Edward. “I leave the decision in your hands.”

  “The decision is in my hands!” Miss Hastings stomped to Benjamin’s side. “And I choose to visit Alana.”

  “For your safety…”

  “Franklin will not attack two women with rifles, Benjamin.” Edward’s quiet voice interrupted the impending argument.

  “Three,” corrected Thomas, winking at Edward. “Miss Clemens will have one as well.”

  “Are not Aidan and Mr. Flannery also patrolling their estate?” asked Edward, amusement lighting his eyes as he watched Benjamin’s face detonate with anger.

  “I said—”

  “That Miss Hastings had a prior engagement, which is no longer the case as you will be occupied on Morris’ estate.” Thomas thought the vein pulsing in Benjamin’s forehead would burst through his skin.

  Edward leaned forward, hissing, “I think he actually may kill you this time.”

  “He would miss me too much,” replied Thomas.

  Throwing his hands up, Benjamin swore. “Samantha, please promise me you will be careful.”

  “You are starting to sound just like Edward,” she replied.

  “And you,” Benjamin turned his ire to Edward, “you are not helping my cause one bit.”

  “I have no intention of making your life easier,” snapped Edward. “Especially after you eloped with Sammie.”

  “You approved of the union.”

  “I approved a wedding.”

  “Which there will be.” Benjamin slipped his arms around Miss Hastings again, pulling her against his hips. His mouth touched hers. “I couldn’t very well allow her to be a ruined woman.”

  Thomas did not react quickly enough. Edward struck the side of Benjamin’s head, sending him flying toward the bookshelves. Books rained to the floor as Benjamin rebounded, raising his fists and stepping to Edward. Miss Hastings leapt between them, extending her arms.

  “Edward, Benjamin, we have greater issues at hand than the official date of my wedding.” She kept her hands against their chests, waiting for each man to nod his consent. Lowering them slowly, she dropped her gaze to Thomas. “Have they always been so violent?”

  “Only in matters concerning your welfare.” Grinning, Thomas rose and bowed. “Miss Hastings, I hope you choose to join Alana and Miss Clemens this afternoon. I cannot imagine a more inappropriate activity than three women shooting apples atop hay bales.”

  “How can I argue with such logic?” Miss Hastings curtsied and set the book down on a nearby table. “I shall see you later this evening, ge
ntlemen.”

  Once Miss Hastings exited the library, Benjamin turned his ire on Thomas. “I am holding you responsible for her wellbeing.”

  “Have you learned nothing from Edward’s example?” Thomas tilted his head. “Miss Hastings does not respond well to commands. I daresay she is more stubborn than you, dear brother.”

  Benjamin folded his arms, exhaling loudly. “You should have let us stay in London.”

  “Not if Morris’ accomplice discovered your location,” said Thomas. “Or had you forgotten, there is a traitor nearby, possibly even in this house?”

  “No one knew, with the exception of Mr. Davis.”

  “Who you trust implicitly?”

  “I do.”

  “Benjamin.” Edward placed a heavy hand on his shoulder. “You cannot hide her forever.”

  “You should listen to your own advice.” Benjamin smacked away Edward’s arm.

  “I did, and you eloped with my sister.”

  “She was safe.”

  “That is your opinion. Benjamin, you should have thought of her reputation.”

  “We are married. Her reputation is protected.”

  “And if she becomes pregnant prior to the official wedding?”

  “Edward!” Benjamin’s jaw dropped, his hand whipped to his chest in mock indignation. “I am offended by your accusation. Your sister is a lady.”

  “However, you are not a gentleman.”

  Benjamin grinned.

  Edward’s face purpled, his eyes flicking to Thomas. “Be careful, Benjamin. I’ll do more to you than Aidan could ever do to Thomas.”

  “Aidan is a better fighter than you.”

  “I’m not going to hit you.” Edward tilted his head, a whisper of a macabre smile pulled at his lips. “I’m going to shoot you. Sammie is not the only member of this family who can use a rifle.”

  Thomas stepped between the two men. “We have a larger issue at hand. I suggest we put aside these petty grievances,”—his eyes flicked to Edward—“until we capture Morris and his partner. Agreed?”

  “Agreed,” said Edward, his gaze sliding to Benjamin. “Then, I will shoot you.”

  “Agreed.” Benjamin held out his hand. Edward accepted it.