by Jen Turano
“Have you heard anything regarding Mary Ellen?”
“Agatha told me your wife died. I’m sorry for your loss,” Eliza said, her glare softening to a mild glower.
“I was to blame for her death.”
Eliza tilted her head. “For some reason, I find that difficult to believe.”
“It’s the truth. That’s why I said I was in danger of repeating the mistakes of the past. You see, when Mary Ellen and I began to drift apart, I reacted poorly. Instead of allowing her to explain why she felt the need to behave in an inappropriate manner, I began to forbid her access to the people I felt were leading her astray.”
“How did that work out for you?”
“Not very well,” Hamilton admitted. “Trying to control Mary Ellen was like trying to hold water in my hand. She became more distant and secretive. We were constantly at odds with one another, until one day, she apparently couldn’t abide me any longer and ran away.”
“And that is when she died?”
Hamilton nodded. “She was thrown from her horse, and her body was found along the Hudson River.”
“Did her horse possess a questionable temperament?”
“She did. Mary Ellen chose Diamond, not because of her disposition, but because she was such an unusual horse. She was pure white and fairly glowed in the sunlight.”
“You said ‘was’ an unusual horse. Diamond died in the accident as well?”
“Diamond was never found, but we came to the conclusion she most likely plunged into the Hudson River, given her agitated state, and drowned,” Hamilton said.
“It seems odd her body never washed up to shore, although I suppose she could have washed out to sea, but . . . a horse is really heavy.”
Hamilton smiled. “I see you’ve been reading the same types of books as the notorious Miss Brighton. I hate to disappoint you, but there’s no intrigue to be had in this particular situation. It was a tragic accident, but that’s all it was, an accident.”
“How long has it been?” Eliza asked.
“Mary Ellen died a little over two years ago, and although her passing has gotten easier with time, I know I’ll always feel responsible for what happened. I should have realized my prayers for her hadn’t been answered and been more diligent in keeping her safe, no matter how much I’d come to despise her.”
“I didn’t realize you were a man of faith.”
“I’m afraid my faith has been somewhat strained the past few years, given what occurred with my wife.”
Eliza sent him a small smile and then frowned. “You said your wife died two years ago. Don’t you think it’s a bit of an odd coincidence that you began having difficulties with that Eugene fellow right around that time?”
Before Hamilton could reply, Zayne stepped out from behind a large tree where he’d obviously been lurking and grinned as he moved to join them.
“Lovely to discover everyone’s still alive.” He nodded at Eliza. “Piper told me all about what transpired. I was afraid I’d find the two of you engaged in a verbal skirmish.”
“Piper notices entirely too much,” Eliza said. “I’ll have you know I didn’t raise my voice one time to your brother while we were in the house.”
“I see you’ve conveniently forgotten the tirade you directed at me out here,” Hamilton muttered.
Eliza rolled her eyes before turning back to Zayne. “Your brother and I were just discussing a bit of an odd coincidence.”
“And what was that, Miss Sumner?” Zayne asked.
“Please, call me Eliza. It seems a bit silly to remain so formal, doesn’t it?”
“Eliza, then, and you must call me Zayne,” he said as he stepped forward, stopped directly in front of Eliza, and reached out to take hold of her hand, raising it to his lips. “Forgive me, but I’ve completely neglected my manners. You look beautiful today.”
Hamilton felt the unusual urge to snatch Eliza’s hand out of his brother’s grasp. He frowned when he realized the urge stemmed from the fact that he felt extremely possessive toward her. The thought left him uncomfortable. He took a steadying breath and ignored the feeling of relief that swept over him when Zayne finally let go of Eliza’s hand.
“Getting back to the odd coincidence that Miss Sumner, or rather, Eliza, brought up,” Hamilton said, shooting Eliza a quick glance to ascertain she’d included him in her request for informality. He smiled when she nodded and found he’d lost his train of thought. Her smile really was quite extraordinary.
“The odd coincidence . . . ?” Zayne prodded.
“Oh yes, quite right,” Hamilton said. “You know, it is rather odd.” He caught his brother’s gaze. “Did you ever realize we began experiencing difficulties with our business not long after Mary Ellen died?”
“Are you suggesting the two are linked?” Zayne asked.
“Truth be told, I never considered the idea. Unfortunately, we can’t question Mary Ellen,” Hamilton said.
“True,” Zayne agreed, “but I know just the person we can consult. In fact, that’s actually the real reason I sought the two of you out. Mr. Theodore Wilder is waiting to speak with us in the library.” He sent Eliza a wink. “I thought it prudent to have him remain there, seeing as how he’s a private investigator and might have reacted rashly if he’d stepped into the garden and found you browbeating my brother.”
Hamilton laughed as Eliza sent Zayne a scowl and couldn’t help but admire her restraint when she didn’t dignify Zayne’s remark with a reply but, instead, turned back to him. “Why is a private investigator here?”
Hamilton stood and offered Eliza his arm, steering her in the direction of the house before he answered. “Zayne and I felt, given the results of last night, that our situation called for a professional.”
He slowed to a stop when a tug on his arm made him realize Eliza was no longer moving.
“I can’t afford to pay for a professional,” she said.
“I’m more than able to cover the cost, and before you get all indignant again, you must realize there is a common thread between our situations, so it won’t be much extra effort for Mr. Wilder to investigate Lord Southmoor as he goes about investigating Mr. Daniels.”
She eyed him for a moment, nodded, and then allowed him to escort her into the house. He came to a stop when they reached the library door and Zayne stepped in front of him, a sneaky grin on his face.
“I’d like to go in first because I want to see Eliza’s reaction to Mr. Wilder,” Zayne said before he strode through the door.
“What do you think he meant by that?” Eliza asked.
“I have no idea,” Hamilton said, stepping into the room with Eliza trailing behind him. He swallowed a groan when he got his first good look at Mr. Theodore Wilder. He pushed away the sudden desire he had to drag Eliza immediately back the way they’d come, because . . . Mr. Theodore Wilder stood well over six feet tall and was possessed of a face that could only be described as too handsome for his own good.
Eliza took that moment to stagger against him, but she didn’t appear to notice as her eyes widened and stayed firmly directed at Mr. Wilder.
Hamilton would have never taken her for a woman who went for the blond Adonis type, but apparently she did.
“Happens every time,” Zayne remarked pleasantly.
“What happens every time?” Hamilton bit out.
“You must be Mr. Hamilton Beckett,” Theodore exclaimed as he strode across the room and took hold of Hamilton’s hand, giving it a firm shake before he turned his head and his attention to Eliza and smiled a wicked smile. Hamilton found himself a bit perplexed as to why Zayne would associate with a man who was obviously arrogant and unpleasant. He tightened his grip, which had the unfortunate result of causing the all-too-handsome Mr. Wilder to wince.
His mood immediately improved until Mr. Wilder opened his mouth.
“You must be Lady Eliza Sumner,” Mr. Wilder said with another smile that showed off his perfect teeth.
“She prefers
Miss Sumner,” Hamilton growled, darting a quick glance to Eliza to see if she’d heard his possessive tone of voice. Much to his dismay, Eliza did not appear as if she’d even noticed the fact that he’d spoken. Her eyes were still focused on Mr. Wilder’s face, and she was now sporting a somewhat dazed expression.
He tightened his grip on Mr. Wilder’s hand and then blinked when the man let out a grunt, reached out with his other hand, pried Hamilton’s hand away, and then had the nerve to send him a knowing grin before he turned said grin on Eliza, which caused her eyes to widen.
“I understand you’ve suffered a bit of misfortune lately, Miss Sumner,” Theodore said in a voice that, in Hamilton’s opinion, was entirely too deep and raspy.
“Please, call me Eliza, and yes, I’m afraid I have suffered a great deal of misfortune lately.”
Hamilton’s mouth dropped open before he had the presence of mind to snap it shut. She was already giving this Theodore gentleman permission to use her first name? He’d only just been given permission, and he’d gotten the exasperating woman sprung from jail.
“You must call me Theodore.”
Over his dead body, Hamilton thought, moving slightly to the left to force Theodore to take a step away from Eliza. He looked up to find his brother grinning back at him. He had the oddest desire to smack his brother over the head with any object close at hand.
“Do you think you’ll be able to help me?” Eliza asked.
“It shouldn’t be difficult to track down Lord Southmoor. It certainly doesn’t sound as if he’s trying to keep a low profile,” Theodore said. “All I need to do is discover his social schedule, and I’ll keep track of him by following him to society events.”
“You can do that?” Eliza asked.
“Theodore’s family is very well connected, Eliza,” Zayne said. “His father is a well-known figure in the financial district, and his grandfather is . . . how can I describe the gentleman?”
“My grandfather is also a genius with finance and built up the business before my father took over, but his past is shrouded in mystery, and no one has ever had the nerve to actually ask him where he first made his money,” Theodore said, his eyes twinkling. “I’ve always believed he acquired his first fortune through nefarious means.”
“How fascinating,” Eliza breathed, causing Hamilton to suddenly have the mad desire to make up a disreputable story of his own to tell her.
Nothing came to mind.
“But enough about my family,” Theodore continued. “We have more important matters to discuss, and although Zayne has explained to me the pertinent details regarding the situation, I do have more questions.”
Hamilton’s opinion of the man reluctantly improved as Theodore escorted Eliza to a seat and sat opposite her, asking her question after question. He took notes and poked and prodded until he finally laid down his pad and nodded.
“That should give me a good start,” he proclaimed.
“What do you intend to do first?” Eliza asked.
“I’m afraid I can’t discuss my plans with you.”
“Excuse me?”
“I hope you won’t take offense, Eliza, but all too often people who hire me decide to involve themselves in the case, which results in mayhem and disaster. You wouldn’t care for mayhem, would you?” Theodore asked.
“Well, no, but . . .” Eliza began.
“And because you’re a woman, I can hardly believe you would actually be an asset to my investigation.”
Hamilton couldn’t hold back a smile as he saw the storm clouds gather in Eliza’s eyes. Although he’d been impressed with the man’s professionalism, he couldn’t help but enjoy the fact that Eliza had apparently discontinued admiring the gentleman and now appeared as if she wanted to box his ears.
“May I inquire if you’ve discouraged Hamilton and Zayne from concerning themselves with your investigation?” Eliza asked in a slightly dangerous voice.
“Ahh . . . I have not,” Theodore muttered.
Eliza arched a perfectly shaped brow.
“They’re men,” Theodore continued, as if that wrapped up the matter nicely. “They won’t be a distraction, whereas I can’t say the same about you.” He sent Eliza a charming smile. “Surely you must understand that, as you are such an uncommonly beautiful woman, you would cause me to become diverted from my investigation the longer I spent time in your delightful company.”
Hamilton’s hand clenched into a fist over Theodore’s blatant flattery, but before he had an opportunity to actually pummel the man, Eliza gave a very unladylike snort.
“Don’t tell me those types of flowery comments work for you.”
Theodore blinked. “Beg pardon?”
“As you should,” Eliza said. “If Zayne and Hamilton are to be given access to your investigation, I must insist you allow me the same courtesy.”
“You’re a woman. This is hardly a matter for someone of a delicate nature.”
Eliza narrowed her eyes as Hamilton’s shoulders began to shake with suppressed laughter. He almost felt sorry for the man, but one glance at Theodore’s too-handsome face had all thoughts of compassion disappearing in a split second.
“My being a woman has nothing to do with the situation.”
“It has everything to do with it,” Theodore retorted.
“Let me put it as simply as possible, Mr. Wilder, so that your manly brain will be able to understand my poor little female thoughts. If you refuse to include me, I will continue my own investigation, and I will refuse to share with you any information I might garner,” Eliza said.
“You could jeopardize the entire case,” Theodore sputtered.
“I am not so inept I would jeopardize your case,” Eliza returned with a lift of her chin.
“Oh? You don’t consider landing yourself in jail inept?” Theodore asked.
“You told him that?” Eliza demanded, shooting Zayne a glare.
Zayne smiled weakly and apparently decided it was in his best interest to remain silent.
“May I suggest you save your arguments and simply trust me?” Theodore asked.
“I don’t trust easily,” Eliza said.
“I’m a professional and a gentleman. There is absolutely no reason for your lack of trust.”
“As Mr. Hayes, alias Lord Southmoor, claimed to be a professional, yet stole my money, you can hardly blame me for my distrust. And,” Eliza continued before Theodore could interrupt, “my ex-fiancé was considered an esteemed gentleman, yet he abandoned me without even the courtesy of an explanation the moment he learned my fortune had gone missing. Surely you can understand how your argument holds little weight with me.”
“Well said,” Hamilton exclaimed, earning a smile from Eliza and a scowl from Theodore.
Theodore studied Eliza for a moment as if she were some strange creature who had somehow managed to fall into his midst. He released a sigh. “Very well, I’ll keep you informed of my progress, but you must promise to stay out of the actual investigation.”
“Are Zayne and Hamilton staying out of the actual investigation?”
“Eliza,” Hamilton said, taking pity on Theodore, “Zayne and I both have a business to run. It’s one of the reasons we decided to bring in outside help. That, and the fact that our foray into sleuthing did not turn out very well.”
“But how am I to occupy my time? I’ve been let go from my position, you won’t allow me to become a nanny to your children, and I have no funds at my disposal,” Eliza said.
“I have never failed an investigation,” Theodore stated, his tone affronted. “There is absolutely no reason to believe you will not soon be in repossession of your fortune.”
“You are certain of that?”
“Did you miss the part where I said I’ve never failed?”
Eliza looked at him for a long moment before turning to Hamilton. “Since it would appear I’m to be at loose ends for the foreseeable future and Mr. Wilder believes he’ll recover my fortune, would you truly consid
er lending me some money?”
“Of course. I already extended you that offer.”
“Wonderful,” she exclaimed, “because after all this time in male company, I feel the distinct urge for an enjoyable day of shopping with no gentlemen in attendance.”
11
Eliza placed Ben on his bed and watched him sleep for a moment, marveling over the fact that, in the two weeks since she’d first stepped foot into the Beckett house, she’d somehow managed to become firmly entrenched in their lives. She bent over and brushed a quick kiss on his forehead before straightening and walking out of the room. She made her way downstairs, snagged a coat from a peg by the back door, and threw it on as she slipped out into the garden.
“There you are,” she called before striding over to where Piper sat playing with her doll underneath a tree.
Piper looked up. “Is Ben sleeping?”
“He is.”
“Are you mad at him because he bit Miss Dragon?”
“Her name was Miss Dreyfus, and no, I’m not mad at Ben. I’m the one who hired the woman, and any and all blame for what happened today lies with me.” Eliza took a seat next to Piper and spread out her skirts to allow Charlie a more comfortable place to rest. She absently scratched his head and smiled when the dog rolled over on his back and presented her with his stomach. She stroked his soft fur and allowed herself a moment to reflect on the events of the past few weeks.
Hamilton had remained steadfast in his refusal to allow her to assume the position of nanny, but he’d finally relented and agreed she could at least take over the task of interviewing potential candidates. She never dreamed it would be so difficult. Every single woman the employment agency sent over seemed to have alarming deficiencies. None of them appeared to possess much compassion, or competency for that matter, and as Eliza dismissed candidate after candidate, she’d found herself confused regarding Gloria’s amusement with the situation. When she’d dismissed candidate number thirty, Gloria had actually laughed out loud, sent Eliza a grin, and marched out of the room.
It had been most peculiar.
Because Piper and Ben were without a proper nanny and Eliza was having no luck obtaining one, she’d stepped in and spent almost every minute of the day with them, except for the trying times she spent interviewing more candidates.