With a sigh, he set aside the note. He didn’t want to investigate the murder any further. Not when he felt so inept at the task. He wanted the police to catch the criminal so they could put all this behind them. Then Annabelle would be safe, and he wouldn’t have to worry about her. He could focus on editing her manuscript, which was locked tight in his desk drawer. He hadn’t yet read it as he wanted to do so with a clear mind, free of the concerns the murder brought. But it would be impossible to resist much longer as he wanted to see what she’d done with the storyline. Her talent continued to amaze him. The details and internal thoughts she included made one feel as if they were the hero, experiencing each twist and turn as he did.
Despite the doubt about his lack of investigation skills, Thomas had called on the Earl of Arlingwood, Smead’s brother, the day after the visit with McConnelly, but the lord hadn’t been receiving. Thomas had left a note, requesting an audience, though he hadn’t yet received a reply. He hoped the earl could provide insight as to Smead’s whereabouts in the days leading up to the murder. The idea of losing one of his own brothers was unthinkable. How must Arlingwood feel?
A low murmur of voices came from outside his door and then Graham appeared in the entrance.
“Hard at work, I see.” His brother’s pleased smile filled Thomas with a mix of pride and determination, making him realize how much he wanted to make Artemis Press successful.
“Good day, Graham.” No doubt his brother wanted an update on business. Thomas hoped he didn’t expect profits to improve in so short a time. The publishing world moved painfully slow. “What brings you by the office today?”
“I’ve come to see you, of course.” Graham took a seat before the desk as he glanced around. “The place looks just as I remember.”
“I haven’t had a chance to make many changes.” In fact, the idea hadn’t crossed his mind.
“I suppose I should be pleased redecorating isn’t high on your priority list.”
“My focus has been on finding the right books to publish.” Thomas had made it through the majority of the manuscripts they’d received. He’d requested additional details on three, two of which were romances, a genre his father had been set against as was Graham. However, the stories had read well. If he wanted the publishing company to thrive, he had to listen to what customers wanted, and romance and mysteries were in demand.
“I happened to see the Earl of Arlingwood yesterday.”
“Oh?”
“He mentioned that you wanted to speak with him and asked if I knew if it was so you could pay your respects.” Graham frowned, his blue eyes filled with concern. “Was that why?”
“I was hoping to speak with him about his brother’s death.” Thomas braced himself, aware Graham wouldn’t be pleased by what he was about to tell him.
“To what end? Do you fancy yourself an investigator of some sort just because you intend to publish another mystery?” Graham’s teasing smile faded when Thomas hesitated. How much should he tell him?
“Oddly enough, the murder closely matches the one in the mystery that Father published.”
Graham stared at him in surprise. “How so?”
“A couple of unusual items found on Smead’s person by the police exactly match the scene in the book. Other similarities remain to be seen.”
“This is terrible. If word of this spreads, sales will plummet.”
Thomas had already given the matter serious thought. “Actually, I think the opposite could happen. I think everyone will want to read the book so they can do a bit of sleuthing themselves.”
Graham’s eyes widened. “You intend to profit from Smead’s death?”
“Of course not. I would never share the connection for promotion purposes. I’m only saying that if such a thing occurs, I doubt it will adversely affect sales. Have you read it?” Thomas had sent him a copy of it the previous week with the hope of making Graham understand its appeal, and therefore he’d support Thomas’s decision to publish the second book. After all, Artemis Press was a family endeavor, not just Thomas’s.
“Not yet, but Charlotte did. She suggested I would like it even more than she did.”
Thomas hid a smile. If Charlotte told Graham to read it, he would. He needed to thank his sister-in-law the next time he saw her. “The author’s skills at telling an engaging story are impressive. We already ordered another printing of the three-decker. The author has completed a second book as well.”
“But you’ll wait to release the second printing as well as the next book until the culprit is caught,” Graham suggested with a frown.
“That’s yet to be determined. After all, without that book, our profits will be minimal. Quite minimal.”
“I see the dilemma. I’m doing all I can to improve our financial situation in other areas, but we need more funds to settle the remainder of Father’s debts before I can make the necessary improvements for tenants, which should eventually increase rental income.”
“I’ll continue to make inquiries regarding the murder.” The urge to protect Annabelle far outweighed the doubt about his ability to catch a murderer. “Perhaps I can uncover a connection that will allow the police to make an arrest and put an end to the situation before any readers discover the similarities between the crime and the book.”
“How do we know it’s not the author who is behind this? As you said, what better way to sell more books than create a scandal?”
“Impossible. I’ve met the author and do not doubt his innocence.” The very idea of Annabelle involved was unthinkable.
“If you’re certain speaking with the earl will help, do take care. He is still upset, as you can imagine.”
“I will do my best not to add to his grief, but surely he wants the murderer caught.”
Graham stood and retrieved his top hat from the desk. “Take care, dear brother. I don’t like the idea of you involved in a murder in any way. One question to the wrong person and you could be the next victim.”
Thomas watched him depart, his warning sinking in, an unwelcome reminder of the dangerous situation. Would Graham be as concerned if he knew that Thomas was only his half-brother?
But his words made Thomas more determined to convince Annabelle she shouldn’t be involved in the situation in any way.
~*~
Annabelle watched the entrance to the Warenborough ballroom with a scowl that evening. If Thomas didn’t make an appearance, she’d have no choice but to pay a visit to Artemis Press on the morrow. Not knowing what he intended or if he’d received any new information was driving her mad. Even worse, the lack of communication from him hurt, especially considering that kiss. Apparently it had meant more to her than to him.
“What has you snarling this early in the evening?” Louisa asked as she joined her. “Aside from all this terrible talk of war.”
Annabelle smoothed her expression. “Merely an unpleasant thought.” She didn’t want to reveal her dilemma or Louisa wouldn’t let it rest until she knew all the details.
“Does the thought involve anyone in particular?”
“Why do you ask?” Annabelle tried to push away the image of Thomas. If her cousin realized with whom she’d been spending time, Annabelle would never hear the end of it. Subterfuge was much more difficult than she’d realized. It was simple to think of lying but an entirely different matter to actually do it with no one the wiser.
“Mother is certain you caught Lord Fuller’s notice at our ball.”
She smiled politely. “He was an excellent dance partner.” Though she didn’t care to mislead her cousin, the opportunity to better hide her relationship with Thomas was too good to pass.
“Do tell.” Louisa’s eyes widened. “Are you interested in him?”
“Not particularly.” Annabelle sighed. She didn’t have the heart to continue with the lie. Lord Fuller was a nice man, but she had no wish to further her acquaintance with him or any man.
Yet she couldn’t deny her attraction to Thomas. Perh
aps if they weren’t working together on publishing as well as the murder, she could more easily ignore her feelings. Now he was driving her mad with his silence.
“Hmm. I’m not sure what to believe.” Louisa chuckled. “I will have to watch more closely the next time you dance with him.”
As long as she didn’t watch too closely when Thomas was nearby. Annabelle feared her emotions would make it impossible to hide her true feelings. How did a criminal cover the dark side of themselves? She gave herself a mental shake to ward off the question before it took over. The middle of a party was no place to ponder a murderer’s motive.
“Your ball was lovely. It must’ve been so much work to plan.”
“Mother was a tremendous help. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves.”
“Did you enjoy hosting it?” Annabelle couldn’t imagine doing so. Her mother and father’s modest lifestyle meant they hadn’t done more than have an occasional dinner party or a family gathering.
“Most of it.” Louisa smiled. “Benjamin was very supportive.”
“Married life suits you.” Annabelle felt a pang of longing, much to her surprise. She’d always been so certain she didn’t want that life for herself.
“I like to think it’s love that suits me.” Louisa positively glowed. “I didn’t realize such happiness was possible until I met Benjamin.”
But how long would it last? Annabelle hated to think Louisa or Caroline would lose part of who they were when the men they loved demanded more than they could give. Or if a terrible loss struck, leaving them less than whole. She truly hoped nothing of the sort happened.
The back of her neck tingled, bringing an awareness that had her searching for the cause. She turned to see Thomas drawing near. Her heart quickened even as she admonished herself for her physical reaction. Was it only physical? She could no longer deny her emotional response to him as well. Before she could prepare herself, he greeted them with a bow.
“Good evening, Lady Granger. Miss Gold.”
They both curtsied and returned the greeting.
“Quite the crowd this evening,” Thomas observed as his gaze swept over the guests before pausing on Annabelle.
Was this how attraction built? A slow simmer that threatened something deeper, something more dangerous and delicious. This subtle dance that one hoped nobody else witnessed. The hidden question in the depth of his green eyes that asked how she truly was. The intense regard that suggested he wanted to hear all her thoughts by the way his gaze took in her entire face, lingering first on her eyes then her lips.
The flutters in her middle confirmed her suspicion. This was more than a simple attraction. Her breath slowed at the realization. She’d written a scene where the hero of her book had undisclosed feelings for a certain widow, but now she realized she hadn’t described it correctly. At least not from the woman’s point of view.
It seemed as if every inch of her, inside and out, had heightened in sensitivity since Thomas’s appearance. The sensation was baffling. She needed to guard against it, but how?
A glance at Louisa showed her attention was elsewhere, relieving Annabelle’s worry that she might guess what was between them. Annabelle’s mother visited with friends nearby, but she didn’t pay them any mind either.
No doubt they believed she wouldn’t be interested in a rogue such as Thomas. She would’ve been the last person to think that as well.
But she’d be a fool to deny her feelings at this point. She hoped she was smarter than that. Her only choice was to make the best of the situation. To control her emotions by staying focused on the business aspect of their relationship.
“Would you do me the honor of the next dance, Miss Gold?” Thomas’s deep voice sent a slight shiver along her skin.
“It would be my pleasure. Thank you.” Annabelle ignored Louisa’s raised brow and took his offered hand.
Her cousin knew Thomas’s reputation as well as anyone. She would have questions once Annabelle returned.
But Annabelle’s concerns fell away as Thomas escorted her to the edge of the dance floor.
“I trust you are well?” he asked.
“I am, though I’ve been anxiously awaiting a reply to my messages.” She welcomed the irritation she felt at the reminder.
“I thought it best to give you one in person.” The rest of his remark was interrupted as they each greeted acquaintances who passed by.
Attempting to have a meaningful conversation at a ball was difficult if not impossible.
“And?” she prompted as soon as they were alone again.
“I have no additional information.”
“No word from the constable?” she asked, disappointed when he shook his head. Had the constable even read the scene in the book they’d given him? “What did you think of my suggestions?”
“I think they’re too dangerous. However, I have a meeting with Smead’s brother on the morrow,” Thomas advised as the dance began.
“Excellent idea. When should I meet you?” The dance pulled them apart as Annabelle considered how she could manage to go to Caroline’s again and don the widow’s garb so she could meet Thomas.
“I intend to speak with him myself.” He smiled politely as he whispered the news.
“I prefer to accompany you.”
“And I’d prefer you didn’t.” They turned and stepped apart then together in time to the music. “Far too risky.”
“We’ve already discussed the advantages and disadvantages of the situation,” she protested when they joined hands once more.
“This is different. He might recognize you. He might have read the book or at least be familiar with the author’s work.”
She considered his statement. “We’ll use a different name this time.” She glanced about, suddenly aware that several of the couples they danced near were staring.
Thomas noticed the same and smoothed his expression to a polite mask, which served to remind her to do the same.
Though her frustration continued to mount, she did her best to pretend she had nothing more on her mind than enjoying the dance.
She held Thomas’s gaze, moving in time to the music. She’d thought Lord Fuller a good dance partner, but Thomas was far better. His moves were timed to hers perfectly. They glided over the floor, their gazes holding on each other and time stopped as she released her worries and simply danced.
All too soon the music drew to a close. Only then did Annabelle realize they were still drawing a few interested looks. She supposed that was due to Thomas’s reputation. He had now danced with her on two occasions. People were bound to talk.
The realization was a reminder of how carefully she had to guard her reputation. She had her family to think about. She didn’t want to do anything to blemish their place in Society. Yet she felt equally determined to help with the murder investigation.
She sighed as Thomas escorted her toward her mother. Though she knew they couldn’t risk it, she dearly wanted a moment alone with him so they could speak freely. “This is annoying.”
“Dancing?”
“Not being able to talk.” She kept her voice low and forced another polite smile. “I want to come with you tomorrow.”
He glanced away as if his mind was elsewhere. Was that for the benefit of anyone watching or did he truly wish to be gone? “I don’t see how it’s possible.”
“We’ll say I’m a distant cousin of yours. Or even better, I’ll be your aunt.”
“I hardly think you could pass as my aunt.”
“The earl won’t be able to see me to tell my age.”
Thomas shook his head, obviously displeased at the thought. “Why would I bring my aunt along to speak to him?”
“I’ll think of something. After all, I’m a writer. We shall meet at the same cab stand as the previous time.” Excitement filled her at the prospect of the outing. Or did it have more to do with being with Thomas?
“Miss Gold,” he began. From his tone alone, she had no doubt he intended to den
y her request.
“Thank you for the dance, Mr. Raybourne.” She curtsied and turned toward her mother before he could say anything more.
“Another dance with Mr. Raybourne?” her mother asked even as her gaze shifted to look over Annabelle’s shoulder.
“Yes.” She knew the moment Thomas walked away. Her awareness of him was disconcerting, but she decided it might make an interesting detail to include in her next book. She’d had no idea a connection like that was possible.
“Your father told you to keep your distance from him.” Her mother studied Annabelle with a frown.
“Mother, you must know that isn’t possible since he’s involved in the publishing company.” She glanced about to make certain no one was near enough to hear. “Besides, I think Father would think differently if he met Mr. Raybourne. I have to wonder if his father’s treatment of him was ill-placed.”
“You will take care in your dealings with him. If even the smallest part of his reputation is true, that’s enough to require extreme caution.”
“Of course. I will be very careful.” Annabelle couldn’t resist turning to look for Thomas. What had it been like for him to grow up without his father’s approval? Without a pat on his back or a word of encouragement from the late earl?
She didn’t want to feel sympathy for Thomas. Not when she already had far too many feelings for him.
Chapter Eight
Thomas waited at the cab stand for the ‘widow’ to arrive, anticipation bubbling inside him. The pleasure of spending an hour or two with her countered the distressing task ahead of them. Speaking with the Earl of Arlingwood would no doubt be difficult. The lord had Thomas’s deepest sympathy, especially when he knew how upset he’d feel if he lost a brother, let alone to senseless violence.
He hated to bother the man in his grief, but if he were the earl, he’d be desperate to discover who had killed his brother and why. While there was only a slim chance they could actually offer assistance, they had to try.
He hadn’t waited long when he saw Annabelle walking briskly toward him. He’d nearly forgotten how much he detested the veil. Annabelle was a pleasure to look at, and he missed watching the various expressions cross her face. Most of all, he missed those dark brown eyes of hers, even if they often flashed a hint of annoyance. He couldn’t wait to hear what excuse Annabelle had come up with to explain her presence to the earl. The way her mind worked remained a mystery to him.
A Rogue No More (The Rogue Chronicles Book 3) Page 9