Seduced at Midnight

by Jacquie D’Alessandro

  "No. But it's only a matter of time. Criminals always give themselves away eventually. They make mistakes."

  Was that another flicker in Jennsen's eyes? "And you find those mistakes."

  It wasn't a question, and Gideon wished he knew what the man was thinking. "Yes. And I don't give up until I do."

  Jennsen nodded slowly then said, "That's precisely the sort of skill and dogged attitude I'm looking for. I've a project in the works that requires some investigation. From what I've seen and heard, you're one of the best. Certainly you did an outstanding job with the murder investigation two months ago."

  Gideon inclined his head in thanks. "What do you need?"

  Jennsen shot a quick look at Winslow, who was occupied giving instructions to a footman. "Someone to make discreet inquiries," Jennsen said in an undertone. "A certain individual has approached me with a business venture. I've been unable to find any unsavory information on this man, and I'm certain there must be something."

  "Why do you think that?"

  "Because everyone has something… if you know what I mean."

  Gideon nodded slowly. "Yes, I do."

  "Would you be interested in looking into it for me? I'd make it worth your while."

  "I'm a bit tied up right now with this recent rash of crimes-"

  "I'm not in a rush." A smile that didn't reach his eyes curved Jennsen's lips. "I'm a patient man."

  "In that case, yes. Who is this man you want information on?"

  "Lord Beechmore. Before I seriously consider his proposition, I need to know more about him. Everything about him. Not surface information-I already have that."

  "I understand. I'll look into it and let you know what I find."

  "Excellent. I look forward to hearing from you."

  "Jennsen, before you go…" Gideon slipped the snuffbox he'd found the previous evening from his pocket and held it out, carefully gauging Jennsen's reaction. "Would this be yours?"

  Jennsen shook his head. "No. I don't partake of snuff. Nasty habit, if you ask me." Speculation glittered in his eyes. "Since you've asked me about it, the box clearly isn't yours. Where did you get it?"

  Gideon debated whether to tell him, then decided it couldn't do any harm. "I found it beneath an open window during Daltry's party."

  "May I?" Jennsen asked, holding out his hand. Gideon handed him the box, and Jennsen studied it more closely. "I've seen this piece. And recently. But at the moment I can't recall where or who had it." He handed it back to Gideon. "If I remember, I'll let you know."

  After Jennsen departed, Winslow announced, "His lordship will see you now."

  Gideon followed him down the corridor, his footfalls swallowed by the blue and gold patterned runner. Gilt-edged mirrors and fine paintings-some landscapes, some dour gentlemen who were no doubt Gatesbourne ancestors-lined the paneled walls. Fresh-cut flowers arranged in crystal vases dotted gleaming tables, their floral scent mixing with a hint of beeswax. Every inch oozed wealth and privilege.

  Winslow announced him at the threshold to what he surmised was the earl's private study. Sunlight poured in from the bank of windows lining the far wall, highlighting the masculine mahogany and leather furniture, massive fireplace, and floor-to-ceiling bookcases. The Earl of Gatesbourne sat behind a highly polished desk, watching Gideon approach with all the enthusiasm one might bestow upon a large insect.

  "What brings you here, Mayne?"

  The curt greeting didn't surprise Gideon. People were rarely excited to receive a call from a Runner. With a negligent wave of his hand, the earl indicated the leather chair opposite the desk. After seating himself, Gideon told the earl the purpose of his visit.

  When he finished, the scowling earl remained silent for several long seconds. Finally he said, "Quite frankly, I've never heard of anything so ridiculous as this nonsense about ghosts." He regarded Gideon through narrowed eyes that held not the slightest trace of warmth. Indeed, if Gideon had to describe the earl in a single word he'd choose frigid. Everything in his demeanor and tone bespoke of iciness.

  "As for this outlandish tale my daughter told you last night and me this morning," the earl continued, "I can only conclude the foolish chit's imagination got the best of her. Just like a woman to blow something as simple as a branch scraping against a window all out of proportion."

  Gideon's jaw clenched at the earl's disparaging tone and less than complimentary words about Julianne. They raised an overwhelming urge in Gideon to defend her-a surprise, as he'd questioned her story himself. And because he himself had thought her foolish last night for venturing into the garden alone. Foolish… and achingly desirable.

  Yes, if he had to describe Julianne in just one word, that word would be desirable. And foolish would be reserved for him. Or perhaps idiotic was more apt, for giving in to his craving to kiss her, to touch her had surely been the height of idiocy.

  "I've instructed my groundskeeper to trim the branches around Julianne's windows so there won't be any further disturbances tonight as there were the last two nights."

  The earl's voice roused Gideon from his brown study and he frowned. "Last two nights? Lady Julianne heard the moaning sounds again last night?"

  "She heard the wind. For the last two nights. I assure you she won't hear the sounds again tonight."

  Something in the man's tone set off warning chimes in Gideon's mind, and his fingers involuntarily clenched. He was well acquainted with men like the earl. Men who ruled by intimidation. Gideon certainly recognized a bully when he saw one. But he was long past being intimidated by anyone's father.

  "While I don't believe in ghosts, given the recent rash of crimes, I think Lady Julianne's claims bear investigating," Gideon said, keeping his tone even and his expression carefully blank-talents honed from years of practice.

  Another layer of ice glazed over the earl's eyes. "Nothing is missing from my home. I was not robbed; no one in my household was murdered. There is no proof of an intruder outside of my daughter's frivolous imagination. She should not have mentioned her outlandish story to you. I assure you she won't make such an error again."

  Gideon's shoulders tensed. He didn't know how the earl planned to assure that Julianne didn't make such an error again, but he did know that all his protective instincts were on alert. "Perhaps you weren't robbed, but I believe this so-called ghost meant to burgle Lord Daltry last night." After telling the earl about the opened window at last night's soiree, he said, "I checked the area outside Lord Daltry's home early this morning. There were footprints in the flower bed beneath the window. Someone had tried to gain entry. The window, however, had not been opened after I'd jammed it closed. I interviewed Lord Daltry's entire staff this morning. Except for one footman who believes he saw a shadowy figure leaving the garden about an hour after the party ended, no one saw or heard anything."

  "So Daltry wasn't robbed, and no one was hurt."

  "No. Not yet."

  "And neither was I robbed."

  "No. Not yet."

  "Nor do I intend to be."

  "An excellent sentiment, one I applaud. However, the so-called ghost criminal may have other ideas."

  The earl pushed his leather chair back from his polished mahogany desk and stood. "My home is secure, and there is no proof that anyone attempted to gain entry. There is nothing here to investigate, Mr. Mayne-"

  A knock cut off his curt dismissal. Shooting a dark scowl toward the door, the earl said, "Come in."

  The door opened, and Lady Julianne crossed the threshold. And it felt to Gideon as if all the air had been sucked out of the room.

  Bloody hell, she literally stole his breath. She wore a high-waisted blue gown that exactly matched her incredible eyes. The garment, although modest, hinted at lush feminine curves. Golden hair framed her beautiful face, the glossy curls upswept except for the artful tendrils that curved next to her cheeks and along her slender neck. Caught in a ray of sunshine, she looked like an angel.

  His gaze settled for several secon
ds on her mouth… on those lush lips that had parted so eagerly beneath his. Lips he now knew were pillowy soft. And warm. And tasted like vanilla. He felt a sudden urge to squirm and forced his gaze upward, where it collided with hers.

  Although he did his damnedest to conceal the flare of desire that ignited in him every time he looked at her, he wasn't certain he succeeded, especially after a scarlet flush washed over her cheeks.

  "Did you come to stand mutely in the doorway, Julianne, or is there some reason why you've seen fit to interrupt my meeting?" There was no missing the annoyed chill in the earl's words. Gideon watched her attention jump to her father. She moistened her lips in an unmistakably nervous gesture then ventured several hesitant steps into the room.

  "I'm sorry to interrupt, Father, but I wished to speak to both you and Mr. Mayne. Regarding this." She drew what appeared to be a bracing breath then crossed the rug, her steps more confident, and held out a dirty piece of vellum to her father.

  "What is it?" the earl asked in an impatient tone.

  "A note. I found it on my bedchamber floor just inside the door-as if someone had slid it underneath."

  "And why would either I or Mr. Mayne find that of any interest?"

  "Because the note is… odd."

  "What does it say, Lady Julianne?" Gideon asked.

  "It says-"

  Before she could say, the earl snatched the missive from her and snapped it open. Then he frowned. "What the devil does this mean?"

  "May I?" Gideon asked, holding out his hand.

  The earl thrust the note at him. Gideon looked down at the crudely printed, misspelled words. "Yor next." He raised his gaze to Lady Julianne. "When did you find this?"

  "Just a few minutes ago."

  "How long since you'd been in your bedchamber?"

  She considered then answered, "At least two hours."

  "You're certain the note wasn't there earlier?"

  "Positive. I saw it as soon as I opened the door. I would have noticed the pale paper against the dark wood floor if it had been there earlier."

  "Do you recognize the handwriting?"

  "No."

  "Have you ever received a missive such as this before?"

  She shook her head. "No."

  The earl cleared his throat. "Clearly it was written by someone nearly illiterate. Probably one of the servants dropped it and it was kicked beneath the door."

  Gideon raised his brows. "That's an abundance of coincidences, my lord. And I must tell you: I cast a very suspicious eye on coincidences."

  The earl favored him with a cold stare. "Then what are you suggesting, Mayne?"

  "I'm suggesting that your staff be questioned. Because if one of them didn't coincidentally drop this note, which then coincidentally found its way beneath Lady Julianne's bedchamber door, then we must consider that it's exactly what it appears to be." His insides tightened, and he had to force out the words. "A threat against Lady Julianne. Made by someone who was or still is inside your home."

  Chapter 7

  Julianne stood in the music room, her fingers restlessly braiding the gold fringe edging the heavy blue velvet drapes. Dust motes floated in the long, gilded rays of sunshine streaming through the windows. Her beloved dog lay curled near the hearth, a tiny bundle of energy temporarily at rest, the tip of her tiny pink tongue sticking out while she dreamed doggie dreams.

  With a sigh, Julianne paced to the fireplace. She usually found a profound sense of peace in this room, with its cream silk walls, muted shades of blue and green reflected in the draperies and Axminster carpet, polished cherrywood furniture, and grandly ornate pianoforte. It was her favorite spot in the entire house, the place she considered her sanctuary, cozy in spite of its size. A place she felt calm and safe.

  But not today.

  No, today restless nervousness jangled through her. What would Gideon discover? And how much longer must she wait until she knew? He'd left Father's study over two hours ago to interview the staff. Surely Johnny was no longer around the household-

  Her thoughts were interrupted by a knock. "Come in," she called.

  The door opened, and Gideon entered. Their gazes met. And for a single instant she fancied fire flared in his dark eyes and the floor beneath her shifted. Then his expression went blank. Feeling the need to support her less-than-steady knees, she took a single step backward to brace her hips against the pianoforte.

  What felt like an eternity but was surely no more than ten seconds passed in silence, a quiet space of time during which her entire body heated under his inscrutable regard. She wished she could read his thoughts. Had he discovered the truth? Did he know what she'd done? Unable to stand the suspense any longer, she asked, "You interviewed the staff?"

  Instead of answering, he closed the door behind him. The quiet click reverberated through her, a soft confirmation that they were alone. She should have demanded he leave the door ajar. Instead, she had to press her lips together to keep from asking him to turn the lock into place.

  With his gaze steady on hers, he walked toward her, his eyes so intense, she felt like a mouse stalked by a large, hungry cat. Surely she should want to flee, or retreat, rather than longing to run toward him and be devoured.

  He halted when an arm's length separated them, a distance she instantly yearned to erase. Indeed, she had to lock her knees to keep from doing so.

  "No one saw or heard anything," he said, "nor did anyone claim ownership of the note."

  She prayed her relief didn't show. Clearly Johnny was no longer about. Either that or the coal porter was an accomplished liar. Thank goodness.

  "What is your theory?" she asked.

  Another silence stretched between them, and she found herself curling her fingers against the pianoforte's wood to keep from giving in to the desire to brush back the ebony lock of hair that fell over his forehead.

  Finally he said, "Clearly something is afoot. And I intend to find out what it is."

  And God help me if he does.

  "And I intend to see to it that no harm befalls you." His gaze raked her face. "It appears that note was left as a threat to you. Do you have any idea who might have left it?"

  "No." Could he tell that single syllable was an outright lie? She studied his eyes in hopes of finding the answer but instead found herself drowning in their intensely dark depths. And holding her breath.

  A muscle ticked in his jaw. "Do you know of anyone who would want to hurt you?"

  "No." That much at least was true. "I find it difficult to suspect any of the servants. They've all been with us for years."

  "Perhaps more time to build up some sort of resentment. And servants have friends. Families. Cohorts. Aside from them, a parade of suitors made their way through your home today."

  Julianne couldn't hide her surprise. "Surely you don't suspect one of them."

  "Why wouldn't I? Because they're wealthy? Titled? Men in their positions are capable of criminal acts."

  "What possible motive could they have? I'd hardly be a viable bridal candidate if I cocked up my toes." A humorless sound escaped her. "I'm worth much more alive than dead, believe me. But surely the words 'yor next' merely referred to my family's jewels-that they would soon be stolen-rather than as a threat against me. Surely Lady Ratherstone and Mrs. Greeley were killed because they came upon the thief during the commission of the robbery."

  "I considered that both women would still be alive if they hadn't happened upon the thief; however, it's just as likely-more so in my opinion-that the ladies both knew their killer. That that's how he gained entry into their homes. And were killed for their trouble. Therefore I think it's rather odd for the robber to give warning to his next victim. To afford your family the time and opportunity to take precautions against an imminent theft."

  Julianne frowned. Botheration. Perhaps she'd overplayed her hand. Still, she hadn't asked Johnny to leave the note; the enterprising young man had done that on his own. How could she have known that by hiring the coal por
ter to make ghostly noises he'd improvise in such a way?

  Of course, she could have just ignored his note. Slipped it into her pocket and pretended she hadn't seen it rather than bringing it to her father's and Gideon's attention. But at the time it had seemed the most expeditious way to accomplish her goal-to make her ghost story real enough to convince both her father and Gideon. So that Gideon would investigate. Thus enabling her to spend time with him. It had all seemed perfectly plausible, but now, with Johnny acting on his own without consulting her… she needed to tread carefully so as not to trip into the dark abyss of her own lies.

  She cleared her throat. "Yes, a robber giving his victim warning does seem a bit odd, although it's no secret my parents are hosting a ball next week. More than two hundred guests are expected."

  "In Lady Ratherstone's case, precisely the sort of occasion after which the criminal struck."

  "Perhaps our would-be thief isn't concerned, because he truly is a ghost."

  "I'm afraid I don't share your belief in the fanciful. A real, live person left that note in your bedchamber." He leaned toward her just a bit, but it was enough to make her forget how to breathe for several seconds. Not only because of his nearness but due to the unsettling sensation that he could somehow see directly into her soul. Discern each and every one of her falsehoods. "Make no mistake-I will find out who's responsible."

  She prayed she didn't sound as breathless as she felt. "Excellent. Yet so far your only suspects are servants who have been loyal to my family for years and esteemed members of society seeking my hand in marriage." She cocked a brow. "Are you always so suspicious?"

  "Yes. It's the only reason I'm still alive." He moved a step closer to her. Now only two feet separated them. She could see the fine grain of his clean-shaven jaw, skin her fingers itched to explore.

  "Everyone lies, Lady Julianne," he said softly, and she found herself nearly lulled into a trance by the movement of his lips.

  Pulling her gaze back to his eyes, she asked, "Even you, Mr. Mayne?"

  "Everyone, Lady Julianne." Before she could think up a reply, he lifted his hand. And she stared.