by Amy Sandas
Hale had been gone for nearly the entire morning. And she’d only just found out about it.
Following their interview the night before, Katherine acknowledged that her anxiety over having hired Hale for the important job of protecting her brother had less to do with her confidence in his abilities and more to do with her reactions to the man on a much more personal level. After his initial mocking tone, he’d become intently focused. And though his self-assurance was injected with an annoying degree of arrogance, there was no denying the man’s experience and acumen in the exact skill set required for a bodyguard.
Her growing confidence in the decision to hire him lasted until midday when she discovered Hale had been gone from the house for several hours. And that he’d instructed one of the footmen—who was little more than a boy himself—to watch over her brother in his absence.
Day one and the man had disappeared to do lord knows what. Did he not understand his duty as bodyguard was top priority?
After leaving instructions for Foster to bring Mr. Hale to her as soon as he returned to the house, she stationed herself in the study, where she occupied herself with the task of composing a list of anyone who might have reason to threaten the Northmoor dukedom or Frederick specifically. Frustratingly, the only person with clear motive was the Marquess of Warfield.
Determined to be thorough, she expanded the list to include every person of their acquaintance who she couldn’t immediately and confidently exclude.
She started by considering those who had been closest to them back in Lincolnshire; estate tenants, villagers, local merchants. People they’d grown up with all their lives. Though she could barely imagine any of them perpetrating such a plot, she did her best to stay objective when discounting any possibility.
From there, she looked at her father’s associates. A more challenging task.
Charles Blackwell’s work had frequently put him in touch with various people who had interest or investment in the fields of herbalism or pharmacology. Due to her father’s reclusive nature, communication had mainly been conducted through letters. Katherine could recall a good number of the names mentioned over the years, but she’d only ever met a handful of her father’s acquaintances in person and even fewer of his scientific colleagues. Knowing very little about any of them, she couldn’t risk leaving them off the list.
Lastly, she added the name of every person who’d sent a message of sympathy upon her father’s death, as well as anyone who’d reached out to them since their arrival in London. She’d have to ask Frederick if he recalled any additional names since his memory with such things would be much more reliable.
The result was a bit extensive. And unfortunately, without any knowledge of the kidnapper’s motive, the process of narrowing the list further would be ridiculously difficult and more of a guessing game than anything. There had to be a better way.
Frustrated, worried, and without another ready distraction now that she’d completed the inventory of names, Katherine rose to her feet and began to pace a large circle around the room. From the fireplace to the bookshelf lining the far wall, along the row of windows that looked out over the courtyard, then past the door and back to the fireplace, where she glanced at the clock.
Where the hell was he?
Her answer was Foster’s distinctive knock on the study door. Finally.
Needing to feel more grounded, she returned to her seat behind the desk. “Yes. Come in.”
Foster opened the door and gave a short bow. “Lord Shelbourne is here to see you, my lady.”
“Lord Shelbourne?”
In her excitement and relief at being reunited with Frederick and the worries that had arisen since, she’d completely forgotten about Lord Shelbourne. She hadn’t even bothered to send him a note letting him know her brother was home safe again. After the gentleman had assisted her by recommending Mr. Boothe, she should have been more considerate.
Katherine rose to her feet. “Please show him in.”
A moment later, Shelbourne strode into the room just as Katherine stepped out from behind the corner desk. Her previous interactions with the Lord had all been through correspondence. Yet he appeared nearly exactly as she had imagined him. He was a tall man with hair gone fully grey and a neatly trimmed beard in a style from the prior century. His manner was formal and slightly apologetic as he offered a bow. “My Lady Katherine. Forgive me for stopping in unannounced and outside of proper calling hours, but I felt compelled to check in on your welfare.”
Doing her best to dispel the tension that had claimed her over the last hours, she offered a smile. “Not at all, my lord,” Katherine assured before glancing to the sofa near the fireplace. “Would you like to take a seat?”
“I do not intend to stay long.”
The man’s gaze flickered to the white cotton sling cradling Katherine’s injured arm. His brows furrowed with apparent concern, and Katherine thought he might comment on it but then evidently decided against it.
“Though you certainly have no obligation to inform me of your progress, Lady Katherine, I find myself troubled and anxious for news.” The worry was evident in his grey eyes as was the sincerity in his tone. “I simply had to ascertain for myself if you’ve had any success in recovering His Grace.”
“I am so sorry for not sending word sooner, my lord,” she replied as a flare of guilt heated her skin. “I will forever be grateful for the help you provided in recommending Mr. Boothe. Gratefully, Frederick is safely home again.”
“That is a wonderful relief, my lady. I assume he is quite well, then. No ill effects?”
“He is very well. Thank you for asking.”
Shelbourne nodded sagely as his gaze settled rather intently upon her face. “London can be a dangerous place, but I hope this adverse experience does not keep you both from appreciating the many good things our city has to offer.”
The truth was, she had no intention of exploring the city any further until the threat against her brother was eliminated. But Lord Shelbourne would not be aware of the second abduction attempt nor that Frederick had apparently been targeted by someone specifically.
For a moment, she considered confessing the full scope of their situation. He’d offered to help in the past; perhaps he could offer additional resources.
But then she glanced at the list she’d just completed. Lord Shelbourne’s name was included. Though she didn’t think he had any cause to be involved, she did recall how he’d stressed the importance of discretion.
She might consider requesting his assistance at some point, but for now, she decided against dragging him any further into their problems. She smiled. “Of course not, my lord.”
The older man seemed to hesitate for a moment. Then he glanced to the side. “Did you discover what instigated his disappearance?”
Having already decided not to reveal more than necessary, Katherine replied carefully. “Not exactly, though we suspect ransom may have been a motive.”
Shelbourne nodded sympathetically. “An unfortunate probability, I’m afraid. May I meet the boy?”
“I’m afraid Frederick is occupied at the moment. He’s with his tutor and I’d rather not disturb him. I thought it best to get him focused on other things right away so he’d wouldn’t dwell on his recent experience.”
Though a lie, the excuse felt appropriate. Her brother had been over the details of his ordeal enough in the last days. She didn’t want to place him in a position where he might be questioned further.
“A wise decision, Lady Katherine. I imagine your guardian is grateful to have such a responsible surrogate taking on his duties while he remains abroad.”
Lord Shelbourne knew of Warfield’s absence from England? Was it such common knowledge, then?
“Thank you again for offering your assistance following our father’s unexpected passing.”
Shelbourne gave her a gentle smile. “Well, I see myself as being somewhat responsible for you and your brother. Your father was a valu
ed friend.” His tone lowered. “I do hope you won’t mind if I check in on you now and then?”
She heard only kindness and concern in his tone, yet a part of her wanted to dissuade his interest, if only because she was so unaccustomed to such offers.
Life before London had not lent itself to the formation of many friendships. It was something Frederick would need as he grew into his role as Duke of Northmoor. She would be wise to cultivate these types of relationships for his future. “Of course not, my lord.”
“I believe I’ve taken up enough of your time. I shall see myself out.” Before turning away, he offered her another gentle smile. “Please, do not hesitate to contact me should you have need of me. For any reason at all.”
“I appreciate the offer. Thank you.”
With another nod, Lord Shelbourne turned and left the study.
Katherine wandered back to her desk as she listened to the click of Shelbourne’s shoes on the parquet as he crossed the hall. Though Shelbourne had been nothing but pleasant, she wondered at the feeling of apprehension his visit had inspired. Perhaps it was merely a remnant of the anxiety that had arisen with her earlier task. Or maybe his courtesy had simply reminded her of just how few people she and Frederick had to rely on in the city.
Which brought her back to Hale.
Just the thought of him gave rise to a strange and intimate rush of awareness and anticipation. She looked toward the door of the study just as the man himself appeared. His great size nearly filled the doorway and, for a second, stole her breath.
He was just so...imposing. So physically present and solid.
His presence caused an instant shift in her being—a sudden exhilarating rush and a weighted grounding all at once. One breath in Mason Hale’s company sparked a swift and undeniable connection to the present moment that obscured all other concerns.
It was a thrilling and dangerous thing to experience.
Their gazes met. And held. In those few seconds, it seemed as though he drew her deepest feelings out from her core, as though he breathed her in. Then he lowered his chin with a questioning tilt of his head. In a subtle instant, his expression darkened. Tawny brows furrowed. The hard, square line of his jaw bunched as he swept a glance about the room.
“What’s wrong?”
Still slightly bemused by his sudden and forceful appearance, Katherine glanced down at the list on the desk. Her gaze automatically focused in on Lord Shelbourne’s name, third from the bottom. With a small shake of her head, she folded the paper and slipped the list into the pocket of her dress. “Please come in, Mr. Hale.”
She took up her position standing behind the desk then watched as Hale stepped across the threshold and closed the door behind him. It was an unnecessary action, an improper one as well, and he knew it if she were to judge by the sharp glint in his eyes.
Though in addition to the impropriety there was also a degree of vulnerability that came with being in a closed room with him, she could allow neither to affect her purpose and intention. “Where have you been?”
His response was an arch of his brow and the familiar wicked curving of his irreverent mouth. “Miss me?”
Her core fluttered but she forced a firmness to her voice. “I hired you to keep my brother safe, Mr. Hale. How could you do that while traipsing about?”
His fleeting smile disappeared and his brows lowered as he slowly stalked toward her. She was suddenly grateful for the desk between them. Though in all truth it was symbolic at best since he’d already demonstrated how ineffective a hardy piece of furniture was in stopping him from getting to her when he wished to.
Rather than leaping over the desk, as she half feared he might, he placed his hands flat on the surface. The stance forced him to lean forward, bringing his large body and handsome face far closer to her than she was expecting.
She refused to step back. Let him try his intimidation tactics and see how far they’d get him.
His voice was a near growl. “If you can’t accept that I’m gonna do the job my way, duchess, then we end it right here.”
“Don’t call me that,” she commanded sharply, fighting her reaction to his proximity. “My brother is a duke but I’m not a duchess.”
His laugh was short. “You may as well be. And you’re evading. Should we call off this arrangement?” he pressed.
He wasn’t going to back away. And neither was she.
Chapter Fourteen
As Katherine stared back at him, she acknowledged the instinctive urging inside her—the need to keep him near.
For her brother’s sake, of course.
And that meant she’d have to trust Hale as Frederick did.
But not before the man found a way to understand and respect her position.
“Mr. Hale,” she began with a stern spine and lowered chin. “I’ve been responsible for Frederick since he was an infant. Our mother became ill shortly after his birth and did not survive the year. My father was obsessively focused on his work and could not be bothered with things relating to child-rearing. At the age of eight, I decided my purpose in the world was to keep my baby brother safe and happy. When I started seeing all he was capable of, I vowed to ensure he’d have the freedom and means to achieve his greatest potential. Something that is obviously hindered by the current threat—not to mention the risk to his life.”
She paused to meet his steady gaze. “Understand, it wasn’t easy to simply hand over the duty of protecting him to you. But I wouldn’t have done it if I didn’t trust you. All the same, I must insist you keep me informed of your plans and activities as they relate to Frederick.” She set her chin. “If you cannot do that, I’ll find someone else.”
His deep-set eyes narrowed and a crease formed between his brows. He seemed to be searching for something. Something he apparently expected to find deep in her eyes. His intent focus was unnerving but she did not falter.
After a moment, he replied. “Don’t worry, dove. I understand.” His voice lowered. “You like being in control.”
The way he made the observation—the heavy and oddly intimate nature of his voice—gave her the unsettling sense that he’d just gained access to something very vulnerable inside her. She ignored the heated tingling that had been triggered by the thought to reply. “I insist upon it.”
She watched as the muscles of his jaw bunched and released. With a low, rumbling hmm, he straightened, finally giving her some space to breathe. A wicked and irreverent grin tilted the corners of his mouth. “Then I’m guessing you’ll want a report.”
She gave a short nod, not trusting her voice to be as assured as she needed at the moment.
“The house has a few vulnerabilities that’ll be taken care of before the end of the day, but for the most part, your residence is secure. I met with your footmen this morning and chose a few that I’ll train so they’re better prepared to handle close-contact physical threats. This is in addition to the tasks they already perform.” A flash of teeth. “I promised additional wages.”
Katherine waved that aside as a matter of course.
“Martin, the lad assigned to the third floor today, is more capable than he looks.” He lowered his chin to say earnestly, “I wouldn’t have chosen him if he couldn’t manage it.”
Though she wasn’t sure what Hale had seen in the young servant, she found herself accepting his assurance. But it didn’t answer her main question. “I’m more concerned with why it was necessary to leave the house in the first place. I understand you took on this role rather abruptly, but if you need time to settle any personal matters, I’d like you to arrange it with me directly, prior to taking time away from your duties here.”
He lowered his chin. “I’ve no personal matters.”
The way he said it gave her pause, but she refused to think too deeply on it. “Then could you please explain what was so important you had to leave the house today?”
The crease on his brow returned as he crossed his arms over his chest. “I needed to foll
ow up on a few things that came to mind when Freddie recounted the details of the two attacks.” He looked pointedly at her sling. “From what he described, you’re damned lucky you weren’t hurt worse in your leap from the carriage.”
“We did what was necessary to escape.”
“You both could have been trampled to death.”
“But we weren’t,” she argued. “And you’re evading. Where did you go, Mr. Hale?”
“I went to see a man skilled at uncovering stubborn secrets and deceptions. I asked him to find out all he could on your cousin Warfield and to see if anyone else of your father’s acquaintance is hiding anything that might be relevant to your situation.”
Katherine tilted her head. “You asked your friend to spy on my family?”
He tossed her a half grin. “Just doing my job.”
She thought of the list in her pocket. It was still very broad, but perhaps Hale’s man could discover information that might be helpful in reducing it further.
She withdrew the folded paper and extended it toward Hale. “Could you have your man look into the people on this list? It’s everyone I could think of who might be involved. There may be nothing there, but I’d like to know for sure.”
With an arched brow, he took the paper and quickly scanned the names before tucking it into the pocket of his coat. “It’ll take time, but I’ll let you know what he digs up.”
“Thank you.”
Green eyes flickered. “My pleasure.”
She cleared her throat. “Where else did your job take you today?”
His expression turned slightly mutinous and his obvious reluctance made her uneasy.
Katherine walked around the desk, no longer concerned with keeping a distance—or furniture—between them. Stopping once she was close enough to see the fine lines bracketing his unsmiling mouth, she spoke in as firm a tone as she could manage with the sudden uncertainty spinning in her center. “Do not withhold information from me. The more we understand what we’re facing, the more equipped we’ll be to resolve it.”
