"Much as Samantha portrayed in her one-sided discourse. Cynthia has rigid walls erected—walls that are not going to be easy to break down." He grinned. "Speaking of breaking down, I could barely get through her front door. It took me almost an hour to convince her to let me in."
"And when you did?"
"Smithers had no objection to our visiting in the sitting room, since Cynthia's mistress was out for the evening."
Rem snorted. "I wish he took as kindly to me. Most of the time he looks at me as if he'd like to toss me out with the rest of the rubbish. As does Cynthia. In fact, I'm firmly convinced that the only household member who doesn't find me distasteful is Lady Gertrude. Even Samantha's Maltese pup is cool toward me. He hasn't forgiven me for referring to him as a rodent."
Boyd chuckled. "Rejection will keep you humble, Rem. Besides, aren't you forgetting one very important Barrett? Someone who happens to think the sun rises and sets on you?"
"Samantha is too romantic for her own good."
"Then isn't it comforting to know that you can spend the rest of your days watching out for her?"
"I thought we were discussing Cynthia."
A grin. "We are."
"So you visited in the sitting room. You chatted. Did she warm up at all?"
"I never found her cold. But if you're asking if I'm making headway, I think so. It pains me deeply, Rem. Someone has hurt her, crushed her spirit so badly that she's afraid to trust anyone ... especially men."
"Why was she working at Annie's?"
"She'd only been there a week when Samantha rescued her. After she'd rescued Samantha, of course."
Rem started. "What are you talking about?"
"Didn't Samantha tell you how she and Cynthia met?"
"No. And I don't think I'm going to like this."
Boyd shifted uncomfortably. "Cynthia assumed you knew."
"Then tell me and I will."
"Evidently, the night you left Samantha at the opera you told her you were en route to a business meeting because you were short of funds."
"I did."
"She was worried about you and determined to see if she could help. She hid in your carriage and accompanied you to Annie's."
Rem groaned. "Now I know I'm not going to like this. The little fool! What did she think she was—"
"She loves you, Rem."
A muscle worked in Rem's jaw. "Go on."
"If you recall, that particular night you couldn't shake the feeling you were being followed. Well, you were right."
"I said, go on."
"Samantha stayed outside the brothel during our meeting. A group of ruffians accosted her. Cynthia bullied them off, threatening to tell Annie they were assailing one of her women. It worked. Samantha was grateful as hell. She hired Cynthia on the spot. End of story."
Dropping down into a chair, Rem swore softly. "She could have been killed."
"That's probably why she was reluctant to tell you about it."
"What the hell am I going to do with her?"