“You don’t need to. I’m here.” Nick Aldridge descended the stairs, belting his robe. “I heard you mention a note. To whom? Saying what?”
“To my brother. Threatening my nephew’s life if I don’t stop asking questions.”
“Dammit.” Nick’s mouth thinned into a grim line. “When did this happen?”
“Late last night. Ariana and Trenton arrived at Tyreham close to midnight. They brought Alexander with them. Needless to say, they’re terrified.”
“Of course they are.” Compassion swept Nicole’s features. “He’s their child. What can we do to help?”
A surge of love erupted inside Dustin at Nicole’s use of the word “we.” For the first time, she was integrating her life with his … and when he needed her most. “Thank you,” he said humbly. Clearing his throat, he added, “Fortunately, Alexander is in good hands. I haven’t mentioned this to either of you, but several days ago I hired an investigator. He accompanied me on my trip to Newmarket. As of now, he’s standing guard over Alexander.”
Nicole’s eyes narrowed. “Why didn’t you mention this?” She answered her own question. “You didn’t want us to know how much danger you’ve put yourself in. We’ve put you in,” she amended.
“Nickie’s right, Tyreha
m,” Aldridge concurred. “And I let you talk me into it. But you’re a grown man. An innocent babe is another thing entirely. I won’t be the cause of your nephew’s life being jeopardized.”
“You aren’t,” Dustin interrupted. “The bastards orchestrating this scheme are. The only way to ensure Alexander’s well-being—and yours—is to expose them. Nick, I appreciate your compassion. In fact, I’m counting on it. But I didn’t come here to upset you, I came to elicit your trust.”
“My trust?” Nick cocked an ironic brow. “I think I’ve more than demonstrated my trust in you, Tyreham, not only professionally but personally.” A subtle glance in Nicole’s direction.
“Yes, you have.” Dustin felt a pang of guilt as he contemplated what Nick’s reaction would be to the knowledge that he’d taken Nicole’s innocence.
Staunchly, he deferred that issue for later.
“The duke must have had a million questions,” Nicole murmured.
“He did.” Dustin met her gaze. “And I explained a great deal, including the fact that Stoddard was Aldridge’s protégé and had come in his stead when Aldridge went into hiding. But I couldn’t tell Trent all he needed to know—where Nick Aldridge was hiding, why I was so personally involved …” A pause. “Who I was protecting. And why. Those questions, I couldn’t answer without betraying your confidence, which I will not do.”
“That’s why you’re here,” Nicole stated softly.
“Yes, Derby. That’s why I’m here.” He drew a harsh breath. “Nicole, as you yourself just said, Alexander is Trent and Ariana’s son. Do I truly have the right to deprive them of all the facts surrounding the telegram they received? The answer is no. Yet that’s what I’m doing—unless you allow me to do otherwise. It comes down to the trust I just alluded to. If you trust me, you’ll believe in my instincts—that both my brother and Ariana will guard your secret with the same integrity as I. You have my word. I’ll say about them what you’ve said about Sullivan. I’d place my life in their hands.” With that, Dustin offered the decision to Nicole and her father. “What shall I do?”
Nicole’s reply came in a heartbeat, which was all it took to elicit her father’s nod. “Tell them.”
Waves of relief radiating through him, Dustin caught Nicole’s fingers, brought them to his lips. “You have my thanks.” He glanced over at Nick. “Both of you. Mine and my family’s. Now I can ensure everyone’s safety and get to the heart of the matter at the same time.”
Nicole’s whole body tensed. “I don’t want you hurt,” she said fiercely.
“Stop worrying, Derby.” Now he was able to grin. “Besides, you’ve got more important things to worry about. Like fulfilling that claim you made yesterday.”
“What claim?” Nick demanded.
“I’m racing alongside Nicole today at Epsom,” Dustin informed him. “To add some healthy competition and a few obstacles to her run. She’s boasted that she’ll beat me by at least five lengths.”
“Arrogant chit,” Nick chuckled.
“Arrogant, perhaps.” Nicole’s eyes sparkled. “But right.” She rolled up her sleeves. “Give me a quarter hour to drink my coffee and eat a bite of breakfast. I’ll be at the stables by six. Ready to best you on the Derby course.” Sobering, she added, “Tell your family that I’m sorry. If there’s anything I can do …”
“You already have.” Dustin squeezed her hands then, reluctantly, released them. “A quarter hour, Derby. I’ll be waiting.”
But he wasn’t.
Nicole paced about the stables for ten minutes. Then she started worrying.
“Calm down, Stoddard.” Brackley shot her an exasperated look as he tacked up Blanket, their newly purchased mare, in preparation for her morning exercise. “The marquis is a busy man. He knows where we are. He’ll be here.”
“He said he’d be at the stables at six.”