Valiant (Gentlemen of the Order 3)

Buchanan’s visit to Mr Golding’s office raised concerns. Twice, he’d arrived to discuss the lawyer’s need to attend the wedding, only to find the office locked. The tea seller next door confessed he’d not seen Mr Golding or his nephew for two days.

To complicate matters further, Vivienne found she liked living at Keel Hall. She liked sharing cosy suppers with Mr Sloane, liked their long strolls in the garden, their late-night card games. And although she had woken to the alluring scent of his cologne this morning, he had not visited her bedchamber. Nor had they shared another scintillating kiss.

“So, we have a long day ahead of us.” Vivienne watched him eat breakfast, knowing he must have entered her room during the night, wondering why. “Visiting Mr Golding must be a priority.”

Mr Sloane dabbed his mouth with his napkin. “We’re to visit a costume shop in Holborn after calling on Golding. As I explained last night, the villain bought two identical masks. Hopefully, the shopkeeper will remember the purchase.”

During a game of Question and Command, he revealed the intruder had left a plague mask in Vivienne’s home. The strange calling card was a means to frighten and intimidate. To prevent her from making an alliance with the gentleman who’d consumed her thoughts ever since their passionate encounter.

“I don’t know why Buchanan kept it a secret.”

“He said he didn’t wish to cause you distress.”

She gave a half shrug. “Forewarned is forearmed, is it not?”

“Indeed, though I am just as guilty of keeping it from you.”

“Why is that?”

He fell silent as he studied her face. “A man should protect a woman in his care. Fear is not the emotion I want to see swimming in your eyes, Vivienne.”

Her heart skipped a beat whenever he uttered her given name. Her pulse soared at the mere allusion to something illicit. “Perhaps we should play another game of Question and Command this evening. So I might discover what other secrets you’re keeping.”

“You were lucky last night.” He cast a sinful smile. “Perhaps I shall be the one asking the probing questions tonight.”

“I have n

othing to hide.” Except for her growing attraction to him.

“Then you won’t mind telling me your wildest fantasy.”

A thrum of anticipation coursed through her. She enjoyed the teasing banter, enjoyed every second she spent in his company. The thought of returning to her lonely existence in Silver Street filled her with dread. But finding their legacy was all that mattered. All romantic notions were merely fancy.

“Then finish your breakfast and let’s be on our way. The sooner we accomplish today’s tasks, the sooner we can return home.” And based on the problems of the last few days, things were unlikely to go as planned.

* * *

“Something’s wrong.” Vivienne wiped dirt from the downstairs window of Mr Golding’s townhouse and peered inside. “This is his home and his business premises. He said nothing about leaving town.”

“Based on his odd manner the other day, I think it’s wise to pick the lock and search the house.” Mr Sloane rooted around in his coat pocket and retrieved a ring of unique shaped keys. “Step closer. I need you to hide what I’m doing in case someone alerts the constable.”

Vivienne shuffled closer. “If the constable comes, we can say we’re concerned for the gentleman’s welfare.”

Mr Sloane slipped one key into the lock. “Come closer. Drape your arm around my shoulder and pretend you’re whispering lewd words in my ear.”

“Sir, I wouldn’t know a lewd word if it bit me on the buttock.”

Vivienne ran her hand over his broad shoulder, and moved so close his arm brushed against her breasts as he fiddled with the keys.

Mr Sloane cast her a sidelong glance. “How can I concentrate on picking the lock when all I can think about is nibbling your derriere, when all I can feel is the soft curve of your breast?”

Heavens!

The agreement to speak honestly often brought an unwelcome blush to her cheeks.

“You’re the one who asked me to play the fawning mistress.”

“Continue in this vein, Miss Hart, and I’m likely to make you my mistress before I make you my wife.”