A Simple Case of Seduction

is more profound in different positions.”

With his erection diminishing, he tucked the object of her desire back into his breeches.

“What a fascinating theory,” she said, eager to experience all the wonders of her newly awakened passion. She kissed him once on the lips and moved to the opposite side of the carriage. “We must test your hypothesis at our earliest convenience.”

“The next two nights might give us ample opportunity.” The smile that had been a permeant fixture for half an hour faded. “But first, we must pay a visit to Lord Gibson’s house. It’s approximately two miles from the coaching inn in Great Baddow.”

Daphne sighed. She’d been so engrossed in her amorous liaison with Daniel Thorpe she’d almost forgotten about the case.

“Well, we’d be foolish not to take advantage of the opportunity.” She yawned and settled back against the squab. Partaking in such vigorous activity had left her weary. “How long until we reach the inn?”

Daniel leant forward, raised the blind and peered out of the window. “Another hour at best.”

“Good. I’m struggling to keep my eyes open.” She covered her mouth and yawned again. “The events of the last few days seem to have caught up with me.”

A smirk touched his lips. “Perhaps it’s the events of the last few minutes that have taken their toll. Use this time to sleep. I doubt you’ll have an opportunity later.”

Chapter 16

It was a two-mile walk across a field to reach Lord Gibson’s manor house. Using the carriage would only alert the servants of their arrival, and it was easier to make a hasty retreat when on foot. Besides, Daniel had called at the house an hour earlier, and the staff were sure to recognise his coachman and unmarked carriage.

“You’re certain Lord Gibson is not at home?” Daphne clutched his hand while trudging through the long grass. In the dark, one could twist an ankle while attempting to navigate the uneven ground. “What if he was simply too busy to receive visitors?”

“The housekeeper said he’s in London on business.” Business that no doubt involved shooting at them in a dim alley. “I’d have known if she was lying. After slipping the stable boy a coin, he confirmed the woman’s story.”

“So if you have no intention of knocking the front door, how do you propose to gain entry?” Her breath came quicker now, the white mist breezing from her mouth evidence of over-exertion. His thoughts were drawn instantly to their amorous interlude in the carriage — when she’d panted, clutched his shoulders and cried his name.

Damn it all.

The intimate moment they’d shared did nothing to satiate his craving, only fed it all the more. Nothing would ever compare to that one perfect moment. Even now, while holding Daphne’s hand to steady her balance, desire coursed through him like a fast-flowing river in danger of bursting its banks.

“We’ll enter through the window in the study,” Daniel said forcing his mind back to the present. “Did you bring a candle and tinderbox as I asked?”

“Of course. They’re in the concealed pocket of my pelisse.”

“You have a hidden pocket in your coat?”

From her soft hum, he imagined her nodding but couldn’t see clearly in the dark. “Betsy made a few alterations for me. Depending on the circumstances, it is often better than carrying a reticule.”

“Perhaps I might ask her to sew a holster for a pistol inside my greatcoat. It would certainly make life easier.”

Daphne chuckled. “I’m sure if Mr Bostock asked her she would do anything. Betsy does seem rather enamoured with your associate.”

“Or rather enamoured with his carpentry skills.” Daniel chuckled as he imagined his friend rearranging furniture and repairing cupboard doors.

“Bostock told me how he met you,” she suddenly said. “By all accounts, he’s always been skilled with his hands.”

For all the saints. Were his friend not made of stone, he’d punch him on the nose. “If there’s one thing Bostock detests it’s an unfair fight. He offered his assistance despite knowing nothing about me. It was during one of my first cases as an enquiry agent. Try as I might, the man has refused to leave my side ever since.”

There was much more to the story than that. But now was not the time to dredge up memories of the past.

“He said you declined an education at Cambridge in favour of working for yourself,” Daphne continued. Bloody hell. Bostock needed a lesson in curbing his tongue. “When Thomas said you met at school, I assumed that was where he meant.”

“I met Thomas at Eton. While he continued with his studies, I chose another route.” His blunt response conveyed his desire to change the subject. The urge to run took hold, the urge to do something other than reveal the extent of his tragic upbringing.

“Wait. I’m struggling to keep up with your long strides.” Daphne tugged on his hand forcing him to stop. “Just give me a moment to catch my breath. Do you always walk so quickly?”

“Trust me this is a slow pace.” The lie fell easily from his lips. “Perhaps it would have been best if you’d stayed at the inn.” He’d tried to persuade her to do just that, but logic said the safest place to be was at his side — even if they were about to enter Lord Gibson’s house without permission.