A Simple Case of Seduction

“No. Thank you, Chadwick. You’ve enough to do looking after the guests. After the long journey yesterday, Mr Thorpe is probably in need of rest.” Either that or the thirty minutes spent laughing with Mr Dempsey had taken its toll.

The butler inclined his head and ambled away down the hall. Daphne returned to the drawing room and made polite conversation with Prudence Roxbury, the bride’s sister. Numerous times she’d been forced to ask the lady to repeat her question. While Daphne’s body was in the drawing room, her mind was somewhere else entirely.

When Prudence went to the aid of her grandfather, who often confused people’s names and insisted Mr Dempsey was a gentleman called Captain Lawrence, Daphne found herself alone.

So much had happened since leaving London. They’d discovered Lord Gibson’s involvement in Thomas’ murder. Daphne now knew of Daniel’s past, his motivations. She knew his desire to avoid the aristocracy stemmed f

rom a fear of being recognised. Which was probably the reason he’d made himself scarce at the first opportunity.

Of course, the most life-changing moment had occurred in his carriage. Taking Daniel Thorpe as her lover had only made her want him all the more.

“Remind me to give Thorpe a good shaking for leaving a lady alone,” Mr Dempsey said disturbing her reverie. “Lord knows where he’s disappeared to.”

She should go to him. Had she known the story of his past, she would not have forced him to come.

Daphne leant closer to the handsome gentleman. “I need your help, Mr Dempsey. Thorpe has retired to his chamber, and I’ve no idea where that is.”

A sinful grin formed on Mr Dempsey’s mouth. “And you want to join him there? Is it not a little early in the day to be … cooped upstairs?”

The only way to deal with men who enjoyed teasing was to play them at their own game. “You do not strike me as a man who requires a blanket of darkness to enjoy life’s pleasures, sir. You’re the last person I’d think to call a prude.”

“Prude?” Mr Dempsey laughed. “You’re as amusing as your colleague, Mrs Chambers. Thank heavens you’re both here else I might die of boredom.”

“Does that mean you will help me?”

“I gave you a clue earlier. I’m surprised a woman with your skill for deduction missed the sign.” When she frowned, he said, “Peacocks. Thorpe is in the room plagued by the ugly creatures.” He turned, caught his wife's attention, and she came to stand at his side. “Mrs Chambers needs your help, Helena.”

Helena turned to Daphne and smiled. “Wonderful. Is it a question about a case?” she said with some excitement.

“Unfortunately not,” Mr Dempsey said. “I know how you enjoy a good mystery. But no, this requires the utmost discretion.”

Feeling somewhat impatient, Daphne whispered, “I need you to take me to Mr Thorpe’s room. Or at least tell me where it is.”

Helena smiled. “Of course. Who am I to stand in the way of two people in love?”

“We are not in love,” Daphne protested. “We are friends and colleagues, that is all.” And occasional lovers, she thought, but no one need know of that. “I’ve had an idea about the case and need to speak to him before it slips my mind completely.”

“Forgive me,” Helena said softly, “if I spoke out of turn. Come with me, and I shall point you in the direction of his room.”

“If you find your …. discussion becomes a little heated, Mrs Chambers, have no fear.” Lucas Dempsey gave her a knowing wink. “There’ll be plenty of time to cool down as dinner won’t be served until six.”

Helena tutted. “Pay Lucas no heed,” she said as they walked out into the hall. “He is fond of Mr Thorpe and credits him with saving his reputation. There’s not a man he respects more. Without your friend’s intervention, Mr Weston might never have confessed.”

Pride blossomed in Daphne’s chest. “Thorpe is an exceptional enquiry agent — the very best. It’s not often in our line of work one hears such praise.”

“After everything you both did for Anthony and Sarah, we want you to be happy.”

They climbed the grand staircase. Once at the top, Helena pointed to a door further along the corridor to their left.

“It’s the third door on the right,” Helena continued. “I shall wait here to make sure no one sees you.”

“Thank you.” Daphne’s stomach fluttered at the prospect of entering Daniel’s chamber. The sensation was akin to thousands of butterflies bursting from their chrysalises.

With a quick glance over her shoulder, Daphne hurried to the room Mr Dempsey insisted was plagued by peacocks. After rapping gently three times on the door, Daphne breathed a sigh of relief when Daniel finally answered.

“Here you are,” she whispered, noting that he’d removed his coat and boots. It was obviously his intention to remain upstairs as long as possible. “I’ve been looking for you everywhere. Can I come in?”

“Did anyone see you come up here?” he snapped.