Daniel cursed inwardly. How could he have been so blind?
“On flogging day the master quoted Cicero to those boys caught lying. It’s a passage about treason and how an enemy at the gate is less formidable than the enemy within.” A stab of guilt hit him in the chest. “Although you were not working as an enquiry agent
at the time of his death, you’ve always had an inquisitive mind. Thomas must have presumed we would come together and discover the truth. Perhaps on that last night at the docks, he hoped to apprehend the traitor, hoped never to involve either of us.”
The sound of Daphne’s ragged breathing mirrored his feelings of frustration.
“Why is it we are both adept when it comes to solving other people’s problems and so lacking when it comes to solving our own?”
“It is not your fault,” Daniel said, as he recalled Lord Gibson had been drinking in Hobley’s coffee house on that particular day too. “You tried to tell me something was amiss, and I ignored you.” After she’d refused his suit, he’d kept his distance, lacked the strength necessary to deal with rejection.
The thud of Bostock’s heavy gait on the stairs drew Daniel’s gaze to the parlour door.
Betsy appeared carrying a tea tray. “Sorry we were so long. We couldn’t find a box to light the candle and didn’t want to disturb you.”
Daniel closed the book, and the modiste placed the tray on the table.
Betsy pursed her lips as she considered Daphne’s forlorn expression. “Don’t worry. We’ll have this place cleaned up in no time. Won’t we, Mr Bostock?”
“In no time at all,” Bostock replied, looking far more respectable in a shirt.
“We’ll begin with the bedchamber,” Daniel said with a renewed sense of determination. “The parlour can wait. It’s imperative we get some sleep tonight as we’ve a long day ahead of us.”
While Daphne slept, Daniel would form a plan. Judging by the state of Daphne’s apartments, the traitor was desperate to find the proof Thomas bragged about. They’d escaped death twice. Time was of the essence. And they were yet to locate the other man on the list, Captain Lewis.
Chapter 21
Despite the urge to watch Daphne wash, dress and nibble on her toast, Daniel gave her some privacy and moved into the parlour. Betsy had gathered the loose feathers into a basket and taken the cushions to her sewing room for repair. Judging by the loud banging coming from below stairs, Bostock had already set to work on the picture frames and broken drawers. A little more sweeping and the room would be presentable, almost as it was before.
Daniel yawned. He’d not slept a wink. Thoughts of the past came to haunt him. Daphne had not pressed for a more detailed explanation of his lineage since discovering he was the son of a marquess. But while he had no desire to recount the tragic tale, she deserved to know the truth.
“I’ve thought about it, and I’m not comfortable with you going to visit Lord Gibson alone.” Daphne came to stand before him. “Can you not take Mr Bostock?”
Daniel sighed. “Bostock is to accompany you,” he said, trying to ignore the heat from her palm when she placed her hand on his chest. “How many times must I tell you? Gibson is no match for me. I intend to ask a few questions that is all.”
Only a fool would accuse a peer of murder and treason based on nothing more than a bottle of cologne and a pocket watch. Doubt crept in. As a spy, no doubt Lord Gibson possessed an inner strength that made him immune to a verbal attack. They would need more evidence if they hoped to gain a confession. Still, he’d prod the peer a little, follow him for a day or two in the hope he would make a mistake.
“It’s likely Lord Gibson is responsible for what happened in the alley,” Daphne said struggling to maintain her composure. “Do not underestimate him, Daniel.”
“Daphne, I’ve been working these streets for years.” Admittedly, he had come close to losing his life on a number of occasions.
“Yes, and you almost died.”
“It’s a superficial wound and only occurred because my mind was engaged elsewhere. Had you not insisted on going to Elton Park, we’d have had no need to linger in the alley.”
She raised a brow, and her lip curled. “And do you regret your decision to attend?”
He knew exactly what she was referring to. The memory of their passionate encounter in the bedchamber flooded his mind. “You know I don’t regret a single second. I’d even partner Lavinia at dinner for the chance to spend an hour in a private room with you.”
She smiled. “I can’t help caring.”
The comment touched him more than she would ever know. “I want you to care.” He cupped her cheek. “But I need to work. Gibson must be held accountable if we’ve any hope of moving on with our lives.”
She sighed. “Promise me you’ll carry a weapon.”
He gave a weak chuckle. “When on a case, I never leave home without one.”
Daphne’s gaze travelled over his face. “Whatever happens, I can’t lose you.”