"I have an idea."
Her heart leapt with hope. "Yes?"
"I will pretend an interest in a partnership with Merewether Shipping. You will need to show me the books, and we will conduct the investigation together."
* * *
Chapter 10
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Thea is growing so quickly, I barely recognize her anymore. She runs everywhere and her diction is marvelous for a child still in leading strings. Are all mothers so very proud of their young? Perhaps Langley has done for me one small service. In stealing my son, he has given me appreciation for my daughter. She is my own precious joy and I will be worthy of her.
March 24, 1800
Journal of Anna Selwyn, Countess of Langley
"What about the letter? Someone in the London office already knows I've discovered discrepancies in the ledgers."
He had seen the look of hope leap into her eyes. She wanted to rely on him.
He would show her that she could trust him. "We will allay their concerns by pretending to think the other discrepancies were anomalies."
"Won't the thief feel threatened that we are going through the books now, and do something to try and stop us? He has already proved himself quite ruthless."
"I hope so."
Understanding dawned in her expression. "We are laying a trap and hoping the thief will try again." Her eyes dimmed. "Isn't that rather dangerous for you?"
"No more so than for you."
"But it is my problem."
"Now it is mine. You belong to me, Thea, even if you are too stubborn to admit it. That makes your problems mine." He waited for her to deny his words with her customary independent stubbornness, but her worried look only intensified.
"I don't want you to feel responsible for me."
"You have no choice." Did she think he could walk away from her now that he knew she was in danger?
"What if you are hurt?" she asked as if that was all that concerned her.
"I know how to take care of myself." He wanted to touch her and wipe the anxious expression from her face, but knew that he couldn't risk the close contact. Once he started touching her again, he wouldn't stop until he was buried inside her. "There is one matter we will have to attend to, however."
"Yes?"
"Where you will live."
"I'm staying with Lady Upworth. She's invited me numerous times. She will not mind me arriving unexpectedly." Thea sighed. "I think."
"Perhaps not, but she would definitely mind me moving in. She's set in her ways, just like my aunt."
"What do you mean, you moving in?"
"I'm staying by your side until the thief has been dealt with. He has proven himself too willing to harm you."
"I will be perfectly safe with Lady Upworth." And she sounded like she truly believed it.
"No."