Enticing the Earl

Suddenly feeling uncomfortable with how close he was with her, he moved off the bed. “I actually came to talk to you about something important.”

“What is wrong?”

He walked over to the window and drew back the velvet curtain. The expanse of his land always amazed him. He loved the rolling hills lined by trees and fertile fields. Hartsfield was his favorite estate.

“Hart?”

“I called a Bow Street runner in from London. I want him to find Allan Davies.”

“You don’t need to do this. I’m sure he has left the neighborhood by now.”

He turned back and stared at the beautiful woman on the bed. Her bruises were starting to turn a slight greenish tone now. In a few days, even her ribs would be feeling better. He had to make her understand the danger she faced. “Mr. Tanner believes Davies chose you on purpose.”

“What do you mean?”

“He thinks Davies had an ulterior motive for choosing you.”

“Why would he do that?” she asked in a shaky tone.

“That’s what we need to determine.” Simon moved a chair closer to the bed and sat down. “North and I checked the house where you met him. There was absolutely nothing of a personal nature there.”

“He hadn’t lived there long.”

“Perhaps not, but there were only two plates and cups in the house. No letters were there, no paintings or miniatures of relatives, no journal, and almost no food. He didn’t live there, Mia. He used that place only to meet with you.”

She remained silent, staring at her hands.

“Did he ever say anything to make you think he was looking for information about something or someone?”

She frowned in thought before slowly shaking her head. “I don’t remember him asking anything too personal.”

“You said he wouldn’t step on my lands, as if he were frightened of me. Did he ever say why that was?”

“No,” she answered. “He wouldn’t admit that you scared him, Hart.”

“Mia,” he started softly. “Mr. Tanner still believes you are in danger. No one knows this man. North asked his tenants and I asked about him in Cheadle. Only a man hiding something or hiding from something does this.”

Her brown eyes widened. “Are you trying to frighten me?”

“I am trying to make you understand the dangers of this situation and why your mother insisted you stay here.” Damn, he didn’t mean to blurt that out.

“You know about that?”

He nodded sharply. “Your mother and I both agreed that you should stay here for your safety.”

“I see.”

Hearing the bitterness in her voice, he had to calm her down. “Mia, it is for your own good.”

“For how long?”

“At least until Davies is caught,” he said cautiously.

“At least?” She glared at him. “What do you mean by at least?”

“Mia, I would like to suggest something to you but you need to hear me out before answering. Is that all right?”

She tilted her head in a questioning manner. Her eyes narrowed slightly. “Very well, what are you suggesting?”