Dangerous Masquerade (Regency Masquerade)

“Yes, but I truly believe if he’d read the contents he wouldn’t have done this.” Her doubt must have been obvious, because he added, “I think he merely opened it to slip his note inside.”

Hoping he was right, she asked, “Then how do I get him to read the papers?”

25

The pages of the solicitor’s report fluttered as Luc tossed them aside. At the sound, Devon looked up from the accounts he was studying.

Luc answered his unspoken query. “It’s a report from Pemberton on Danielson. He’s deeply in debt. His creditors are dunning him, and the fool went to a cent-per-center, which naturally made matters worse. He’s apparently fled to Ireland after selling his horses.”

Devon grimaced. “Damn, I had my eye on his grays. Does the report say who purchased them?”

Luc caustically replied, “No, it doesn’t!” In a more polite tone, he continued, “It does say the town house is closed up. A note from Liam McDermott is also included. The house has been stripped of the paintings, statues, anything of value.

With a grin, Devon asked, “I wonder how he knows that?”

As they both used the McDermott brothers’ services, Luc was sure Devon knew exactly how the information had been obtained. The brothers’ ways were sometimes unorthodox, to say the least, but effective. So were some of their less-than-savory associates.

Devon confirmed his belief that he knew exactly how the information had been obtained by not waiting for a reply. “Why did you have Danielson investigated?”

Sighing, Luc gazed at the fire as he framed his answer. “You’d agree he’s a bruising rider?”

At Devon’s nod, Luc continued. “You would never have known it from what I saw in the village when Ria was injured.” His throat tightened as he remembered the sight of her lying on the ground.

His friend put the accounts on the small table beside his chair. “Surely you don’t think Danielson deliberately set out to hurt her?”

Luc shrugged. “A rider of his caliber should have been able to handle the horse, even in a crowded street.”

“I agree it looks bad.”

Unable to sit still, Luc jumped to his feet and walked over to the fireplace. Turning back to look at Devon he said, “I looked at the horse later—it was stabled in the inn. There were small cuts under his mane. I don’t think they were accidental, though Danielson said it was a careless groom. One he’d conveniently dismissed.”

Prowling the room, he continued thoughtfully, “Add to that the incident with the coach. Ria’s reaction to that puzzled me. Most people would have been incensed and would have reprimanded—probably dismissed—the coachman. After all, she could have been killed. Yet, if anything, she comforted him.”

Gesturing to the report, he said, “Danielson’s pockets are to let. That gives him a motive for trying to kill her if he’s her heir.”

A look of horror crossed Devon’s face. “You believe he’s desperate enough to resort to murder?”

“Yes.” Luc stopped by the table and looked at the report. “Pemberton has a few more things to investigate. Something to do with the will but he hasn’t gone into details. Just says he’s checking the facts.”

Devon and Luc exchanged grimaces. Well accustomed to their solicitor’s foibles, they knew he would not make any statement until he had checked and rechecked his facts.

“What did Ria say about all this?”

Resuming his prowling, Luc said, “Very little. She said she didn’t believe he was trying to kill her, but after the incident with the coach she asked me to teach her to shoot. And she bought a pocket pistol. Even after getting injured, she still wouldn’t admit Danielson was trying to harm her.”

A slight smile tilted the corner of his friend’s mouth. Luc got the distinct impression he was trying not to laugh. Frowning, he asked, “What is it?”

Devon shrugged. “You sound maddened. Strange when a few days ago you said you’d washed your hands of her. And you haven’t called off the investigation…”

Luc’s jaw tightened. “She is still a woman, and there is no one to protect her. It is my duty to ensure her safety.”

Devon snorted then repeated Luc’s words. “Duty. That’s all?”

Repressively Luc told him, “Yes, it is.” His tone was so positive and firm he convinced himself that was the truth. Almost.

“I could protect her.”

At Devon’s words Luc fought the urge to snarl at his best friend. His fists clenched, and he shook his head in rebuttal.