A Simple Case of Seduction

He knew two of the men on the list. Marcus Danbury was a friend of Dudley Spencer; the latter was as adept at discovering information as any skilled enquiry agent. To the best of his knowledge, Danbury lived in France and hadn’t set foot on English soil for years.

“I’ve never met any of the men mentioned,” Daphne said.

“Lord Gibson I know of, but not Captain Lewis.” He handed the paper back to her. “Danbury’s not our man. He’s a bit of a rogue by all accounts but loyal and trustworthy.”

“We should not rule him out of the investigation. People change. Circumstances change.”

“You have a valid point,” he agreed. “But we’ll leave Danbury until last. Tomorrow we’ll make some enquiries into Captain Lewis’ background.”

Daphne sat forward. “But I’m going to Witham tomorrow.”

“You’re still going to the wedding after what has just occurred?” Was the thought of travelling alone not terrifying? What if the stalker followed her to Elton Park? Damn it. He would have to go too if he could not persuade her otherwise.

“I must.”

“What about my injury?” He’d play the wounded soldier if he thought she might reconsider.

“But you said it was just a graze.”

“There’s too much to do here.” Daniel crossed his arms in defiance, the wound throbbing just to aggravate him some more.

“Time out of town might help give us a new perspective on the case.” Daphne smiled at him sweetly. Oh, this lady was skilled in manipulation. “Time in the country might rejuvenate our spirits.”

Two days and nights spent alone with her would leave him fit for Bedlam. It was becoming increasingly more difficult to keep his rampant thoughts to himself. But what choice did he have?

“Are you certain I cannot persuade you to stay?” he said, clutching the last thread of hope.

“I made a promise, Daniel. But I understand if you want to remain here.”

“No,” he groaned. “I shall accompany you to Elton Park.”

Her emerald-green eyes brightened. “You will? It will mean an overnight stay in a coaching inn and then a night mingling with the aristocracy.”

“I can hardly contain my excitement.” Was there anything he wouldn’t do for this woman?

“Excellent.” She clapped her hands together. “I hired a post-chaise, but we can meet at the coaching inn.”

Did she honestly think he would allow her to travel in one of those ramshackle vehicles? “We’ll travel in my carriage.”

“But I’ve already paid Mr Butteridge. He insists on payment in advance. Only last month, he took a man as far as Stratford and the blighter absconded when they stopped to change the horses.”

“Butteridge can keep the money.” Daniel smirked. “Don’t worry. I’ll not charge you to ride with me.”

“Perhaps I should charge you for the pleasure,” she countered playfully.

“And I would gladly pay.”

A blush touched her cheeks. She struggled to hold his gaze and glanced absently out of the window. “We’ve just turned into New Bond Street.”

Good. The conversation had served as a distraction, but he was eager to see the extent of the damage to his arm.

The cab rattled to a halt outside the modiste shop. Daphne alighted first and pulled the key from her reticule while Daniel paid the driver.

“Betsy can heat some water while I look at your wound,” she said as they entered the shop. Noting a flicker of light from the parlour she called out to the modiste. “Betsy! Betsy!” Mild panic infused her tone. “Mr Bostock, are you here?”

Both people burst from the parlour as though the drapes had caught fire, although they looked guilty rather than concerned.

“What is it?” Betsy patted her golden locks and brushed the creases from her dress as she walked over to Daphne. “What’s happened?”