“No. But I could ask you the same question.”
Frederick sighed. “I know. But we both saw the way Mr. Oliver looked at Miss Newport, and you do seem to know something abouther.”
Thomas raised his hands. “Truthfully, I know very little, beyond how irresistible she is. I met her last season, when she played Josephine inAn Actress of All Work.”
Frederick rolled his eyes.
Thomas sent him a scathing glance. “Look. I realize actresses have a certain reputation, but it is not deserved in this case. Selina is not a light-skirt. Some men, however, don’t want to believe there can be exceptions to the general rule. I take it Oliver was one of those.”
“She told you that?”
“Not in so many words. But I saw how she reacted to seeing him. I asked her about it later, and she shuddered and said, ‘The man is a snake.’”
“Was she aware he would be here?”
“I don’t think so....” Thomas looked away, searching his memory. “No, I doubt she would have come in that case. At least, based on the vehemence of her reaction.”
“Then why is she here?”
Thomas shrugged. “She was in the area. Sent me a note, letting me know.”
“And you told me you did not arrange to meet her here.”
“I didn’t. Not directly. I may have mentioned this lovely hotel, and our ongoing refurbishments that might necessitate we stay here, but—”
“Don’t insult my intelligence.”
“Look, I understand this has the appearance of an ... illicit liaison, but it isn’t. Grant you, it might have been if I had my way, but Miss Newport is more of a lady than I realized, and I admire her for it.”
“You lied to me.”
“I did not. I told you I had a hint she might be here. But I did not invite her, nor did I know for certain she would come. Why are you so cross?”
“I don’t know.”
Thomas’s lips quirked. “I could tell you, if you’d like.”
“No, thank you. Are you saying you are in love with this Miss Newport? Hope to marry her?”
“Oh, now ... let’s not place the cart before the horse. I have spent but a few hours in her company. For the present, suffice it to say I admire her.”
“Careful, Thomas. If you have genuine feelings for the woman, and Mr. Oliver wronged her, that might seem like motive enough to kill the man.”
His brother’s mouth fell open. “Me, kill a man I never met for trying to seduce a woman I barely know? Do you really think I would? Have you ever known me to be violent?”
“No, but if this comes out, Mr. Smith or another JP may take a different view.”
“Well, then, don’t tell them.”
“I cannot promise that. I will need to speak to Miss Newport as well.”
Thomas sighed. “You are determined to ruin this for me, are you not?”
“No. Only to get at the truth.”
His brother looked at him soberly. “Tread gently, will you, ol’ boy?”
Frederick hesitated, then promised, “I will try.”
