“Do you consider him a suspect, too?”
“Yes,” Havers said. “Lady Gregoria’s dowry is ample, but nothing extraordinary. However, if you are correct about the additional one hundred thousand pounds she stands to inherit upon her uncle’s demise, then this makes her quite the tempting heiress.”
Julius frowned. “But I just told you about her inheritance. How would you know to have Allendale followed already?”
“Just a hunch, but now you have given me confirmation.”
Julius remained frowning. “Do you think Lady Gregoria is in danger from him?”
“Hard to say. But if he is the killer, then it would not be a stretch to believe she is.”
Damn.
“Never underestimate the lunacy of some of these schemes devised, my lord. Once Lady Gregoria has received her inheritance, her loving husband might plot to do her in. It has happened before. How convenient for a supposedly doting husband to return to their blissfully happy home a few months after they are married and find her dead?”
Julius growled. “Supposedly killed by the same fiend who attacked her uncle and left her for dead months earlier?”
Havers nodded. “He plays the bereaved husband while ridding himself of an unwanted wife and getting to keep all the wealth she brought into the marriage.”
Julius had suspected Allendale.
In truth, it was mostly jealousy on his part that made him think ill of the man. However, was it so farfetched? His heart began to pound, for Gory truly was in danger. Whether from Lady Easton or Lord Allendale, or an as yet to be discovered villain who was afraid Gory had seen him and might identify him once her memory returned, all of them had a motive to be rid of Gory.
“The same could be said of you, Lord Thorne.”
“What?” Julius shook back to attention at the accusation.
“It is obvious you want Lady Gregoria for yourself. Or is it her funds you find alluring?”
“Blast it, Havers. Shut up. Every time I start to like you, you toss off some stupid remark that reminds me what an arse you are. For the record, I am independently wealthy. Obscenely wealthy, as my bankers have no doubt informed your investigators by now. I have no need of Lady Gregoria’s funds. I do not give a fig about what assets she might bring into our marriage, assuming she would ever agree to marry me.”
All he wanted was Gory’s heart.
“Then you are in love with her?”
“None of your business.” But of course, it was this investigator’s business to dig up all the information he could on every suspect.
Julius rubbed a hand along his neck and groaned. “Of course, I love her. I expect it is obvious to you. Probably to Allendale, too.”
“And how does Lady Gregoria feel about you?”
“I have no idea. I hope she cares for me, although I have given her little reason to do so.”
Havers regarded him in that intense way he studied every suspect. “If it turns out she does love you, then that would cause a slight problem with the wedding. Would it not?”
Julius laughed. “An understatement, Havers.”
“Are you going to tell her?”
Julius shook his head. “Now? No, not while she remains among your list of suspects. If it turns out she is to be charged with her uncle’s murder, then she is better off marrying a peer for protection. You’ve said so yourself. A viscountess is going to get every benefit of the doubt. Allendale would be her best hope, assuming he is not the killer. In truth, I do not believe he is that ruthless or conniving. Also, his family is quite wealthy. Lady Gregoria’s inheritance is substantial, but I doubt it is enough to compel an already wealthy man to commit murder. Do you, Havers?”
“I’ll reserve judgement.”
It tore at Julius, for he would do anything to keep Gory safe, even if it meant giving her up for good. It would wreck him, but was she not the most important thing to him?
Havers was studying him again. “You would let Allendale marry her?”
Julius nodded. “Yes, if there was no other way to protect her.”
