“Even me,” he allowed. “I had begun to suspect, but I never found any proof. That was very well done, Olive.”
“Oh. Yes.”
Her words tangled up as a curious warmth spread through her body. It wasn’t the first time it had happened. The first was at the musicale, and then at the library. And now, a third time. She had thought it a fluke at first, that swooping feeling when he commended her. How could such simple words feel as intimate as a touch? Why should being admired kindle heat in her belly, a restless ache between her thighs? No one had ever spoken to her like this before. Most scarcely noticed her at all, and when they did, it was to overlook, to dismiss. To be praised by him, the man who could have any woman’s notice if he wished…well. It was beyond delicious.
“You’re flushed, min käraste,” he murmured. “Everything all right?”
“I…” She cleared her throat, but how did one admit to something so strange as becoming inflamed by mere words? It was impossible. “I am merely delighted to emerge victorious. Over you and any other man who wants to unveil me for their own purposes.”
The humor faded from his expression. “I won’t let Wingate near you.”
“But why does he want me at all? I don’t understand.”
“His claim is that he wants to show his support for the cause, but I think it’s a ruse.”
“He was talking to the anti-suffrage preacher. Why would he do that if he didn’t support his views, at least on some level?”
“Mack would have done the same if he’d been close enough. Anything to get a quote for the paper.” He hummed under his breath. “Have you ever heard their names in conjunction before?”
“Never.”
“Then it looks like I’ve got more digging to do.”
“I don’t want to cause a rift with your employer?—”
“He’s the one who caused a rift, Olive, by being disingenuous about why he hired me. I’ve already started pulling at loose threads. The pieces are there, I just haven’t fit them together yet.”
“Will you tell me what you find?”
“I will,” he assured her, and a thrill of happiness spread through her at being included. “In the meantime, we should start thinking about how you’ll reveal yourself.”
She jolted upright and looked at him aghast. “I’m not going to reveal myself. Not ever.”
“We need to get ahead of this,” he insisted. “If Wingate is connected to the anti-suffragist movement, then he could be searching for ways to impugn the character of local suffragists. All it would take is a few choice details, and your reputation will be in tatters. But if we attack first?—”
She laid a finger over his lips. “Emil, I know you mean well, but that’s your style. Not mine.” Fire rose to his eyes, but she pressed forward. He had to understand. “I published anonymously for a reason. I’m simply not comfortable putting myself forward that way. I have too many responsibilities, too much to lose, and not nearly enough courage.”
It was his turn to look at her like she’d lost her mind. It stung, but at least he knew where she stood. Knew her limitations.
“What do Winnie and Miss Lewis have to say about it?”
“I haven’t spoken to them about it yet.”
“Why the hell not?”
“They’re busy?—”
“Too busy to help their friend?”
“They are helping their friend,” she snapped. “Or at least, they’re trying.”
He went still. “What do you mean?”
“I mean Rhoda has gone missing.” She heaved a sigh. “It’s been four days since we’ve seen or heard from her. Winnie stopped by to tell me the next morning. Now, she and Clem are busy searching for her. I…I was going to help, but it took me longer to recover than expected, and then I had to make up the lost time?—”
“That is concerning,” he interrupted her guilt-laden rambling. “But it doesn’t change the fact that they have two friends who need help right now, and only one is getting it.”
“Rhoda’s situation is now, and mine is…” she waved a hand in the air, grasping for the right words. “Well, it’s always. I can wait a bit longer. I really don’t mind.”
