The Duke scoffed. “You are to be family, andthe fact remains, I’m indebted to you and I always pay my debts. Ihave also enlisted runners to investigate Lady Ursula’s poisoningof your father as told to you by Molly, the only eyewitness. TheRunners have inquired of the servants, but they are either tooscared, or fear losing their jobs. Unfortunately, investigatorshave come up with no leads and Samuel’s testimony would beconsidered hearsay. I am trying to find a money trail. LadySutherland had to pay someone to put you on theSantanas.”
Alexandra picked at her eggs. “Calling meLady Sutherland, will be fraudulent unless I can show clear title.To verify who I am, I must have evidence. Despite my untried youth,there is one recurring memory of my father. He would close thelibrary door and have me trip a secret compartment in the desk intoopening repeatedly. For my father to do this, meant it wasimportant for me to know.”
Aunt Margaret pulled herself up to her fullheight. “Nicholas, you are a very bright young man and mustunderstand, Alexandra’s right. There is a lot at stake.”
Nicholas’s nostrils flared. “Alexandra, Idon’t give a rat’s ass if you are titled or not. Your belief is achildhood dream. Look where you ended upkidnapped and to be soldinto slavery. I can see where this is going and will not allow youto be anywhere near your ancestral home as long as Lady Sutherlandis about.”
She ran her finger on the border of her teacup. Nicholas had reason for his outrage. Perhaps not with her, butit was human nature to blame those closest, the ones he wanted mostto protect. “I am going.”
Nicholas dropped his chair to all fours.“I’m not taking any chances. My job is to keep you safe.”
“I cannot marry you unless my name issecured.” And if he thought she was going to change her mind, hewas as addled as the town drunk back in Deconshire.
“You will marry me,” Nicholas stated.
“Her musing is not a childhood vision,”Samuel spoke up. “Molly had seen the secret drawer. She had gone tothe library to get the baby Alexandra for her nap. In fact, Mollyheard Alexandra laughing and since the door was partially open, shepeeked in to see what was amusing the child. Baron Stephen hadAlexandra open and reopen the compartment. The week before wedeparted, Molly tried repeatedly to open the compartment in casethere were papers that proved Alexandra’s birthright. No matter howmany attempts, she could never find the trip lever.”
The Duke spread marmalade on his butteredbread. “I agree with Nicholas that it is too dangerous forAlexandra. You could tell someone how to do it. One of my men couldbreak-in.”
That comment drew stares from everyoneexcept Aunt Margaret who snorted. “I would expect nothing less ofyou, Richard.”
“It won’t work,” said Alexandra. “If thereis any hint of activity in the library, and your man fails, Ursulawill have everything in the room burned because she will realizethe importance. I must be the one to locate the compartment. I’mthe only one who knows the desk.”
Nicholas slammed his fist on the table. Thedishes jumped and so did Alexandra. “Absolutely not. I will nothave you risk your life or the Lady Ursula is on alert and probablyexpecting you. She will not make the same mistake twice. You willbe dead.”
Tears pricked the back of Alexandra’s eyes.He wanted to protect her and the baby. “I was so close the lasttime…I have to avenge Molly’s death and this is the only way…byproving who I am.”
Aunt Margaret released two lumps of sugarinto her tea and stirred, the spoon clanking loudly against thecup. “Your nobleness is to be admired, Nicholas, but it is not aserviceable substitute to getting things done correctly.”
Rachel rebalanced her cup in the saucer.“Your Lordship, could you not have your men canvas the house totell us when Ursula and Willean are out?”
“Yes.”
Nicholas scowled. “What good will that do ifit is guarded?”
Alexandra clasped and unclasped her hands.The women were circling the stubborn men and working in her favor.Keep it up, ladies.
Aunt Margaret drummed her fingers on the topof her cane. “We need a ruse to get Ursula and Willean out of thehouse.”
The Duke spoke up. “Easy. I’m friends withthe Somer’s and will ask a personal favor to send an invitation toLady Sutherland and Willean to his famed ball which is two daysaway and ample time for us to prepare.”
Aunt Margaret stamped her cane on the floorwith a sharp crack. “Strike Ursula at her vulnerable spotherarrogance. She’d never decline a social occasion hosted by the Dukeand Duchess of Somers. The ball is to be the crème de la crème ofthe season.”
Nicholas narrowed his eyes on Alexandra.“I’m not happy with you involved in this idiocy at all and you knowwhat I mean.”
She paled at the innuendo. Indicating shewas with child was his last trump card to gather the family againstthe scheme of sending a pregnant woman into danger.
Aunt Margaret huffed. “Alexandra has shownstrong constitution in everything she has gone through. I’m sureshe will be careful, won’t you.”
Bless Aunt Margaret.
Alexandra lifted her chin. “More thancareful.”
Nicholas’s nostrils flared. “I have demands.I’m going with you on this foolishness and you are going to followmy instructions.”
Alexandra didn’t want Nicholas involved andwas ready to protest but when she saw the storm clouds brewing, shechanged her mind.Stubborn man. “Agreed.”
Nicholas turned to his father. “For the nexttwo days, I want your men posted near the manor for surveillance.They must remain undetected. On the night of our break-in, I wantthem posted around the perimeter in case there is any trouble.”
