She hesitated. “Does it matter?”
“Everything matters when someone attempts to snare me in a trap.”
“Louise.” She said it quietly, as if the name itself was a confession. “My name is Louise.”
“Louise.” He tested the name, watching her reaction. “And who is it that frightens you so badly you’d attempt this charade?”
She shook her head. “I can’t. Not yet.”
Aaron moved to the chair across from her, setting his drink aside untouched. “Then let me guess. Someone has leverage over you. Financial, most likely, given the quality of your dress and the care with which it’s been maintained. You’re wellborn, but you have fallen on difficult times.”
Her fingers twisted in her lap. “Please stop.”
“You have someone you’re protecting. A husband? No, you wear no ring, and you have the air of someone unaccustomed to men’s intimate company. A family member, then. Someone whose welfare matters more to you than your own reputation.”
“Your Grace …”
“The question is whether this is simple blackmail or something more complex.” Aaron leaned forward. “Tell me, Louise, does the name Bragg mean anything to you?”
The color drained from her face so completely he thought she might faint.
That answered that question.
“I see it does.” Aaron’s jaw tightened.
He’d suspected Bragg might eventually attempt revenge for the gaming hall affair, but using an innocent woman as his weapon was low, even for him.
“He sent you here.”
It wasn’t a question, but she nodded anyway, her eyes bright with unshed tears.
“What does he have on you?”
Her throat worked. “My family … we’re in trouble.”
“What kind of trouble?” he pressed.
A beat. Then another. She closed her eyes as if bracing for a blow.
“My brother,” she whispered.
Aaron waited.
“He owes someone money.” The admission seemed torn from her.
“How much?”
She shook her head, refusing to meet his eyes.
His tone softened. “How much?”
A long pause. “Eight thousand pounds.” The words tumbled out as if a dam had broken. “My brother has disappeared, and Bragg says if I don’t … if I don’t share your bed tonight, he’ll take my sister. She’s only six years old.”
Aaron cursed under his breath. “Where is your brother?”
“I don’t know. He’s been missing for a week. I’ve searched everywhere I could think of, but there’s been no word.” Louise lifted her chin. “I know what you must think of me, but I couldn’t let him hurt my sister.”
Aaron rose and moved to the window, staring out at the gaslit street below.
