Stephen paid the shopkeeper and departed. As he returned to his carriage, he turned the events over in his mind.
And he couldn’t help but think that his time was running out.
Chapter Twenty
Emilyhadn’texpectedtosee Stephen so soon. She heard his voice in the hall and saw him handing his gloves and hat to Nigel’s footman. Tension knotted his face, but he relaxed when he saw her.
“What is it?” she asked. Had he changed his mind about acknowledging her as his countess? Was he planning to bring her home with him? From the unsettled expression on his face, that didn’t seem likely.
He took her hand in his. “I’ll tell you in private. Is your uncle here?”
“He had business with some associates this evening. He promised to return later tonight.” She studied her husband, noting the worry on his face.
“He left you alone?”
What was this about? Her nerves tightened, though she pointed out, “We have a houseful of servants.”
“I’d rather know for myself that you’re safe. I’ll stay with you while he’s gone.” He walked alongside her and rested his palm upon her back. Although it was meant as reassurance, she sensed that what he was about to tell her wasn't good.
Emily led him into the drawing room, her apprehension rising when he closed the door. “There was another attempt on my life.” He told her about the poisoned biscuits, and her insides turned to ice.
“I can’t believe it. Who do you think did such a thing?” She took his hands, as if to reassure herself that he was all right.
“It may be Carstairs. He needs money, so he said.” Stephen went to stand by the window, his expression grim. “Or there’s another possibility—one I can’t eliminate. Earlier today, I saw your former butler walking in the streets.”
“Anant?” She frowned, turning the information over in her mind. “Why would he be in London?”
“I am wondering if he was hired to kill me. Perhaps he was the one who attacked you in the gardens at Falkirk, as well.”
Emily shook her head in denial. “I don’t believe that. He worked for our family for years. He has no reason to harm any of us.”
“He was there on the night your brother died. And I can't deny that he could be connected to the attacks.” He closed the curtains, returning to her side.
“I hope not.” Even so, doubt threaded through her mind with the fear that he could be right.
Stephen loosened his cravat, revealing the tattoo. “I also learned more about this marking. It was done to me in India, and it is Chinese, like your brother’s.”
He sat down, letting her examine the back of his neck. “What does it mean?” She traced the foreign characters and the swirling symbols etched in his bare flesh.
He tensed at the touch of her hand and turned to face her. “It accuses me of opium smuggling. And a death penalty, if I am caught a second time.”
Emily shuddered, not wanting to think of such a thing. “But you’re not a smuggler.”
“No. But the ship I was on might have contained such a cargo. I can’t be sure.”
“But…such a journey. All the way to India.” Her mind ran wild with visions of him being taken prisoner, of strangers calling for his death.
“Don’t worry. I’ve no intention of going back, for any reason.” His voice caught her deep within, like a physical caress. “Everything I want is right here.”
He stood, pulling her against him in a dark kiss. His mouth coaxed hers into a battle of lips and tongue, forcing her to yield against him. She clung to him, falling deeply under his seductive spell.
When he pulled away, he whispered. “Thank you for the boots. And the shoes.” He brushed another kiss along her jaw. “Phillips gave me the package you brought.”
His hand moved down her neck to the strand of pearls resting against her bosom. He fingered the strand, teasing the beads against her nipple as he’d done before. “I like these on you. I’d like them better if they were all you wore.”
She shivered, fighting off the temptation. Although she ached to do exactly as he said, she’d made a vow not to let him touch her until he acknowledged her as his countess. And already she wanted to break that promise.
“Stephen, wait.”
