Elizabeth turned her sharp eyes to Rhys.“Don’t think I didn’t notice earlier when she said there was no food at your house.Your house—where I have never once been invited.”
Matthew shrugged.“Neither have I, darling.”
Rhys rubbed the back of his head with one hand.“I don’t invite anyone to my place.It’s a safety issue.”He glanced at Violet.“This one just shows up.”
Violet’s mouth gaped.“Pardon, you said—”
Rhys put two fingers on her lips.“Shhh, luv, you are getting me in trouble.”
“Perhaps you should let people into your life more, then,” she said against his fingers.“And get some furniture.”
Across the table, Matthew burst into laughter.“Never thought I’d see the day…”
Rhys glared at his friend.“All right, perhaps it’s time to get you home.It’s very late, and you need sleep.”
Violet rose to her feet.She was tired now that she had a full belly.“Yes, sir.”She raised her hand in a mock salute but couldn’t quite stop her smile.
Rhys grumbled and helped settle her cloak around her shoulders.
“It was a pleasure to meet you, Matthew, and to see you again, Elizabeth.”
Elizabeth came around the table to embrace her.“I’m so glad to hear that you are safe.I have been very worried for you ever since last Christmas.”She whispered, “The change in your circumstances must be a relief.”
Tears unexpectedly pricked the back of her eyes at the kindness from this woman whom she barely knew.She returned Elizabeth’s embrace.“I hope to see you again soon.Good night.”
As they walked out of the back door, Rhys weaved his fingers with hers.He was quiet while they walked down to the mews.Violet glanced over at him and noticed his furrowed brow.“Are you thinking about the piece of information you missed?”
“Yes.”
“Do you want to tell me?”
“When I was asked to stop Lavensham, the person said that ‘she was in danger.’I was so focused on what Lavensham could be up to that I didn’t remember the ‘she is in danger’ part.It must be about his mistress, I think.I almost missed it.”
“We could warn her.If we can find her.Perhaps I could pay her a call.”Violet frowned.“No, I am not allowed to make social calls.”
“Don’t worry.I will take care of it.This isn’t your problem anymore.”
“What do you mean?”The finality of his tone stung.
“I mean that your husband is no longer a threat, and you no longer need to hunt for blackmail.My business with Lavensham need not be your concern.”
“So, you are saying you no longer need my help.”
“Yes.”
Violet pulled her hand free of his.“I see.”And she did.She had been inserting herself into his life, into his home, a home he didn’t even share with his closest friends.All this time, she thought they were working as a team, but he’d simply recognized that she needed help.He had been rescuing her at every turn.Feeling a fool, she quickened her pace.
“Violet, what’s wrong?”Rhys caught up to her easily.
“Nothing,” she lied.“I am tired.You’re right; it’s time for me to go home.”
Chapter Twenty-Two
The next morning,Violet slept in late, waking to sunlight streaming through her windows and her stomach grumbling with hunger.She sat up, pushed her hair from her face, and looked over at the clock on the mantel.Eleven thirty?Good Lord, she never slept this late.She rose, and the minute her weight shifted to her feet, she had to pee.
After freshening up, she pulled the cord for her maid.Ginny must have been waiting for the summons because her cheerful face popped around the door only minutes later.“Good morning, ma’am.How are you feeling today?”
“Good.Hungry.I suppose I have missed breakfast?”
