Because this was Elizabeth Essex. He was more likely to verbally assault her than kiss her.
Maybe it was the confusion of the moment, maybe his wits were still addled by her touch, but when she’d asked the question, he didn’t think about any answer but the truth.
Elizabeth tipped her chin. “That’s why you’re in Cambridge and why you’re working with Mr. Finch.”
“Yes,” he answered, realizing he didn’t want tokeep any secrets from her. They’d been honest, likely too honest, from the beginning. He’d continue that trend, for better or worse.
“I see. Well, can you tell me more?”
Collin shifted on his feet. “I can, nonetheless I’d feel better if we got you home first.” He offered his arm, waiting for her to take it.
Her small hand wrapped around his arm and rested on top. His soul calmed at her touch, as if finding something it had needed all along. It was a confusing sensation, but he filed it away to be studied later.
“You know, I was about to say I could make it home on my own, but I think we can both agree that would be foolish of me, given the circumstances.” She chuckled to herself.
Her laughter was delightful, not abrasive and loud, but soft and feminine. He’d never noticed how a woman’s laughter was such a vital part of her allure, a reflection of her personality.
“Yes, given the circumstances, I think it’s best you have company,” he agreed. “If you wish, I can give you the short version of this whole sordid mess.”
“It’s sordid, is it?” she asked, a light teasing tone to her voice.
He gave her a sarcastic grin. “Depends on your definition. Simply put, my name has been used by a man committing petty crimes in the greaterLondon area, but what I discovered in my investigation is that it began here in Cambridge.”
“So, you believe that since it originated here, you can find who started it here.”
“Yes. Exactly.”
“It seems like a good plan, but I’m assuming that based on Patricia’s information on her brother’s moods, you’ve had little luck.”
Collin sighed. “You’re far more observant than you let on, and yes.”
“Except tonight…” She paused, waiting for him to pick up the story.
He shrugged. “A few nights ago, we learned of a situation where a man used my name and then was promptly called out for cheating and given a black eye. We’ve been searching for him for the past few days—”
“And you found him.”
“As did you.”
Elizabeth winced. “Only to have him lost again.”
Collin paused their walk. “You were far more important.”
Elizabeth’s deep-brown eyes widened, then her gaze softened. “Thank you, although I’m sorry he got away. I’ll be sure to keep my eye out for him—”
“No,” Collin stated flatly.
“Pardon?” She frowned and regarded him with indignation. He swore her hair sparked.
“No, don’t keep an eye out for him. We have no idea how he is involved in any of this, but it’s likely he’s not the leader, if there is one. However, he’s possibly dangerous, and I don’t wish for you to be hurt.”
“Thank you for your concern, but I want my satchel—”
“I’ll take care of it.”
She sighed. “I’m not going to go after this man by myself, Lord Penderdale. I’m not that daft.”
He eyed her, as if questioning her words and not fully believing them.
