“I know where you are heading,” Latham said. “I agree.”
“This is my daughter we are discussing. Can you share who you suspect?” the earl said heatedly.
“Yes. I know you will keep this to yourself. This is only a suspicion. I believe Lady Evers is at the heart of this.”
“Your dead brother’s betrothed? That’s ludicrous. I know her family. They are goodTon,” Rothmore exclaimed.
“I do not dispute that. And for reasons I cannot share, I believe they are totally in the dark about her activities. Her motive is a little hazy. But with my father gone, she would have been a powerful duchess with her marriage. Now that my brother is out of the way,” he was careful not to say dead, “she may see me as a ticket to the dukedom. It is not outside the realm of possibilities that she would expect me to honor my brother’s obligations where she is concerned. I have already made it clear to her that I do not plan to marry her.”
“My wife mentioned you wanting to take my daughter to Hyde Park tomorrow,” her father cited.
“Yes. I had asked her. I would certainly understand your reluctance. I will protect her with my life,” Slade said.
He nodded. “Mary shall go as well,” her father said.
“Of course. And I shall have a footman watching the area,” Slade supplied, feeling angry that Bella’s life had now been threatened. If this was Lady Evers, he would ensure she was punished, regardless of her father’s supposed influence.
“Why do you not go pick her up and question her?” he asked, pushing.
“We have nothing that identifies her. I explained it was my suspicion. I shared it with you so that you would have that in mind, should she visit here, or should you see her near your daughter. I must have your assurance on this that it goes no further. We do not want to scare the person off or arrest the wrong person,” Slade emphasized. “This is important, Lord Rothmore.”
“Yes . . . yes. I appreciate you taking me into your confidence,” he muttered.
“My lord,” Latham began. “We are taking this threat seriously. I cannot guarantee nothing will happen—no one can. But we will mitigate the problem as quickly as possible.”
A few minutes later, the two men left the Rothmore townhouse and headed back to Slade’s.
They took their time returning home. Slade looked around the street and saw no one lingering as they walked along. “We need to hire more Bow Street Runners to watch his house. The woman may be desperate. We must verify the reason for her enormous debt. I will send for Wortle tonight. I cannot help but feel it has something to do with her desperation.”
Thirteen
The next day
Bella awoke, full of anticipation. Despite the chill in the air, she performed her ablutions quickly, deciding she could stay warm if she hastened. It had been too many days since she had seen Slade and was eager to see him. Never had she considered he might wish to court her. Now, he vividly occupied her dreams, enriching them so much that she woke to make sure it was but a dream.
The fireplace crackled with warmth, throwing off sparks inside. Mary must have stoked it recently, anticipating she would soon wake.
A scratch sounded at the door.
“Come in,” Bella replied.
Mary walked in carrying a tray with chocolate, toast, and bacon. Milady, I thought you might want to break your fast with a light fare before going downstairs.”
“Mmm. You know my weaknesses, Mary. I love chocolate and bacon.” Bella noticed that Mary schooled her face to show no expression, in her typical fashion when she disagreed with something Bella liked. She bit her cheek to keep herself from laughing. Mary had often made comments on Bella’s love of bacon but relented and now, often brought some upstairs for her in the morning. “Do you not simply love the smell?” Bella teased.
Mary snorted. “Perhaps you should hurry and eat it before the countess smells it and investigates. I am not sure she is of the same mind as you, where bacon in the bedroom is concerned.”
“Did you just snort?” Bella laughed.
“I am sorry, milady. It slipped out,” Mary managed, before both girls snorted and began to laugh simultaneously.
“Your mother may hear us, milady,” Mary fretted, when she was able to calm herself.
“Mama would never eat bacon or snort,” snickered Bella, suddenly feeling carefree. “I shall sit on the bed and take my time with this delightful repast. However, after enjoying my bacon, I will brush my teeth and wash my hands again, or I will smell like it all day.”
Pleased with her blue and white lawn dress, with a pleated triple frill at her neck, Bella dressed in a hurry after eating. She sat patiently while Mary coiffed her hair. The maid secured extra pins in case Bella’s hat blew from her head. The dress would be perfect with her navy wool pelisse. She loved the coordinated silver trim on the edges and sleeves.
Her mother opened the door and stuck her head inside. “My dear, he will be here soon, and you have not had time to break your . . . fast.” She spoke the last word on a sniff. “Have you had bacon in here, again?”
