He stilled. A panicked feeling came over her. She’d exposed too much, too soon. She was just beginning to win him over and now she’d scared him away with her talk of feelings…
“I’ll tell you his nameifyou’ll remember your vow to do as I say.”
With trembling relief, she dipped her chin in answer.
“Sir Aloysius De Witt,” Bennett clipped out. “He’s a scientist, a member of the Royal Society.”
She frowned. “Why would a man like that be involved with hellfire?”
“A title is no guarantee of character,” he said stiffly.
“I knowthat. What I meant was why would a respected scientist make weapons for the underworld…oh.” The reason hit her. “For money?”
“De Witt keeps up appearances, but I’d wager that’s a good guess. I plan to dig deeper into his financial situation, but, first things first, tonight I’ll search his house to look for evidence.” Bennett pinned her with a stern look. “You will give me your word to stay home and not interfere.”
In her heart, she knew what was right. What she had to do. Surreptitiously, her fingers crossed in the folds of her skirts.
“You have my word,” she said.
Grandpapa’s voice boomed from the hallway. “We’re all set for the morrow?”
“Yes, sir.” It was Ming’s voice. “All dukes confirm.”
Grandpapa came through the doorway, leaning on his cane, periwig in place. “Good. Now I want extra guards…Tessie.” He caught sight of her by the sideboard. “You’re up early, ain’t you?”
“What’s going on tomorrow?” Tessa said.
He tromped to his seat at the head of the table. “Can’t a man ’ave ’is tea before being bombarded with questions?”
“I’ll get your tea, Grandpapa.”
Hurrying over, she sat next to him and reached for the pot. She made his tea the way he liked, with ample cream and two spoonfuls of sugar, a task she’d enjoyed doing since she was a girl. She bided her time while he blew on the hot beverage before tasting it.
“Good?” she said.
He grunted in answer. Slurped more tea. When he reached for the newspaper, however, she couldn’t refrain any longer. “What’s happening on the morrow?”
“God almighty.” He scowled at her. “Can’t a man enjoy ’is breakfast in peace?”
“You said you needed your tea, and you have it. Now what is going on? If you won’t tell me, I’ll ask Ming.”
She looked to her grandfather’s right-hand man, who stood a little way from the table, Bennett beside him. Ming’s expression remained impassive, but his eyes rolled slightly upward, as if to say,Do not drag me into this.
“Ming’s silent as the grave ’less I say so.” Looking smug, Grandpapa shook out his newspaper.
“Fine. Then I shall simply keep asking you until you tell me,” she said determinedly. “What’s happening on the morrow?”
He drew his newspaper up higher.
She pulled down the top edge. “What are the dukes confirmed for?”
“Bloody ’ell, you’re wrinkling the damned paper—”
She rose, palms flat on the table, her gaze locking with her grandfather’s. “I’m a Black. What happens to this family happens to me. I’ll ask again, and I’ll keep on asking until you tell me:What is going on?”
“God’s blood, all right! Quit your yappin’,” her grandfather growled. “I’ll tell you.”
She tilted her head, waiting.
