“You’re welcome to stay as long as you like, my lord,” Emma said from the settee. “Strathaven would love to catch up with you, wouldn’t he?”
Thea’s brother-in-law looked amused—a common expression when he was dealing with Em.
“You know best, my love,” he drawled.
“I apologize for the inconvenience.” Lines deepened around Tremont’s mouth. “I should have known better than to take Frederick to the gardens. The fault is mine.”
“’Tis no one’s fault,” Thea couldn’t help but protest. “You wanted only to grant your son’s birthday wish. Why should he not enjoy the same delights as any other child?”
“I’ve been advised repeatedly to keep him away from public settings. To protect him from the stresses induced by boisterous environments.” Though his expression was stoic, torrents raged in his eyes. “As the doctor said, my decision triggered Frederick’s spell.”
“I said no such thing.” Dr. Abernathy frowned.
“You said today’s events unbalanced Frederick’s system.”
“I was referring to the attempted kidnapping, not your decision to take your son to the gardens.” The physician paused. “I know some of my colleagues advocate quarantining patients with falling sickness, but I disagree. Strongly. In my opinion, seclusion oft does more harm than good—”
“It doesn’t matter,” Tremont said flatly. “If I’d kept Freddy safe in the country, none of this would have happened.”
Thea wanted to point out that safety was its own prison. Having been an invalid herself, she knew the cruelty of being trapped in one’s own bed, watching as life passed by. Seeing the hard set of Tremont’s features, however, she decided not to waste her breath. She’d never been one to argue—in her family, she oft played the role of peacekeeper—and, in this situation, it wasn’t her place. The marquess had made it abundantly clear months ago that he didn’t want her in his life.
Then why do I want to know him? Why do I feel this connection between us?
From the start, she’d sensed the passion beneath his aloof exterior. His eyes held an enigma that called to her, even when she knew that pursuing him would only lead to another rejection. Her hands twisted together in her lap.
The physician sighed. “I’ll take my leave, then. I’ll be back to see the patient tomorrow.”
“Thank you, sir.” Tremont bowed. “I am in your debt.”
After the Scotsman departed, Emma said, “What’s done is done. We must focus on the next steps to take. Have you any inkling why the governess tried to abduct your son?”
“I have no idea, Your Grace. The most obvious motive, however, would be ransom.” Tremont’s gaze iced over. “Rest assured, I will do everything in my power to hunt her down.”
“Kent and Associates could help,” Emma said with predictable eagerness. “We specialize in difficult cases.”
Last year, Em had gotten involved in the private enquiry firm owned by their brother Ambrose and his partners. It was during the course of her first investigation that she’d met Strathaven. After their marriage, the duke had supported her work as long as he accompanied her and the cases weren’t too dangerous. Thea suspected that he’d chosen the path of least resistance. Trying to stop Emma from her pursuing her desired goal was like jumping in front of a runaway carriage.
“Thank you, no. I have my own resources,” Tremont said.
“Yes but finding criminals is our bread and butter—”
“I am in your debt as it is, Your Grace. For the accommodations as well as the protection of the footmen you’ve posted outside. On the morrow, I shall look into retaining my own guards.”
“All the more reason to hire Kent and Associates,” Emma persisted. “Strathaven’s brother, Mr. McLeod, oversees the firm’s security cases, and he was once part of the 95thRifles—”
“It isn’tcomme il fautto badger one’s guest, darling,” Strathaven said mildly.
Thea had to agree with the duke. She knew that Em’s perseverance would achieve nothing other than friction with Tremont.
“Why don’t we check in on Olivia?” she suggested before her sister could argue further. “We haven’t seen the poppet for hours, and she’s probably wondering where everyone’s gone.”
If there anything Emma couldn’t resist, it was the pull of her infant daughter.
“Oh, all right. I was only trying to help.” Emma rose to her feet, Strathaven politely following suit. “Tremont, talk to the duke here if you won’t take my word for it. My brother Ambrose and his partners are the best investigators in the business.”
“I do not doubt it, your grace,” Tremont said with a bow.
Thea followed her sister out. As she passed Tremont, she made the mistake of looking him straight in the eyes. The flash of yearning she saw—the white-hot of molten steel—made her stumble. He caught her, steadying her against him. His subtle scent pervaded her senses; he wore no perfume, smelling of clean soap and his own male musk, an ineffably arousing combination. His heat and sinewy strength melted her insides. Their gazes held.
