She scrambled to gather her wits. She held up the hair pin, managed to keep her hand and her voice steady. "I came looking for this. It must have fallen when you showed me your study earlier." With a light laugh, she shook out her skirts. "Silly to go to all the trouble, I know, but it happens to be my favorite."
Pendleton's black gaze did not waver. "How did you get in here?"
"The door was unlocked," she lied glibly, "and I didn't want to disturb anyone over so trifling a matter, so I thought I'd take a quick peek myself. Oh dear, I hope I haven't caused any alarm, my lord?"
"That depends on whether you are telling the truth."
A tremor passed over her at her host's blunt words.Stay calm. You've brazened your way through worse situations.She licked her lips, gave him a look from beneath her lashes."The truth, my lord? How very droll of you. " She managed a teasing tone. "Why ever would I lie?"
"I don't know. Then again, I don't know you well at all, do I?"
His cool consideration sent a warning chill over her skin. He took another step toward her, and she backed away, the desk's edge jamming into her spine. He raised a hand, and when she flinched, pleasure lines flickered around his mouth.
Sadistic blighter. I know your sort. I won't give you the satisfaction.
Trapped, she forced herself to remain still as his finger traced the edge of her bodice with insolent familiarity. Her skin crawled, yet she said lightly, "'Tis an oversight I am sure we can correct during this visit."
"Why not now?" Pendleton's smile was contemptuous, hard as the part of his anatomy jutting rudely against her. "That's why you're here, isn't it? For a little amusement."
"Diverting as that sounds, my lord, we could be seen. The risk to my reputation—"
"Your reputation? No need to close that barn door—the horses have long bolted." He gave a scathing laugh, and for an instant his finger dipped beneath her décolletage, causing her hands to ball. She would not blow her chances unless she had to, but if Pendleton pushed her any further… "Little schemer, we both know why you're here." As her throat cinched, he said with a smirk, "Your charming cunt is the only reason I've allowed you to stay. My hospitality doesn't come for free: one must sing for one's supper, after all."
The reptile had crept from beneath his well-bred shell, showing his slimy self. Typical man. She suddenly flashed to Kent, and pain knifed between her ribs.I thought you were different...
Resolutely, she focused on her dilemma. Her fist trembled; she wanted so badly to knock the smirk off the earl's face. But Pendleton was hiding something, she was sure of it. It behooved her to play along, to get close to him.
She flipped through her options. She'd sworn to do whatever was required to find Rosie, yet now the notion of touching a man, of letting a man other than Kent touch her…
Damn Ambrose Kent. He's made me weak, stupid—when I vowed never to be taken in again. I must stand on my own two feet, depend on no one.
"Well? I haven't got all day," Pendleton said.
Her fist unfurled. She raised a hand to his lapel—and a knock sounded on the door.
Pendleton swore. "Keep quiet," he said. "They'll go away."
The door swung open.
"Lugo." Marianne's voice almost broke with relief as she snatched her hand away.Thank you, old friend."Is something amiss?"
"A message arrived for you, my lady." Lugo met Pendleton's furious gaze with an unblinking one of his own. "It is most urgent and requires your immediate attention."
"Of course. If you'll excuse me, my lord?"
Pendleton's eyes slid from her to the imposing figure of her manservant. His lips thinned as he stepped back. "It seems we must continue this conversation at another time. Though make no mistake, my lady,"—he grabbed her arm just as she tried to slip by, squeezing it hard enough so that she had to bite back a wince—"wewillsettle it."
She pulled free. Though her pulse was racing, she executed a cool curtsy. "Good afternoon, my lord."
With Lugo at her back, she exited the room.
33
Ambrose left Wapping Station,his heart as leaden as his steps. He told himself he shouldn't be surprised; it had only been a matter of time before Dalrymple found a way to get rid of him. His superior's smug face flashed in his head:
Had a visit from my old friend, Sir Coyner of Bow Street, and he had quite a few things to say about you, Kent. Nothing that surprised me, of course—always knew you were too big for your own boots. But bedding a suspect?Dalrymple's beady eyes had gleamed with malicious glee.Well, that tops it all, doesn't it? Can't have such despicable behavior tainting the honor of the Thames River Police, sirrah. Pack your things, Kent—'tis the end of your time here... and your career. By the time I spread the word, you won't be able to find a job blacking boots.
With dusk bleeding overhead, Ambrose trudged along, his mind and heart a fracas. At least now he knew why Marianne had bolted. Somehow she'd discovered his one-time assignment with Bow Street. She'd gone to confront Sir Coyner, and the magistrate must have confirmed Ambrose's involvement.
