“I want to do everything that is necessary, so that I can describe it in a novel accurately.”
“At least this story will not involve a mummy.”
Eliza blinked at him. “How do you know for certain? I often do not know all the elements of a story until it is complete.”
Chapter14
Lucian had first fearedthat Eliza now believed in the magic of a voodoo doll and would not have been surprised if she had. Of everyone he knew, she had the largest imagination and no doubt gave serious consideration to the possibility that it could be true.
However, he did agree with her on using the doll to punish the man who had been sending her missives. Except, if anyone was going to do anything, it was going to be Lucian when the man was finally caught, and the punishment would come from his fists, though he did not tell Eliza his intentions.
“Perhaps I should leave England and travel to New Orleans.”
His stomach tightened for but a moment, but Lucian could not understand why. One would think that he’d be happy to have her gone. He’d already admitted that she was a temptation that would upset his orderly world. Yet, he wasn’t ready for her to leave yet. “To visit your brother?” he finally asked.
“It sounds like a fascinating place. Oliver has written of tales of ghosts and vampires, believed to be real, and the different superstitions and religions.”
“I now understand your fascination,” Lucian chuckled. “But I thought you stopped believing in vampires.”
“I believe that almost anything is possible and that there is always a small bit of truth in every belief, fable, or story.”
“So, you wish to go to New Orleans and hunt for ghosts or vampires.”
“Why not?” she asked with a grin. “Besides, if I disappear, the person who is following me will not know where I’ve gone.”
Unless he follows close enough and manages to book passage on the same ship.
That was a thought Lucian did not share with Eliza. She’d have no escape from the man then and she’d be vulnerable for the weeks that it took to cross the ocean. It wouldn’t matter that there were dozens of sailors on board, or Stella and Saul. There would be nowhere that she could hide. However, if she did decide to book passage, he would warn her of the possibility so that she could take the danger into consideration.
“Perhaps it is something I will do after I have finished the novel that I am writing.”
“Well, as fascinating as voodoo, ghosts, and vampires are, I did come to ask you a question,” he said. “Did you keep all the letters you received from this anonymous person?”
“Yes,” she answered. “Why?”
“I would like to read them. I thought if we put some thought to the matter that we might be able to determine who he is.”
“I have already attempted to do so.”
“I am certain that you have,” he quickly responded. The last thing Lucian wanted to do was insult Eliza, which would lead to yet another argument.
Would the two of them ever go more than a few hours without a heated discussion?
Not likely, he answered himself.
“Sometimes a different perspective can be gained from someone new,” he offered.
Eliza tilted her chin and studied him, before she gave a nod. “It is possible.”
“How long have you been receiving them?”
She pursed her lips. “They began around Easter.”
“Since the beginning of the Season?” he confirmed.
“Yes.”
“Given all of Society was arriving in London at that time, it does not help in narrowing down the suspects.”
