Aislynn was relieved that she did not have to perform the following evening because after passing a restless night at Spade’s where the raucous sounds of revelry from below drifted up to her ears, she was not in the right state of mind to engage in any sort of Shakespeare’s romantic renditions. Had she been portraying one of the witches in MacBeth, she could have easily strode upon the boards without a single hesitation.
A shiver crawled up her spine because she feared that tonight might very well be her grand finale. She would either learn where to find the terrorizing murderer or become a victim herself. It would not surprise her in the least to discover that her mother had accepted a bribe in order to lure her away from Cordell to someplace unsavory.
At least she would be prepared for either eventuality.
The weight of the derringer in the pocket of her skirts was only slightly reassuring. With only one shot that could easily go off course from an intended target, she wasn’t necessarily comforted by its presence. However, it was better than no protection at all.
She had fought the desire to reach out to Cordell and tell him the truth. The only thing that stopped her was the concern that his life could end up being the one in danger instead. She was not willing to take that risk, whatever it might mean to her own safety. If she did not live to see another morning, at least she could rest easy in the knowledge that she hadn’t dragged anyone else down with her. The same could be said for Mary. It had been difficult not to confide in her, especially when they had left the theatre and she had tried to get Aislynn to divulge her concerns.
It wasn’t as though she wanted to have this burden solely pressed upon her shoulders, but she wasn’t about to add additional upset to the two people who were trying to help her survive.
The entire situation annoyed her because Aislynn doubted that her mother had anything of worth to relay; more likely, she was just looking for monetary gain. She would like to say this was the first time her mother had attempted to extort money from her growing success, but unfortunately, it happened more frequently than Aislynn wanted to acknowledge. Most of the time she was able to send her away without much fuss but she knew she could not do that this time. If there was the slightest chance her mother actually had information, she could not ignore the opportunity to save an innocent life. She had to make that midnight appointment. But first, she had to come up with the requested funds.
Since Cordell and Mary were not a viable option, she reached out to the only other person she thought she might be able to trust.
“Thank you for coming, Lord Alton.”
She greeted the viscount when he strode into Mary’s private parlor. He removed his hat and stood somewhat awkwardly in the middle of the room. “Miss Sims. I daresay I was quite surprised to receive your request for a meeting and doubly intrigued when you mentioned where you wished to meet.”
“Mary is a mutual friend,” she offered by way of an explanation. “She is offering me current lodgings. That is all.”
“Of course,” he murmured with a slight clearing of his throat. “I did not mean to imply otherwise.”
“It is fine, truly.” She waved a hand to a nearby chair and took a seat opposite him. “Please, sit.”
He appeared uncertain, worrying the brim of his hat in his hands, rolling it around until he finally set it beside him. “I assume that you wanted to see me to discuss the letter you brought to my attention.”
Aislynn offered a tentative smile. “I wish it were so simple, Lord Alton. However, now that you have brought up the subject, perhaps you will relay if there are any updates.”
“Unfortunately, there are very few.” He sighed. “I have compared the slope of the writing with several variations of signatures I have in my possession, obtained from the local authorities and various other sources, but I am still at a loss to offer a single match other than to Mr. Steele.”
“I see.” She allowed his words to process, but they met with resistance in her mind because she did not want to believe that the man she had to fear was the only one that she had ever truly started to care for.
“I understand how upsetting this must be for you. Cordell is a man of many talents. I never wanted to imagine he could allow himself to be swept away by the same illness that his father suffered, but madness is subject to both sides of his lineage.”
Doubts were swarming in Aislynn's head like a hive of locusts, but somewhere deep down in the center of her heart, she knew that Cordell wasn’t guilty of such heinous crimes. It did not match with the man she felt she had come to know. “I appreciate your consideration on the matter, Lord Alton. However, I refuse to believe that Cordell is responsible for any wrongdoing. If possible, I might suggest that someone is choosing to frame him for whatever reason and has found a way to duplicate his hand so that he is implicated in the crimes in some manner.”
The viscount blinked and then slowly sat back. “I admit that possibility had not crossed my mind, but now that you mention it, the logic is sound. Cordell has made many enemies over the years. I would not be surprised if revenge was an offering.”
The image of the Earl of Parkson flashed in her vision. “Indeed. And combined with his history, it would be only too easy to convince others of his guilt.”
“Cordell has been a good ally to me over the years,” he replied softly. “We must find a way to clear his name before this gets out and he is smeared across the London papers.”
Aislynn had been hoping for just the right opportunity to approach the viscount about her plan. “I had an idea regarding that, my lord. I admit that is my reason for summoning you here. I could use an ally myself.”
He tilted his head to the side. “Go on.”
After she briefly explained the encounter she’d had with her mother at the theatre and the subsequent demand for payment in exchange for information, she took a deep breath. “As you might have surmised by now, I did not feel as though I could go to Cordell with this information without putting him in danger and I know Mary would have relayed my concerns regardless of my desire to keep him at a distance.”
“No doubt you are correct on that score.” He paused. “Given my understanding of your current predicament, my honor will allow me no less than to offer my assistance on this matter.” Aislynn wanted to breathe a sigh of relief, until he went on. “However, I do have one stipulation to this request.”
“Name it.”
“You must allow me to accompany you this evening. If just to ensure your safety.”
Aislynn shook her head. “That is impossible. I am meant to go alone. Rest assured I have secured the proper protection.”
He lifted a brow and she could tell he took her meaning. “That may be but Cordell would never forgive me if I did not say I did what I could to assist you. I can tell he cares deeply for you, just from the brief interaction I witnessed. You would really be saving me from his wrath.”
