“I think you have had a very trying day and are entitled to be a little distraught.”
She gave a brittle laugh. “In other words, you think I’m nuts.”
“No, Jillian, I think you did see someone or something. Whether or not it was truly there is another matter.”
“So you think it could be a figment of my imagination—some hallucination?” The hope in her voice was evident.
He pulled her to him, ignoring the urge he had to crush her lips to his. Instead, he held her comfortingly, stroking her wet hair. If he survived this situation without spiriting her off to his bedroom to make mad, passionate love to her, he deserved to be nominated for sainthood.
She cuddled so trustingly into his arms, her head nestled against the broad expanse of his chest. She appealed to those base male instincts buried so deeply, ones that urged him to protect her, to keep her safe. He looked down to see she had gone completely still against him, her deep breathing signaling her slumber. It was the second time that day she had fallen asleep in his presence.
He watched her in silence, liking the feel of her against him. He couldn’t explain his feelings for her. He wanted her unlike he had ever wanted another woman, but he was drawn to her on an emotional level as well. Was this how his father had felt about his mother?
“Your grace,” Edward said in a low voice. “The magistrate is here to see you. I had him wait in the parlor.”
Justin looked, up not having heard him come in. He reluctantly eased from beneath Jillian, taking care not to disturb her. “Can you stay in here with Lady Penroth?”
“Of course, your grace.”
Justin strode into the parlor to greet the magistrate. “What have you got for me?” he asked with no preamble.
The magistrate replied in kind, not mincing words. “This was no accident, your grace.”
Justin looked up in surprise. “Are you sure?”
“Quite sure. The strap leading from the bit had been nearly severed in two. It was a clean slice, not a tear. It was cut. The back axle of the carriage was sawed in two as well.”
Justin swore viciously.
“Someone intended her harm, your grace. Do you have any idea who?
“No, but I intend to find out,” he vowed.
###
Justin was still mulling over the magistrate’s report when Case arrived back from Jillian’s. Justin motioned him over to his desk so they wouldn’t wake her. Case’s face was hard. “Someonewasin her bedroom. There were wet footprints, large, like a man’s boot. And I found this,” he said, handing Justin a piece of paper
You won’t be so lucky next time
“Someone is trying to frighten her,” Case said angrily.
“No, someone is trying to kill her,” Justin corrected. He related the magistrate’s report.
“I don’t understand it. Jillian has never done anything to harm anyone. I can’t imagine someone wanting tokillher.” Case ran a hand through his hair and then swore.
“But someone is, nonetheless,” Justin said grimly.
“I woke her servants. Her footman is on guard. I think now, though, that more drastic measures are in order. Someone is obviously keeping close watch on Jillian’s comings and goings.” Case pondered for a moment. “I may have a plan, provided you are willing.”
Justin looked at him expectantly. “Go on.”
“If someone is keeping such close tabs on Jillian, then the first place they would expect to find her is with me, so that really isn't an option. What if we were to spread the story that Jillian was going away to visit a friend, say in Devonshire. There aren’t that many members of thetonremaining in London, but I could drop the word so that it would travel around the circles of gossip. In the meantime, she could leave London in a rented coach with you.”
Justin was startled at his suggestion and looked at his brother in surprise.
“Hear me out,” Case said. “Your ducal carriage would remain here, as if you are still in residence. You would take Jillian to Whittington where she would be safe. Just before Christmas, I would take your coach to Whittington as if you and I were traveling home for the holidays.”
“It won’t work,” Justin said resolutely. “What you are suggesting, were anyone to find out, how would it appear? Not only would Jillian’s reputation be in tatters but mine would be as well.”
