Nate fished the button out of his pocket and gave it to Bridget. “I found this on the ground near to where you fell. Do you recognize it?”
Bridget turned the button between her fingers. “No, it’s not mine. At least I don’t think belongs to me.” She frowned. “I suppose whom it belongs to depends on how long it was laying out there.”
“It looks shiny and new, so I don’t believe it’s been lying in the dirt for months. If someone was following you that night, then I believe it may belong to that person. And it may be the same person who pushed Madam Bouffant down the stairs.”
“Are you saying that someone wanted me dead?”
“It’s just a theory. Is there anyone you can think of who might want to harm you?”
“Me? What threat could I pose to anyone?”
“Perhaps someone believes you know something. Maybe you saw or heard something you should not have.”
“Dodsworth,” Bridget said. “I told you what I overheard between him and Lydia.”
“I thought you weren’t seen.”
“I didn’t think I was, but perhaps I was wrong.”
Nate dropped his gaze, and Bridget knew he couldn’t accept the idea that his friend was guilty of anything.
“I’ll speak with him and see what I can find out. Anyone else?” he asked looking up at her.
“There’s always Adelia Eamont and her mother.”
“True. Those two have had some very strange behavior of late. I suppose we’ll have to spend the next few days staring at their buttons.”
Bridget laughed. “I can’t think of a better way to spend my time.”
Nate took her hand in his and lightly traced his thumb over her bandaged forehead with his other. “I meant it,” he said. “I couldn’t bear it if something were to—”
Just then, Bridget spotted Lady Luxton, accompanied by anotherwoman and a child, walking toward them. She watched the little boy toddle between the two women. To whom did he belong?
“Mr. Squires,” Lady Luxton called as she approached them. “You remember Henry, don’t you?”
Nate’s posture stiffened. “Yes, of course,” he said, looking uncomfortable, yet he did not take his eyes off the boy.
“Wonderful. Perhaps you will indulge us by helping him sail this paper boat on the lake? Unfortunately, his papa is not feeling well today, and he could not accompany us. Show him your boat, Henry.”
The child held up a paper boat, and Nate’s entire face seemed to smile. It was as though he knew and loved the child, Bridget thought.
Bijou, who’d been investigating a patch of grass, trotted toward them wagging his tail. When he reached the child, he jumped up, trying to snatch the boat. The little boy let out a frightened wail, and Nate scooped him up in his arms.
“Don’t worry, Henry. Bijou is a friendly pup. He only wants to play. Should we all go to the lake together and put your boat in the water?”
The child nodded repeatedly, and Nate beamed.
Bridget could not help but smile. It was obvious that Nate had affection for the child. But why was he so attached to the child of his former betrothed and the man she’d discarded him for?
“Miss De Lacey,” Lady Luxton said, acknowledging Bridget for the first time. “I heard about your accident. I do hope you are feeling better.”
“Yes, I am. Thank you for asking,” Bridget replied, genuinely surprised by the woman’s kind gesture.
“Good.” She gave Bridget a tight smile. “I was beginning to think there were no servants left at Villa De Lacey.”
Bridget’s smile faded. She glanced at Nate, but he was focused on the child and apparently hadn’t heard Lady Luxton’s slight.
Bijou raced a circle around Nate and Henry, yapping and jumpingup. The child squealed and Lady Luxton pursed her lips in disapproval.
