Mercy’s lips trembled and she eyed him carefully. Her chin rose. “Then I shall do my duty, my lord.” She stepped away as if she feared he would seal their pact with a kiss. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I wish to see my sister and brother-in-law who’ve recently arrived.”
He followed her inside. Her duty? Damn it all, this marriage was going to be a frosty one. He’d never wanted that, he’d wished to marry for love.
The Duke and Duchess of Harwood offered their congratulations.
“You are very fortunate in your choice of bride, my lord.” The Duchess drew him apart from the others. “It is not only because Mercy is my sister that I say this. She is a warm-hearted, affectionate girl, and quite clever, as you will discover.”
“I look forward to it, Lady Harwood.” To discovering her warm nature, especially. Hidden from him thus far.
“Do you? That is good. Not every man wants a creative, clever wife. I have been most fortunate to marry Harwood. I hope you are one of those men, my lord. Mercy deserves a husband’s support.”
“Ah yes.” Grant had forgotten about Mercy’s endeavor. Something to do with writing. He couldn’t recall exactly what it was, so much had happened since she spoke about it.
Mercy came to join them.
“An exhibition is to be held of my paintings in London next autumn,” Lady Harwood said with a broad smile. “The duke has only just told me he’s arranged it.”
“Oh, Charity, how wonderful!” Mercy threw her arms around her sister. “It couldn’t happen to a nicer person or a finer artist.”
The tall duchesses’ eyes grew misty. “Thank you, dearest.”
Grant tamped down a futile desire for Mercy to display such warmth and enthusiasm for him. He spied Black, attempting to gain his notice on the other side of the ballroom.
As the duchess turned to converse with another lady, Grant drew Mercy aside. “If you’ll excuse me, my dear, there’s someone I wish to see.”
She darted a quick glance in the direction he’d indicated. “Certainly, my lord.”
“I’ll return for the first waltz. If you will kindly save it for me.”
“I will of course.”
Black waited for him in the deserted library. They sat opposite each other in wing chairs placed before the empty grate. “Another attack has been made on the railway,” Black said without preamble.
Grant leaned forward. “Another?”
“A section of railway line was blown up during the night.”
“Anyone hurt?”
“No. It was miles from any dwellings, but someone heard the explosion. My men discovered it this morning. It will take a while for the company to replace the length of twisted metal. They don’t foresee it delaying the opening, if no other attempts are made. But no one is confident of that. These saboteurs are intent on halting the company’s progress. Nerves are fraying amongst many of the investors. The company is already stretched thin by the current financial situation. We have been unable to find the culprits. There’s the possibility that they are farmers who fear they’ll lose some of their land. And we have failed to find a connection that links Haighton’s death to these events.”
The shooting looked more like an ambush to Grant. “I will call again on Haighton’s widow. She may have something more to divulge.”
“Are you sure you’ll be able to give this your full attention?” Black asked, doubt in his eyes. “You are about to become a husband.”
“I don’t see how that will make a difference.”
“But it will,” Black said. “You wouldn’t be human if you weren’t somewhat preoccupied, and protective of your wife. I should replace you, but we are short of able men. In a few weeks, perhaps, if this isn’t dealt with by then.”
“I intend to continue this investigation,” Grant said in a firm tone. “This is personal. Nathaniel Haighton was a friend of our family of long standing.”
“Not too personal I hope. You have enough to distract you.”
“You can rely on me, Black. Once we are wed I’ll be free to continue.”
Black raised a brow. He smiled. “No wedding trip?”
“Ah. Delayed.” He doubted Mercy would want one. “My wife will wish to travel to France to visit her sister at some point.” He was sure Mercy would enjoy that. Harwood had pleased his duchess with a surprise, by arranging an exhibition of her work. Grant wished to do something similar. He felt a need to see Mercy’s eyes light up with pleasure. In fact, the more he thought about it, he realized he would enjoy the trip too.
