“Yes.” She handed him the letter and gestured to the sofa. “Please do.”
“I’ve learned more about Volta, his experiments in electrochemistry,” Jason said, sitting down. “The Italian took his findings to Napoleon, who was most impressed. No doubt the French are keen to learn more.”
She sat beside him. “I’m afraid Volta’s writing and the Italian language defeated me.”
The ticking of the ormolu clock on the overmantel filled the quiet room. He was conscious of the impatient lady beside him as he read. When he put the letter down, he knew she would not like what he had to tell her. “Volta writes that he’s given the matter much thought but does not wish to pursue it any further.”
Tilting her chin down, she frowned at her hands in her lap. “That’s definite?”
“I’m afraid so. Volta has retired, and while there’s a good deal of promise in what he and your father have discovered, and he does not discount further experiments will lead to producing an alternative to gas, it will be many years before it can be expanded and developed. Especially as gas will soon provide light for all of London.”
She twined her fingers together as he watched her excitement ebb away. “Then it has all come to nothing.”
“It appears so.” He hated to see her disillusioned, but this might stop her searching for answers, and Jason’s main concern right now was to keep her safe. “Your father will be disappointed.”
“Papa will remain undaunted. I expect his excursions to uncover ancient artifacts will continue. And who knows, he might find more evidence to support his theory and work with another scientist.” She sighed.
He averted his gaze from her bosom. “You’re disappointed too.”
“I had hoped to persuade my father to take me with him on his travels. Mama dislikes the heat too much to accompany him.”
Jason found the idea of Lady Helen disappearing off to the East distinctly unpalatable. “He has refused you?”
She shook her head. “I’ve never asked him, but he would not consider it now.”
He wondered what had happened for her to believe this. Before he could ask, Jeremy brought in the tea tray then left.
“So, where to next?” She poured the tea into cups.
Jason told her what he’d discovered at the Lamb and Flag. “I’m not hopeful it will lead us anywhere.”
“If Bart’s murder was because of this theory concerning electric fish, whoever is involved will surely give up now that Volta has dropped the experiments.”
“They would not have learned of it. Even with Volta out of the picture, your father’s discovery will prove to be of immense value to someone. They’ll be hoping for more to come.”
“And if we keep watch, we can catch them,” Helen said, her hand holding a cup paused halfway to her lips.
“Weare not going to keep watch, Lady Helen,” he said sternly. “Please don’t raise the subject with Mr. Thorburn again. I’m yet to be convinced he’s not involved in this.”
She shrugged a shoulder, maddeningly indifferent. “You believe it to be Thorburn?”
“I don’t know who’s behind it. Until I do, you must leave it to me. I thought you’d promised not to investigate on your own.”
“I don’t recall promising any such thing.” She frowned and pressed her lips together. “I believe I have done well.”
“Remarkably well.” He cocked an eyebrow, slightly amused. “I don’t have to worry about you, do I?”
Helen began to tidy the portfolio with her slim capable hands. “You have no need. I have a father, Lord Peyton, who will be home very soon.” She raised her head. “Why do you care so much about us?”
Jason hesitated while he sought an effective answer. “I hold myself responsible for your safety and those in this house. It is your mother’s wish. There are vulnerable people here, you especially, Lady Helen, because you’ve shown such an interest. There may be those who are growing impatient and nervous of discovery.”
“I have only done what anyone in my position would do. In the absence of my mother and father.” She pushed back the table, rattling the cups and saucers as she stood. “I am not a fool, Lord Peyton.”
He rose and rested his hands lightly on her shoulders, feeling the tension in her body. Something had happened to this spirited girl who wanted so much more from life than the one she had chosen for herself. “I am aware of that,” he murmured. Without thought, he traced her soft cheek with his knuckles. “I have never thought you foolish, Helen.”
She hid her response to his touch beneath lowered lashes, but a telltale flush rushed up her throat, and she backed away until she came up against the desk. Recovering, she turned smartly back to the portfolio. “Could it be possible that someone has been reading this correspondence?”
“The library is open to anyone in the house, is it not?”
