He didn’t sound convincing. She studied his face in the poor light, attempting to dismiss the vision of him with some dangerous and possibly beautiful spy. It really wasn’t any business of hers what he did. Gerard was a red-blooded man. “Harrison never came to visit us. We believed him to be seriously ill.”
Gerard gave a low laugh. “Apart from his rheumatism, he was perfectly well.”
“He wasn’t bedridden? He seemed so cantankerous.”
“It was mostly an act, designed to fool everyone into believing him incapacitated.”
“He didn’t fool everyone.”
“No. Perhaps his regular nightly trips to London did attract attention. It’s possible it wasn’t random. The murderer might have infiltrated Pendleton, become a member of his staff.”
“Then he may be still here,” she said with a shudder.
“We might have seen that person tonight.”
“I hope you’re wrong. Why would he stay here when he could be discovered and arrested?”
“He hasn’t found the thing he killed for.”
Harriett rubbed her arms. “My father should be told of this.”
“Are you cold Harry? You should have worn more clothes.” He arranged her shawl around her shoulders. “I’m afraid I can’t tell your parents. I’m sworn to secrecy. That’s why I’d prefer you to go back to London. Otherwise, everything at Pendleton must continue to appear to be normal. It could be any one of the new staff. I need more time. I must be absolutely sure, before I act. I can’t accuse people without proof. And it must be done in a manner that doesn’t endanger the network. It might bring the whole operation down like a house of cards, and damage a lot of people.”
“It’s a pity we didn’t see that man’s face.”
“Ifhe was the murderer.”
“What? Of course he was. He tried to kill us.”
“Did he? He gave up easily. If he’d tried in earnest I would’ve shot him.”
“He might have followed me from the house. This is very dangerous for you, Gerard. Can’t you just let the constable and the magistrate deal with it?”
“No. I can’t afford to jeopardize the operation or the safety of our contacts.”
They crossed the gardens keeping to the shadows. “Hopefully, whoever saw us will believe it to be a lovers’ tryst,” Gerard said grimly.
Harriett stared at him. “It might help if he saw us meet again. I could be your cover.”
Gerard halted half-way up the stone steps. “Shush. Voices carry on the still night air.” The dark outline of the huge mansion loomed at the top of the rise. “That’s a risk I’m not willing to take. I can’t have you drawn into this.”
“Do you think he might go to my father and tell him he saw us, um, kiss?”
“Not if he values his job. What would he gain from it? If he’s a spy he’d prefer to lie low—go about unnoticed.”
“I’m not sure I care if my reputationiscompromised.”
He chuckled. “If it has been, Harry, I shall have to marry you.”
“You won’t have to marry me, Gerard,” Harriett said, stung by his indifference. “I’d prefer to become an eccentric old maid with a scandalous past than marry under such circumstances.”
“Don’t wish to marry me, eh? I’ll safeguard your reputation, Harry. I promise you. Your idea isn’t a bad one. Sorry we can’t do it. Too dangerous.”
She stopped and tugged at his sleeve. “Why not?” She would need to organize her clothes better. “You said yourself that you needed a good reason to be seen roaming around Pendleton at night,” she said reasonably.
He raked his hands through his hair. “No Harry. I prefer you to go back to London.”
“Mama has no intention of leaving until she’s whipped Pendleton into shape. She feels she owes it to Harrison. So I’m here whether you like it or not.”
