Both men shook their heads.
“I recall when the last people who lived here had to move. It was done so quickly and in the middle of the night.”
“Why?” Collin asked, leaning closer to her on the settee.
“Their unwed daughter was in the family way, and they didn’t want to create a scandal.”
Adrian hitched a breath, shocked that Lyndsey would know about that delicate rumor. Collin’s eyebrows rose in surprise, too.
“However,” Lyndsey continued, “the unwed girl’s older brother was a gambler, and before they moved, my father learned of some men who’d come to the manor and met with Lord Caldwell, and well... the ruffians scuffed him up pretty badly.” She paused briefly. “It makes me wonder if these men don’t know that the Caldwell family have moved.”
Adrian and his brother traded glances again.
Collin nodded. “That makes sense. After all, Adrian and I have not upset anyone in our lives that we know about, anyway. I cannot see anyone wanting to harm or kill us. It’s worth bringing the constable in on this to have him check out a few leads.”
“Indeed,” Lyndsey said. “I think the constable would recall the incident when those men were fighting with Lord Caldwell.”
Collin jumped to his feet, appearing eager to summon the man of the law, but his gaze moved to the window and frowned.
“I suppose I’ll have to talk to the constable tomorrow. I hadn’t realized how late it was.”
Lyndsey met Adrian’s stare and shrugged. There were no words between them, but he still knew what she was thinking. He, too, wished his brother could talk to the constable tonight.
Sighing, she smoothed her hands on her dress and stood. “If you’ll excuse me, I think I’ll retire for the night. I’ve had a very long and exhausting day.”
Adrian locked stares with her and smiled as he bowed slightly. “Have a good rest, Miss Benson.”
“I thank you, Lord William.”
Collin threw a glance over his shoulder. “Good night, Miss Benson.”
“To you, as well, Lord Hanover.”
Adrian watched her leave the room, and just before she turned, she peeked back inside. Her gaze went directly to him and her smile widened. His heart soared. The feelings he had for her confused him, yet at the same time, he never wanted them to stop.
He listened as her footsteps gradually disappeared. A deep sigh escaped him and he sat back in his chair. The days were not long enough for all the time he wanted to spend with her, talking, gazing into each other’s eyes, and kissing her passionately.
“Might I ask what your intentions are with Miss Benson?”
Adrian snapped to a sitting position and jerked his head around to look at his brother. “Pardon me?”
Collin rolled his eyes. “You heard me.” He moved closer to Adrian, still sipping his brandy.
“What makes you think I have any inten—”
“It’s obvious that you are in love with her.” Collin arched an eyebrow. “And I must say, it’s quite shocking to see that you’ve finally given your heart away.”
Chuckling uncomfortably, Adrian shook his head. “Love? Oh, I think not, Collin.”
“Then answer this for me, if you will.” Collin paused and narrowed his gaze on Adrian. “Is she on your mind constantly – day and night? When you think of her, do you find yourself grinning like a fool?”
Slowly, Adrian nodded. “It sounds as though you understand my feelings well, dear brother. That tells me you have felt this way before.”
“Yes, I have had such feelings.”
“Then why aren’t you married to the fortunate woman?”
Collin laughed and moved back to the liquor tray. “Because I was the biggest fool of them all, and I waited too long to declare my love.” He sighed. “By the time I knew my own feelings, she was engaged to another man.”
