To say the man was handsome wasn’t doing him justice. Ashton Lee was incredibly good-looking. His hair was dark, just as it had been outside, and, as she had already experienced while running her fingers through it, it was a very soft texture. His eyebrows weren’t overly bushy as some men she had met, but Ashton’s were—dare she say—nearly perfect. If she were truthful, he was more perfect than she had expected. Were men like this real? Or was he just putting on a farce for tonight’s event that made him act like a true prince?
Before Nicole knew what was happening, her relatives dragged her from one couple to the next, making introductions until she stood in front of Lord Reynolds and his wife. The middle-aged man’s hair was thinning and receding like most men his age, but his mustache and crop of beard only on his chin were much too thick. Did he even know that being involved with opium dens was against the law?
“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” Nicole said as she curtsied.
“The pleasure is all mine.” The lord puffed his chest as his gaze ran up and down Nicole’s length. “Many men have asked me about your identity tonight. I’m sure your aunt and uncle will be very busy this week with all the calling cards you will receive.”
She laughed lightly. “Oh, I’m sure you are exaggerating, Lord Reynolds.” She quickly turned toward his wife. “It’s nice to meet you, Lady Reynolds. You have a lovely estate.” Of course, now Nicole knew how the woman’s husband could afford to keep his family in such luxuries.
“Thank you, Miss Bastian. I must confess, there has been one man in particular who came around asking about you.” The plump, middle-aged woman grinned. Her rouged cheeks grew darker.
Nicole’s heart raced, wondering if she knew who that man might be...or at least hoping it was Ashton Lee. “Indeed? Who was asking about me?”
The older woman scanned her gaze across the crowded ballroom. “I can’t see him now, but I believe you have danced with him.” Chuckling, she shook her head. “He was dressed as a prince—so very dashing if I must say.”
Happiness spread through Nicole. “Oh, Prince Charming?”
The others in her circle laughed. Lady Reynolds nodded vigorously. “Yes, that is the man. He asked me the strangest question, though.”
“He did? What was it?” Nicole arched an eyebrow.
“I don’t know why, but he inquired about my maid’s name, Mrs. Johnston.”
Panic gathered in Nicole’s chest, making it hard to breathe. Ashton had told her the servant’s name was Mrs. Hemsworth. So, why was he asking Lady Reynolds about it? Something didn’t seem right, and Nicole’s gut instinct told her to be cautious. She always followed her feelings, and right now, they told her that Ashton wasn’t being very truthful with her. But why? She really should find discover what his purpose was by meeting him in town tomorrow and digging deeper into his secrets.
Chapter Four
Ashton sat behind his desk, staring out the window of his office near the railway station. It was still too early for people to walk from shop to shop on the streets, and he struggled with keeping his eyes open. The sun started to peek on the horizon with splashes of red and yellow blending with the light-blue sky. The scenery was so peaceful he could stare at it for hours. He always enjoyed the early mornings. Except the bright sun would soon bring people from their homes and disrupt his solitude.
Today was no exception. Only one thing was different. He couldn’t stop smiling.
Although he had plenty of things to work on today, he couldn’t keep his mind on his job. In a few hours, he would venture farther into town in hopes of seeing a specific woman. Anticipation kept him from getting much sleep last night, especially when remembering the kiss they had shared. It hadn’t been long enough, and if he had his way today, he would give her the kind of kiss he wanted to give her last night.
Shortly, after the un-masking, he had discovered she lied about Lady Reynolds’ maid. What was Nicole really doing upstairs in the lord’s study? But what bothered him more was wondering why he wanted answers in the first place. The only thing he could come up with was that Nicole intrigued him and he wanted to learn more about her.
From outside the window, loud, upset voices boomed through the air. He rose from his chair and peered out. Two police officers stood near the office, talking with Glynn and Steven. The other two co-owners of the railway didn’t usually come to the Grand Meol office, but since they were at last night’s masked ball, they were in town.
Glynn rubbed his forehead as he paced the length of the large window, and Steven barked orders at the officers as he waved his hands in frantic gestures.
Taking long strides, Ashton hurried out of the building and stepped onto the walkway. All eyes turned toward him. “What is going on?”
“Another railway robbery,” Glynn grumbled.
Frustration rose inside Ashton. “Money was stolen again?”
“Indeed,” Steven snapped, aiming his glare at the police officers. “Again!”
Sighing heavily, Glynn raked his fingers through his thick, sandy hair. “If this thief cannot be brought to justice, people will stop using the railway.”
Up until now, there had only been two railway robberies in the last six weeks. This one made three.
“You are correct. We need to find out who this person is and stop him.” Ashton switched his focus to one of the officers. The older looking of the two had streaks of white in his black hair. “Have you found any leads?”
The man shook his head. “I’m sorry to say, Mr. Lee, but the thief is calculating. Sadly, some of the stations are not heavily patrolled.”
“Any witnesses?” Ashton asked.
“Just the same ones,” the other officer answered as he scratched behind his ear. “The people in the mail car are the only ones who see the thief, and just like the last robbery, they reported one man wearing black clothes.”
