Nicole’s heart softened. She was grateful he told her this before she’d mentioned it. At least he showed signs—if only small signs—that he was starting to trust her again.
She rested her arms on the edge of the table and leaned forward. “Mrs. Phelps dropped by this morning and visited with me.” His wide eyes jumped back to her. “Did you know,” she continued, “that your father foreclosed on Glynn’s father’s home? His father lost everything.”
His expression tightened and a nerve in his neck jumped. “No, I wasn’t aware of that.”
“Well, Mrs. Phelps hinted that the detectives are going to probe deeper into Glynn’s life, and possibly Steve Larson’s life as well.”
Ashton arched an eyebrow. “Why Steve’s life? Did my father take away his home, too?”
“I don’t know that yet, but because of what I witnessed while at the park—before you rescued me—I think the detectives need to check out his wife.” She took another bite of her food.
“His wife? What has she got to do with any of this?”
She finished chewing what was in her mouth and swallowed. She explained to him how she had first met Joseph Donnelly in London and who he’d been linked with in the opium den investigation. Ashton kept his attention on her while he ate. He appeared interested in what she had to say, and for now, he didn’t look upset.
“So, then why was Mr. Donnelly holding on to you and not letting you go?” he asked.
“After I had stopped to rest by the tree,” she continued, “I was surprised to see him, and I wondered what he could be doing in Liverpool. But when I witnessed an exchange between him and Mrs. Larson, my doubts were affirmed that he is still selling opium.” She took a quick sip her wine. “I think that was why Mr. Donnelly was upset with me—because I had witnessed him selling to her.”
“Did Steve’s wife see you?”
“No, I don’t believe she did. After she had the opium, she hurried back into town.”
Silence stretched between them as he tapped his fingers on the table. While he pondered over what she’d said, she quickly ate her food, which was turning cold fast. Although he had yet to smile at her, she wanted to think he would eventually forgive her for lying. Being here with her tonight at the evening meal was a good sign, especially when he had ignored her the whole time she had been recuperating.
He released a heavy breath and laid his fork on his near empty plate. “It does seem rather coincidental, doesn’t it? I mean, out of all the people in Liverpool, why Steve’s wife? And why at this time—when her husband’s railway is being robbed?”
“Yes, it does seem related in some way, but for the life of me, I cannot connect the points.”
Leaning back in his chair, he folded his arms across his chest. “Well, for now, I won’t worry about her. Let us keep her in the back of our thoughts, just in case.”
“Splendid idea.” She took another bite.
The rest of the meal passed without any words between them. Ashton didn’t look at her much as he finished the food on the plate. Her mind scrambled for something to talk about, but nothing came. She would do anything to have him smile at her again...and one day have him kiss her. But for now, she had to take baby steps. She couldn’t push him into anything. He had to be the one to allow her back into his heart.
Once the meal was over, he pushed away from the table. She quickly set down her fork and stood. He held up his hand to stop her.
“You can stay if you’re not finished eating,” he said.
“But I am finished,” she answered quickly.
“I was just going to my study for a few hours. I still have some monthly railway reports to go over.”
“Oh.” She frowned. “I had hoped we could talk a little more.”
“I’m actually too busy for that tonight.” He took a step toward the door, then stopped and looked at her again. “I suppose you want to return to your own home soon.”
Her heart stumbled over a beat. He wanted her out of his house, and the knowledge hurt more than she was prepared for.
“Uh...yes, of course I do.” She swallowed the lump forming in her throat. “Perhaps I’ll feel better tomorrow, and I can return home then.”
“Yes, that would be best, I’m sure. I have to leave for work bright and early, but I’ll have my driver take you back to your house any time tomorrow.”
“All right.” Her voice broke, and she cleared her throat.
He gave her a nod. “Have a pleasant evening.”
As she watched him leave the dining room and enter the hallway, she wanted to call him back. She wanted to fall to her knees and apologize again, begging him to forgive her, and to love her. But her pride wouldn’t allow it and she watched him walk away without turning back to look at her.
