Before she could change her mind, she threw on her wrapper, slid her feet into slippers, then hurried out of the room. The evening was late, but she prayed Trevor would still be awake. She didn’t dare check his room, so she went to his study to see if by chance he was there.
She knocked quietly on the closed door before slowly pushing it open. A low fire burned in the hearth, but that was the only light in the room—dim as it was. His scent filled the air around her and brought back those memories she had shared with him, kissing him, holding him, and falling in love. She feared all of that would end soon. When he heard what kind of person she’d been, he would toss her out in the street—and rightly so. But hopefully, he’d let her explain first.
Entering the room, she took soft steps, scanning the premises. No sign of Trevor. Yet, the fire still burned, and an empty glass sat on his desk. She moved closer and picked it up, sniffing inside. Brandy. He’d been here not long ago.
From behind, the floor creaked. She jumped and spun around, falling back against the desk. Trevor stood just inside the door holding a full bottle of brandy. Gone was his waistcoat and cravat, and his shirt was opened at the throat. Eyes, wide with surprise, peered her way as his attention moved over her from head to toe.
“Louisa? What in the blazes are you doing up this late at night?”
“I—I need to speak with you.”
His gaze narrowed on her, ambling forward with quick strides. “You have been crying.” He set the bottle on his desk before cupping her face. “What’s amiss?”
Tenderness glowed in his worried eyes, and she tried not to cry from happiness, reminding herself that his attitude would certainly change when she confessed the truth.
She held his warm hands, not wanting them to leave her cheeks, but knowing she couldn’t cuddle against them forever. “I remembered something tonight.”
He slipped his arm around her and led her to the sofa. “Tell me.” Sitting beside her, he took hold of her cold hands.
“Oh, Trevor. I fear what I have to say is very upsetting.”
“Yes, I can see it on your face. But please tell me.”
Nodding, she swallowed to moisten her throat. “Earlier today when I stopped that thief, I realized I knew him from somewhere, but I couldn’t recall exactly where.”
Trevor’s body stiffened, but thankfully, he didn’t pull his hands away.
“Tonight I remembered where I met him.”
“Where?” he asked in a whisper.
“Do you remember the name Macgregor?”
“Yes, you had mentioned him once.”
“I still don’t recall everything I should, but I know he gathered children—orphans—to come work for him. He taught these children to steal from wealthy people.”
“Pickpockets?”
“Yes.” She swept her tongue across her dry lips before continuing. “The boy who took your watch… his name is David.”
“He knew you as well?”
She gave a small nod. “Yes. I was also one of the children who worked for Macgregor.”
Slowly, Trevor removed his hand and raked his fingers through his hair. His stubbled jaw tightened. A vein in his neck stood out more than she’d seen it before. Inwardly, she shriveled and died. He was withdrawing from her and she didn’t know how to keep it from happening. As much as she wanted to returnto the way they’d been this morning, that was now just a memory she would always cherish.
“Trevor,” she quickly continued, “when I remembered this, I knew I had to come tell you immediately. I don’t want to hold anything back from you.”
“I appreciate your honesty.”
His words were too clipped. His tone too harsh. The urge to cry was so strong, but she held back the tears even though it physically hurt her body to do so. The past had taught her to expect pain and heartache. She must sit and await her punishment.
“Was that all you remembered?” he asked, closing his eyes as he rubbed his forehead.
“Pretty much. However, I do know that I was Macgregor’s best. It was my duty to teach the newcomers. David had been new, and I taught him.”
“That certainly explains a lot, Louisa.” Trevor blew out a pent-up breath before moving off the settee.
