“Of course.”He bowed toward the red-head.
“And are you acquainted with Miss Roberts, Miss Greene, and Lady Octavia?”
“We’ve seen each other in passing,” Miss Roberts answered, “though we’ve never been formally introduced.”
“It’s a pleasure,” Adrian told her.He greeted Miss Greene and Lady Octavia next, then directed his attention back to Miss Carmichael.Her smile had faded a little, but that didn’t make her any less radiant.He cleared his throat, straightened his spine, and gestured in the direction the ladies were heading.“Shall we?”
A bit impertinent of him to force himself into her company, but he’d always been driven – the sort of man who went after what he wanted as soon as he figured out what that was.Right now, he wanted to learn if he and Miss Carmichael had a chance at more than friendship.
He offered his arm and felt the space behind his ribs expand the moment her hand touched it.
They proceeded at a casual pace, allowing her friends to take the lead while they followed behind.It was odd seeing the pleasure garden during the light of day.The place lacked the vibrance found after dark when lackluster objects were cast in shadow and lanterns spread a magical glow across every path.
“Do you come here regularly?”Miss Carmichael asked while they strolled.Wisps of her blonde hair curled from beneath her bonnet, falling against the curve of her neck.It was rather distracting.
Adrian tore his gaze away when she sent him a questioning look.“I tend to frequent Hyde Park since I prefer riding when time allows.However, I did feel the need to stretch my legs today, and this seemed as good a place as any in which to do so.”
Not a lie, exactly.Moving helped ease the tension that gripped his nerves these days, when he stayed home too long with his own thoughts.
A soft smile captured Miss Carmichael’s lips.“I visited Lundquist House earlier.It seems you made a mistake regarding the marquess.”
Adrian nodded.“I apologized to him this morning when I went to pay my respects.”
The marquess had accepted his apology with grace.Truth be told, he’d looked too exhausted for feelings of anger or resentment.
“That was very good of you.”
“It was the right thing to do.”Even if Adrian still believed the marquess had deserved to be punished for striking a woman, he’d not killed anyone and would now have to bury his sister.
They continued in silence for a while before Miss Carmichael asked, “Are you looking into anyone else?”
Adrian paused.There was Mr.Walker of course, but nothing had come of that yet.Besides, he was wary of making another mistake.If he was to mention someone’s name in connection with the murders, he had to be sure of the man’s involvement this time.
“Not really.But the nature of Lady Lavinia’s death compels me to warn you.You must be extra careful when venturing out.Promise me you won’t go anywhere alone.Especially not at night.”
“Of course.”
Relief poured through him, but it wasn’t enough.He had to make sure she’d stay safe.So he gritted his teeth and told her bluntly, “Whoever the murderer is, it would seem he’s evolving.”
Her beautiful eyes filled with endless concern.“How do you mean?”
“Lady Lavinia’s murder was different.I saw her body and…” He paused to consider his next words.However important the subject he wanted to broach, he could not forget with whom he was speaking.Miss Carmichael was still a young lady whose sensibilities had to be taken into account.And yet, there was no delicate way around it.“He’s no longer killing for the sole purpose of ridding the world of unworthy women.It would seem he’s…begun enjoying the act.”
“In other words, it’s not just a mission for him anymore but also something he craves?”
“In a manner of speaking.”It was as close as she’d come to comprehending the horror with which Lundquist’s sister had met her end.
“Then I shall be sure to heed your warning, Mr.Croft, and will warn other women to do the same.”
“Maybe encourage them to join you at Reed’s.”It couldn’t hurt for them to learn a few tips on how to defend themselves.
“I’ll be sure to do so.”
Neither said anything more after that.Sensing he ought to leave so she could enjoy the rest of her walk with her friends, Adrian drew to a halt after a few additional paces.“I believe I ought to get going.”
“Very well.”Was that a hint of regret in her voice?“It was lovely to see you again, Mr.Croft.”
He tipped his hat.“Likewise, Miss Carmichael.I look forward to lunching with you tomorrow.”
