“Thank you, but now that I’ve got a library of my own there’s something wonderfully diverting about buying books and seeing them fill up the shelves.”
Dorian’s chest expanded with pleasure. “I couldn’t agree with you more. You’ll never know loneliness as long as there’s a good book nearby. I’m glad we share this interest.”
She smiled faintly, her attention on Dorian briefly interrupted by the arrival of her order.
“This really is exceptional,” she said once she’d taken a bite of her mousse, the decadent flavor of rich vanilla a treat for her taste buds. She chased it down with some tea, dabbed her mouth with the napkin, and met Dorian’s gaze directly. Her eyes sharpened. “I doubt youasked me here for the sake of discussing food though. Care to tell me what this is about?”
He folded his arms on the table and gave her a shrewd look. When he spoke next, his voice was softer, a low hum concealed beneath the rest of the tea shop’s sounds. “It’s time for you to provide proof of Croft’s wrongdoings.”
Samantha’s neutral expression concealed whatever thoughts his comment induced. Was she surprised? Apprehensive? Eager to follow through on her mission? It was impossible to tell.
A deep inhalation followed. She tapped her finger lightly against her saucer as though allowing herself a moment of contemplation. “There’s been a great deal of disagreement regarding this issue. I’m not comfortable with it.”
To his consternation, she’d managed to catch him off guard. “What are you talking about?”
“Six months ago, Kendrick came to enlist my help in taking Croft down, and I proceeded to work toward this goal with tireless resolve. Exactly as you had taught me.” She leaned toward him, a fierce emotion burning in her blue eyes. “You encouraged me to sacrifice everything for the cause, including my innocence and my freedom. And I did so, only to be told that I was to stand down.”
“Just temporarily.”
A huff of frustration accompanied a quick shake of her head. “Do you have any idea what that felt like?”
Betrayal, he reckoned. And because he knew this –because he knewherand what the wrong words now might lead to – he reached for her hand and gave it a squeeze. “I’m sorry. Things don’t always go according to plan, which is possibly something I should have spent more time preparing you for. But in our line of work one must learn to adjust. You’ve proven yourself tremendously in that regard.”
She pulled her hand from his and picked up her cup, allowing herself a moment to sip the tea. “Kendrick called on me a couple of weeks ago and told me the same thing you’re telling me now – that I am to reengage. Having heard nothing from anyone else, however, I refused.”
Once again, she provided information that set him slightly off balance. Thoughts swirled, guiding him back to his most recent conversation with the chief constable. According to what he’d said, he’d been asked to stand down by Sir Nigel until today’s meeting at Carlton House.
It would seem the chief magistrate wasn’t the only one with a different agenda. Apparently Kendrick had his own too. And then there was Samantha, whose loyalty Dorian had acquired by giving her everything she had been lacking in that blasted orphanage.
He watched her with increased alertness, relieved when he found no hint of rebelliousness in her expression. “Why didn’t you tell me this sooner?”
“Because I’ve been dealing with marital issues. My husband has asked his servants to keep me under surveillance.”
Tension gripped Dorian’s shoulders. “I thought you’d gained his trust. If not, we’ve got to reconsider his reason for choosing to wed you.”
“There’s no need to worry. He’s simply being cautious.” She took a casual bite of her mousse. “However, with this taken into account, it did seem most prudent to avoid raising suspicion of any kind, which is why I’ve not come to Clearview alone or met friends in private. Kendrick was an exception. He foolishly decided to call upon me at the house, leaving me with quite the muddle to work my way out of.”
“Idiot.”
“I quite agree, but it wasn’t worse than what a few lies and a bit of seduction could handle.”
Dorian expelled a slow breath. This was good. As long as Croft bedded Samantha, she’d keep him under her spell. “Will our meeting today give you trouble?”
“No. You’re like a father to me.” The soft smile she gave him offered further relief. “There’s nothing suspicious about you wanting to meet me for tea. Especially since you invited us both. A stroke of good fortune that Adrian wasn’t able to attend.”
“Indeed.” Three elderly women entered the shop, snaring Dorian’s attention for a second before he returned his focus to Samantha. “Despite the precautions you’ve just mentioned, I trust you’ve spent the time since your wedding acquiring knowledge. Yes?”
“Naturally. I’ve kept my wits about me and paid attention to all I’ve seen and heard.”
“Might I presume then that you’ve already uncoveredthe information required to bring substantial charges against Croft, or that you at least know where to find it?”
The slightest dip of her chin confirmed she’d lived up to her every potential.
Pride simmered in Dorian’s veins, pushing its way toward his heart and making it swell.
A fleeing sensation that swiftly vanished when she told him firmly, “I’ll not hand it over until I receive an official order to do so from either the home office chief or the Prince Regent himself.”
Dorian did his best to conceal the anger that flared in response to her comment, but feared he didn’t quite manage to do so. She’d shocked him, truth was. Until this moment, he’d have bet his life on her inclination to follow his every command without question.
