He’d not been prepared for her to doubt him.
It took him a moment to marshal his thoughts and emotions. The slight shrug of one shoulder would hopefully hide the impact she’d made. Agreeability was what he needed to show in this instance.
He offered the warmest smile he could manage for added effect. “If I didn’t know any better, I might think you haven’t been quite as successful as you’re letting on.”
It was an old tactic, turning the tables on the opponent – one he’d taught her years ago and one she would likely recognize if she were paying attention.
“On the contrary,” she countered, a hint of slyness curling around her voice, “I know where Croft’s filesare kept. I’ve also overheard enough conversations to know how his illegal business is run. Once I reveal all of this, taking him down should be simple enough. Even an amateur ought to be able to do it.”
“A critical jab at Kendrick?”
She didn’t respond, choosing instead to down the remainder of her tea. “It’s been lovely as always, Harlowe. Any chance you’re attending the upcoming ball at Avernail House?”
“You know me. I never miss the chance to study the goings on within Society.”
“Good.” Satisfaction glowed in her eyes. “It ought to provide the opportunity for you to give me the confirmation I seek.”
“A point upon which you insist, I take it?”
“I’d like to be sure the Crown has my back and that I don’t end up facing charges as well. I’m sure you understand.” She pushed back her chair and stood.
Dorian followed suit, bidding her a pleasant rest of the day as she took her leave. He watched her stride from the shop with confident steps, her slim figure sweeping out of his view as she entered the street.
Frowning, he dropped his gaze to her dish where half of her mousse remained untouched. He pulled it toward him, resumed his seat, and proceeded to eat the remainder, his thoughts on the conversation they’d shared.
Something about the entire meeting seemed off, though he couldn’t quite figure out why. It wasn’t until he returned home to Clearview that realization struck,causing him to halt on his way to his study. He glanced toward the front door, a frown creasing his brow.
Today, he’d not felt like a mentor conversing with his protégée. Instead, it was as though he’d been engaging with an equally seasoned spy. And this gave him pause.
It made him wonder for the very first time if Samantha might have created her own game where Croft was concerned. In which case Dorian feared there was every chance he’d just played straight into her hands.
23
Samantha did not permit herself to relax until she entered Croft House and the door closed behind her. Never before had she lied so thoroughly or with as much at stake as she had while taking tea with Harlowe. Not even the bright smile she’d gotten from Isak that morning, when she’d suggested he move in with her and Adrian, could calm her rioting nerves at the moment.
Her fingers trembled so fiercely, she barely managed to unbutton her pelisse.
“Everything all right?” Elks inquired when she handed him the item.
“Quite so.” She mustered a smile of some sort and asked, “Do you know where I might find my husband?”
“In the library, I believe.”
She thanked the butler and headed toward her favorite room in the house. The dark walnut bookcasesfilled with centuries worth of knowledge had comforted her in the days when she’d feared Adrian would never forgive her deception.
Despite the progress they’d recently made in their marriage, she knew deep down that the broken trust would take longer than a couple of weeks to repair. In all likelihood, it would take years, during which she would have to prove herself daily.
In a way, she ought to be grateful to Harlowe for providing her with the means by which to do so.
She paused in the library’s doorway for a brief moment to survey the space. A maid who knelt before the fireplace struck a flint and lit the kindling. Flames sprang to life, hesitantly at first, then with increased vigor as they gathered strength.
“Thank you, Sarah.” Adrian’s voice rolled through the air like smoky tendrils imbued with flavors from faraway lands. Rich and luxurious, with a subtle hint of danger.
The maid rose, gathered her supplies, and bobbed a curtsey, repeating the gesture when she saw Samantha, alerting Adrian to her presence. He immediately stood and Samantha entered the room.
“Cummings reported back while you were out,” he told her. “He’s approved the building Murdoch recommended and will go ahead with the payment. The children should be able to move in next week.”
“That’s excellent news.” She smiled as he came to meet her, neither saying anything more until the maid had departed, closing the door behind her.
