Not that Samantha believed her sister-in-arms ought to befriend the heartbroken marquess, but since Melody had revealed a wish for someone to ask her todance, Marsdale made sense. He was kind enough to ignore Melody’s status for the sake of making her happy.
“Later perhaps, after you and I speak.” Melody grabbed Samantha’s elbow and steered her toward the terrace doors.
Chilly night air infused with the smell of moist soil greeted them as they stepped out onto the wet paving stones. Though the rain had tapered off to a drizzle, it still forced them to huddle beneath the narrow overhang guarding the doors.
“What’s this about?” The urgency in Melody’s manner made Samantha uneasy.
“I’ve been ordered to give you this.” A folded piece of paper, sealed with a blob of shiny red wax.
Samantha took it, her heart settling into the slower rhythm that always preceded a battle. Instinct told her what she would find once she tore the seal open and unfolded the missive. Yet a jolt still went through her when she read the words penned within.
Find proof of Mr. Adrian Croft’s criminal actions and deliver it to Chief Constable Kendrick.
Swallowing, she stared at the signatures placed below. There were three of them. The chief magistrate’s, the home secretary’s, and the prince regent’s. They were accompanied by the weight of the royal insignia.
Her hands shook as she shoved the order into her reticule. It was what she’d requested, but it also meant the time for making excuses was over. All she could donow was pray that the information she handed over would be enough to prove her loyalty while allowing her husband enough room to avoid incarceration or worse.
She glanced at Melody. “Thank you for giving me this.”
Water droplets splashed against the heavy terrace tiles. Samantha prepared to return indoors but Melody stayed her with the touch of her hand. “Apropos the matter you asked me to look into, I’ve learned that Lady Eleanor may not have been as lovely as she pretended. Apparently she was caught in a compromising position with the Earl of Chesterly.Afterher engagement to Mr. Lawrence had been announced.”
Samantha stared at her, allowed the impact of what this implied to settle. “You’re certain of this?”
“As certain as one can be with information that’s traveled through numerous drawing rooms.” Melody hugged herself against the damp chill. “If there’s anything else you need from me – additional help – do let me know.”
“Thank you. I will.” They returned inside just in time for Samantha to see her husband disappearing into a hallway with the Duke of Eldridge. A pity since she’d hoped to speak with Adrian right away to relay the information she’d just received.
“Would you like to take some refreshment with me?”
Samantha nodded, even though she would rather refuse. “Let’s.”
All she wanted right now was to find a bit of quiet within the gathering storm – the means by which to collect herself and bolster her spirit.
But she saw the longing in Melody’s eyes – the clear desire for some social interaction – and found herself incapable of denying her. Least of all when Melody might have provided the key that could crack Lady Eleanor’s case wide open.
25
For once, dancing provided a welcome excuse. It allowed Adrian the chance to speak privately with his wife, to share what he’d learned in the last half hour.
“I’ve acquired additional information about Lady Eleanor.” He guided Samantha through the first steps of the waltz with a practiced ease that led to a gradual increase in pace.
“As have I.” Her voice was a whisper floating around them. “But there’s something else I should tell you first.”
She tightened her hold on his hand, putting him on immediate alert. “What is it?”
The fierceness within her gaze warned of unpleasant tidings. “I’ve got my orders. They’re indisputable.”
Even as apprehension rushed through him, he forced an air of calm.
“Is that all?” He gave her a wry smile in the hope itmight alleviate any concerns. “We’ve discussed this already and shall continue to do so at greater length once we return home. You mustn’t worry.”
“And yet I can’t help it. I was fine when this was a problem for the future, but now that it’s here, I fear for you, Adrian.”
As much as he wanted to ease her worries, it pleased him to know how much she cared. He swept her in a wide arc while following the edge of the dance floor, his gaze finding Edward who, he was glad to see, danced with Samantha’s foster sister, Miss Roberts.
Although it was slightly odd to see his friend give his attention to someone besides Evie, it pleased him to know he was finding the strength to move on.
Returning his attention to Samantha, he said, “Let’s speak of something else, shall we? I had a brief chat with Eldridge while you were catching up with Miss Roberts. He claims Lady Eleanor used to dance with Baron Midhurst’s son, Mr. Elias Rawlings, at every ball before becoming engaged to Mr. Lawrence. Turns out the two men had an altercation at White’s shortly after. Lawrence demanded satisfaction, but Eldridge managed to talk him out of it. Apparently the source of the conflict pertained to Rawlings insisting Lawrence had stolen Lady Eleanor from him.”
