She swallowed. “For me.” It wasn’t a question. She had heard as much from her maid, who had learned it from the cook, who had been listening at the door when Walter was belowstairs speaking with Lucas. And yet it was still a blow to hear it confirmed. “Was it Geoffrey?”
“I believe so,” Lucas said. “He’s not one to commit crimes himself. He hires someone else to do it for him.”
“Which is why it was done badly, I suppose. If he’d thought for two seconds, he would have known I will never travel with Penelope.”
“Really? Why not?”
“The motion of the carriage bothers her, and she complains constantly. Besides, you already know there was too much work in Ireland for me to leave.”
“Geoffrey is not one to understand work.”
No, he wasn’t. “What am I to do?” she whispered. “I cannot live my life in a cage for fear he hires assassins. And where is he finding the money for these highwaymen? Isn’t he in debt all over London?”
Lucas shrugged. “Desperate men find each other.” He took a breath. “Do you regret the restrictions you have placed upon me?”
She met his eyes. “I still do not want you to kill him,” she said firmly. “Not for him, but for you. I would not add that burden to your soul.”
His expression softened. “My soul can bear it.”
“Even so. We are a civilized society. He should be tried and sentenced, as is lawful.”
He was silent a moment. “You know that if I must, I will—”
She held up her hand. “I know you will do what is required,” she said, struggling with her own thoughts. “But this is a not battlefield, and we are in England, which is a country of laws.” She could see from his expression that he agreed in principle but that he would act as a soldier if he had no choice.
She should not be comforted by that. She was a woman who stood by her convictions. And yet, she remained desperately grateful that, thanks to Lucas, she would not die for her principles. She blew out a breath. “I am a hypocrite. I don’t want you to kill him, and yet…” She lifted her gaze to the ceiling. “He set highwaymen on Penelope. Did you know she is pregnant? Who would hire thieves to rob his own sister?”
He was silent as she dashed away tears.
“This is ridiculous,” she said. “Geoffrey was a sweet boy once. By all accounts, his mother loved him. Oscar certainly did. He had good nannies and all the benefits of wealth. Why has he turned so wrong?”
Lucas touched her hand, where she fidgeted with her teacup. His fingers were thick with calluses and yet brushed so lightly across her own. “I don’t have any answers, Diana. I cannot take the time to wonder how he became who he is. I can only end this as quickly as I know how.”
Her gaze went to his. “And how will you do that?”
“I have a man in my employ with connections throughout London.” He squeezed her hand. “He has found Mr. Fisher for me.”
Her head snapped up. “My footman? The one who poisoned Oscar’s tea?”
“Yes. I am heading now to speak with him. He must testify that Geoffrey paid him to kill your husband.”
“Then Geoffrey can be arrested and punished lawfully for his crimes.”
“With luck, this will soon be over.”
She had the strongest urge to kiss him. She did, in fact, grip his shoulder, stilling him for a moment as he started to get up so that they were nearly nose to nose. She searched his face as he gazed at her, his eyes turning dark and intense.
She wanted so very much to kiss him. Not just because he made her heart beat fast and her legs go liquid with desire, but because he made her feel safe. No one would harm her while he was here, least of all him. Not with casual neglect nor overwhelming authority. He simply remained beside her, caring for her as she accomplished her tasks. It was a heady experience having a man be a help rather than a hindrance. And she wanted him beside her always, but most especially now when she felt so vulnerable.
His hand came up to cup her face. She watched the movement of his lips as he whispered her name. “Diana.” There was longing in her name, and she echoed it a thousand times.
“Lucas—”
But then he shut it all down. “I must go.” He pulled away from her. “Ruben has already called for the constable. If I am to have a chance at speaking with Fisher first, then I must make haste.”
“Ruben?”
“My associate. The one who found Mr. Fisher.”
