‘Keep this on your person.’ He covered her hand with his. ‘Do not let even the maids know you have it. Trust no one here apart from Holden. I have recently appointed him head butler, but he is actually a Bow Street Runner, keeping an ear on the servants’ quarters. I have told him he can trust you with anything in my absence.’
Then he smiled—that devastatingly magnificent smile that always made Grace feel as though she were the only woman in the world.
She tucked the watch safely into her pocket. ‘Did Taylor manage to identify the gentlemen who accompanied Gibbs?’
Lord Armitage’s expression darkened. ‘I have taken him to various clubs and haunts, but he has not spotted them.’ He exhaled slowly, his jaw tightening. ‘Whoever they are, they have vanished—either they are in hiding, or someone has ensured their silence.’
Grace swallowed hard. ‘So what do we do now?’
‘I am considering holding a ball and inviting the ton. If they feel untouchable, they may make an appearance.’
‘And if they don’t?’
He met her gaze, his voice grave. ‘Then we may already be too late.’
Grace nodded. He had thought of everything. Searching for a useful suggestion, she asked, ‘Have you considered having the suspects followed to see who they meet or who their associates are?’
He smiled. ‘I am impressed, Miss Skye. You are beginning to think like a true Bow Street Runner. Yes, I have had them tailed, but nothing has come of it yet. I suspect the murderer is on his best behaviour, knowing we are investigating.’
Suddenly, Grace remembered to mention Charles’s letter.
‘Hmmm,’ he said. ‘I will arrange an invitation for him to attend the ball. Perhaps we can confront him there. Please keep everything we have discussed to yourself, Grace—even from Heather and Mrs M.’
Grace was about to protest, but before she could, he added, ‘I know you are close, but this is for their protection. The less they know, the safer they are. If Heather were to accidentally let something slip, she might alert an accomplice—or worse, put herself in danger.’
He had a point. Heather could be careless with secrets.
‘Your secret is safe with me.’ She nodded in understanding and extended her hand. ‘You have the hand of a Skye to it.’
He sighed, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. Instead of shaking her hand, he turned it over, tracing his thumb across her palm in a lingering motion. The touch sent warmth curling through her, settling low in her stomach.
‘Such a small hand to hold such deep secrets,’ he murmured, his voice a shade lower, a touch rougher. His eyes flickered to hers, searching, questioning. ‘And yet... I feel safe with you.’
Something in his expression changed—a flicker of vulnerability, gone almost as quickly as it appeared. He withdrew, his face unreadable once more, as if he regretted revealing too much.
Confused, Grace withdrew her hand. ‘Do you have any suspicions? I would hate to think it could be your brother! He has such a sweet temperament—I find it hard to believe he could kill his father and brother.’
A shadow passed over his face. ‘It is my greatest fear.’
Grace noted that he had not ruled his brother out, which sent a chill through her.
‘Be careful and always keep your door locked at night,’ he warned. ‘Make sure you tell Heather and Mrs M to do the same.’
With that, he left the room, leaving Grace deep in thought.
Chapter 20
Bleary-eyed, Grace was not ready for Heather’s exuberance the next morning, but she met her with her usual calmness.
‘Poppet, stop trying to strangle me. Remember not to display such wildness when we go shopping with the ladies,’ she said, extricating herself from Heather’s enthusiastic embrace.
‘Pooh-pooh, I am sure they will not mind a little light-heartedness. But why did you miss breakfast this morning?’ Before Grace could reply, Heather launched into the real reason for her excitement. ‘Do you think I shall get a whole new wardrobe, Gracy? Lady Elizabeth mentioned they are arranging a ball in honour of the new Duke. They will probably announce the wedding date, but it would also be a good opportunity to introduce me as his ward.’
‘I did wonder at the suggestion of a ball. The family are still in mourning,’ said Mrs Merriweather pensively, shaking her head. ‘I never did understand the aristocracy. They seem to make up their own societal rules as they go along,’ she added disapprovingly.
Mrs Merriweather’s remarks made Grace want to defend him. ‘True. However, if Lady Elizabeth does not join in the dancing, I see no reason why she should not attend the ball. I think His Grace has other reasons for hosting it. I shall tell you in due time, but for now, I am sworn to secrecy.’
Both ladies protested.
