‘Holden informed me that you caught Jane in the library last night, and I was immediately suspicious,’ he admitted. ‘I never granted her access. It seems it was being used as a lovers’ retreat.’
Grace considered this. ‘But we saw Lord Gerrard exiting from the study. How could they have been together?’ Then anotherthought struck her. ‘And how on earth didyouenter the library without me noticing? I had no idea you were here.’
He took her hand and led her to the far end of the room, where he pressed against a wall panel. To her amazement, it swung open to reveal a hidden passage leading into the study.
‘This,’ he explained, ‘is how Gerrard appeared to exit from the study. We suspect the killer used this route to access the study and poison my father’s brandy.’
Grace stared in awe. ‘I would never have guessed this was here.’
‘Unfortunately, it does not help us much, as we all used to use this passage as children to play tricks on my father.’
She ran her hands over the mechanism, fascinated. ‘Are there any other hidden doors in the house?’ A sudden, alarming thought made her tense.
He chuckled. ‘No, my sweet, no more hidden doors.’
Grace sighed in relief as he continued, ‘But I believe we have narrowed our suspect list. We ruled out Harry, as you pointed out—he cannot run. Thanks to your love of books, we have discovered Jane and Gerrard’s secret affair, and Gerrard has, at least, exonerated himself from the murders. That leaves only Edward.’ His brow furrowed.
Grace’s stomach twisted. ‘You never mentioned someone tried to poisonyou!’ She recalled what he had revealed to his brother. ‘Why did you not tell me?’
‘I did not wish to alarm you. Besides, I cannot let it stop me. To end this, I need to find the murderer.’ There was a flicker of pain in his expression.
She pursed her lips. ‘But Heather mentioned something the other night. She heard footsteps outside her room. What if the murderer is searching for where you have moved? You must tread carefully.’
‘I will,’ he reassured her. ‘I have taken precautions to deter any intruders.’ Then, flashing a teasing smile, he added, ‘Although, if these threats bring forth such concern from you, they seem almost worth it.’
It had the desired effect. Flustered, Grace stammered, ‘B-but we need more evidence. We have no proof Lord Edward is the culprit. Perhaps his brother is an accomplice?’
‘It is possible, but I believe only one is the mastermind. Edward is the dominant of the two. Harry has always been sickly, lacking the constitution for such a scheme.’
‘Lord Harry seems distant from his brother,’ she mused. ‘As though he disapproves of something. Perhaps he knowssomethingand it has caused a rift between them. Lord Gerrard did say they do not get along.’
The Duke nodded thoughtfully. ‘If that is the case, we may be able to press Harry for information.’
‘Maybe we can try a different tactic with the pocket watch. I could ask Lord Harry if the family has a preferred watchmaker, using my father’s watch as an excuse,’ she suggested. Then another thought struck her. ‘And what of your father’s property investments? Perhaps your solicitor, Mr Smith, knows something about the coastal properties the late Duke was purchasing. He may recall which of the two Avertons was involved in the dealings.’
Lord Armitage’s brows furrowed in thought. ‘That is a good idea. I will speak with Mr Smith.’ He studied her for a long moment, making her feel self-conscious. She wondered if he, too, was thinking about the kiss.
Grace had meant to confront the Duke about the kiss, but the brute had acted as though nothing had happened! Then again, discovering his brother and fiancée’s betrayal made that conversation... awkward. Perhaps another opportunity wouldpresent itself. And perhaps now that he wassingleagain, there was more hope than she dared admit.
Clearing his throat, he said, ‘How do you like the library? I have never seen you look so happy to walk into a room—you were practicallyglowing.’ His eyes twinkled mischievously.
Grace gasped. ‘You were watching me all that time?!’
He chuckled, ‘You were so engrossed in your book, I did not have the heart to disturb you.’ Then, retrieving a key from his pocket, he placed it into her hand. ‘I want you to have free access to this room whenever you like. I will be changing the lock, and this is a copy. Just be sure to close it before you leave.’
Without waiting for her response, he turned to leave through the hidden door, leaving Grace to stare after him, holding the key to paradise in her hand.
Chapter 22
As the ladies readied themselves for dinner, Lady Elizabeth knocked on Grace’s chamber door just as she was selecting her dress for the evening.
‘My dear, one of your dresses has arrived,’ she said, directing the maid to place it on the bed. But as Grace turned to thank her, she noticed something odd—Lady Elizabeth seemed agitated, a rare departure from her usual composure.
‘Are you feeling well, Lady Elizabeth? What is the matter?’ Grace asked, watching her closely.
‘Oh, there is nothing wrong with me. I am just disturbed by some news.’ She hesitated, looking slightly embarrassed, and Grace realised at once—this had to be about Lord Armitage’s broken engagement.
Her suspicion was confirmed when Lady Elizabeth sighed and said, ‘You might as well hear it from me before it is all over the newspapers tomorrow. Jane has cried off the engagement to Gabriel. He must be heartbroken.’
