Page 28

Just then, the study door opened, and a head popped around the corner. Marco’s eyes lifted at once, his attention caught by Molly’s iridescent gaze, and with it an unwelcome recollection of warmth and spice that stirred far too readily.

“Oh, hullo!”

His brother stepped down from his ladder, smiling broadly as he crossed the room. “Molly, you finished your search?”

“I did. I thought I might inform … you … of what I found.”

Angelo nodded. “We are most interested. Why not speak with my brother while I continue my search in the next room? No time to lose if we are to reveal a scoundrel.” With that, he turned to wink at Marco before disappearing into the hall beyond, leaving them conspicuously alone.

She entered and shut the door behind her, even as Marco suppressed a silent groan at Angelo’s transparent maneuvering. His brother was determined to encourage what Marco himself was striving not to indulge. Circling the baron’s desk, he came to a stop a few feet from where Molly hovered, her hands twisting together in visible unease.

“I must apologize for last night, Molly. I was … unkind.”

“No, I understand that you have much to contend with. Two murder attempts in as many days? You must be tense.”

“Nevertheless, you were standing by my side when that urn crashed down. I should have been more considerate.”

Molly frowned, as if his contrition unsettled her more than pleased her, and Marco found himself at a loss for how to amend matters. This strange, restrained awareness between them lay well beyond his experience, and he could only hope that time, and patience, might teach him how to navigate it without doing further harm.

“Miss Dubois had a selection of gold and silver jewelry that seemed costly for a woman of her circumstances,” declared Molly, apparently deciding that a shift in conversation was in order.

“You think … perhaps a form of compensation?”

“It could be, but beyond that, it is hardly conclusive. Miss Dubois had not a single book in her possession, though she had some fashion periodicals along with some circulars, suggesting she is seeking another employment.”

His brows shot up. “Does that surprise you? That she is seeking a post?”

Molly shook her head, a lock of hair falling loose, and he stilled himself at once, mindful that they were alone and that familiarity would be ill-advised. It was not the done thing, and he must keep his hands to himself. “Not at all. Simon tasked the baron’s man of business to find a new companion for me for when he returns from Scotland, but no luck yet … Miss Dubois and I do not get along very well.”

“Then we are still very much in the dark about this muddle.”

She nodded, pressing her lips together in thought, and Marco found himself recalling, against his better judgment, the warmth of cinnamon that lingered upon her breath. He folded his arms, determined not to betray himself, but could not help it. He reached out to tuck the wayward tendril behind her ear, eliciting an audible gasp that pleased him as a man. She was affected by him.

“I suppose … I believe we should find some relief from the pressures of this house. The baron and I have not ventured out much since Lady Blackwood’s death, and I grow weary of this pall of gloom. A sojourn to the country might provide clarity, if only by allowing us to breathe more freely for a short while. Visiting Elmstead would be a pleasant way to spend the day.”

“Elmstead? That is the baron’s property in Hertfordshire?”

Molly arched a rich brown eyebrow in surprise. “It is. A small but valuable estate due to its proximity to London. If it is acceptable to you, I shall propose to the baron that we visit in the morning. That will give the servants time to prepare.”

“That would be delightful. Angelo and I will continue our search, but I would welcome the chance to see something of this green and pleasant land I have heard so much about, yet have scarcely encountered for myself.”

She laughed, cocking her head to peer at him with a sympathetic expression. “Your welcome to merry England has not been quite as kind as one might have wished.”

Marco inclined his head in response. “To second chances, then.”