Chapter Fifteen

Draco hated puzzles.

This one had him stymied.

After quickly filling Burness and his wife in on all the details, he returned to Moonstone Landing. He hopped off the rig once he and his driver reached the center of the village, thanked the young soldier for driving him around, and then walked across the high street toward the Kestrel Inn’s stable.

Mr. Matchett came running out. “My lord, I heard you had a bit of trouble at the tea shop today. The glazier’s there now to board up the window until he can replace the glass. He says it may take a few days. Mrs. Halsey will keep her shop open, but just for her patrons to pick up their baked goods. There won’t be any seating or table service. A terrible shame that such a thing should happen to a good, hardworking lady like her. I’m sure it was her brother up to mischief. He’s a wastrel, that one. Always with his hand out and never willing to work a day in his life. I heard he was out of prison and coming around to pester her.”

Draco listened attentively to Matchett’s chatter. “Her brother?” He encouraged the man to tell him more.

Matchett was delighted to oblige. “Well, there isn’t much to tell about Walter Ramsay. Poor Mrs. Halsey’s been taking care of him all his life, and she’s had about enough of him now. He’s spent more time in prison than out of it these past twenty years. Lost count of the number of times he’s been tossed in. But he recently got out again. Only a matter of days before he’s caught thieving and arrested again. He picks pockets mostly. The man has nimble fingers and will steal anything he finds easy to transport.”

“Will he steal a horse?”

“Walter?” Matchett scratched his stubble as he gave it a moment’s thought. “I’d have thought not in the past, but prison may have hardened him. That’s a hanging offense. Don’t think he’s ever taken anything that big before. He’s a small-minded man who steals small things.”

“Small enough to be shrugged off by his victims?”

“Yes, that’s right. He’s like a little gnat one has to swat away—you know how they all come out at twilight and swarm around you. Won’t kill you, but a bloody nuisance. But as I said, he may have been hardened by his time in prison. Stealing a horse and shooting at a tea shop full of patrons is nothing to be shrugged off. Well, he was right angry when Mrs. Halsey refused to give him so much as a farthing. You look fit, m’lord. I heard Walter nicked you. But you look all right to me.”

Draco ignored the pain to his arm and nodded. “I am.”

“Thank goodness. And the ladies? They must have gotten quite a scare.”

“Lady Imogen has a slight sprain to her wrist, but that should heal in a day or two.”

Matchett appeared genuinely concerned. “Oh, the poor dear. She’s such a sweet girl. I’m glad it was nothing more serious.”

Draco nodded. “I’ll convey your good wishes. So you think it was Walter who shot out the glass window?”

“Oh, yes. Has his grubby paw marks all over it, m’lord.”

“Mr. Matchett, there is something more I need to ask you.” Draco described the horse his assailant had been riding. “Do you remember ever seeing such a beast in your stable?”

“No, m’lord. I’d remember a horse like that as well as I’d remember my own children, assuming I had any.”

Draco stifled a grin. “Thank you, Mr. Matchett.”

He walked across the high street to look in on Mrs. Halsey.

Was it possible the incident had nothing to do with Driscoll’s death, gunrunners, or a Crown investigation? Could he and Imogen have merely been in the way as Mrs. Halsey’s wayward brother attempted to cause mischief because he was peeved?

“Lord Woodley,” Mrs. Halsey said with obvious relief as he strode into the tea shop. “How are you feeling?”

“Much better,” he assured her. “It was only a grazing wound, and Dr. Hewitt treated it promptly.”

“And the young ladies?”

He nodded. “They are fine. But I came in here to see how you are doing.”

She appeared tense, but managed a smile. “We shall recover from this mess. The glass is all swept up, most of the blood has been scrubbed away, and now my beautiful window is all boarded up. Wait till I get my hands on the knave who did this. I’ll put his miserable head right through those thick boards.”

“Are you speaking of your brother?” he asked gently, knowing the truth had to be painful for her.

“My brother?” She sighed, cast him a wounded look, and then shook her head. “So you’ve heard about him, then, m’lord.”

“There are no secrets in this village, are there? Yes, I’ve heard. Mrs. Halsey, do you think it was Walter?” He kept his tone gentle, for the woman was already overset, and his tossing accusations at her would not go down very well.

She clutched the back of a chair for support and burst into tears. “He’s a horrible fellow. I wish they would hang him already. He’s never done an honest day’s work in his life. Must have stolen that horse he were riding on.”

Yes, that would get him hanged if he were caught. Not to mention the certain hanging for shooting Draco because he was an earl. He muttered some soothing words, for it could not have been easy for this respectable woman who worked hard and took pride in all she did to have such a wastrel for a brother. “Do you think he is our culprit?”

She nodded. “But he never meant to shoot anyone, my lord. It is so typical of him, though. He’s thoughtless and reckless, botches everything he touches. He hasn’t worked a day in his life. He isn’t even a very good thief. He’s been caught so often, and yet he always manages to get off easy.”

She wiped her tears away with her sleeve as she continued. “He came by last week to ask me for money. I refused him. He can’t even threaten me without making a mess of it. Replacing that window will cost me dearly, but I’ll manage. What breaks my heart is that he hurt you, and might have hurt Lady Imogen if you hadn’t protected her. What if he had shot her in the back and killed her?”

“Well, she is fine, and this is all that matters,” he said as she burst into tears again. “Have the glazier send all charges to me. I must insist on taking responsibility for payment.”

“You, my lord?” She looked up at him, startled. “But you were the one injured. How could I ever take payment from you? No. It is impossible. I could never take such advantage of you.”

“It is all right, Mrs. Halsey. Are you not as much a victim?”

She was still staring at him with her mouth agape. “But you weren’t the one responsible for doing me any harm. And you were the one he hit. I just have a shattered window.”

“Where do you think he got that horse?”

“Well, last time he came around he was talking about Lord Eldridge and the fancy stud farm he owns near Thurlestone. That’s just outside of Plymouth, where my brother was last in gaol. He was picking pockets at one of Lord Eldridge’s horse auctions a few months ago and boasting about it. The eedjit. He mentioned seeing a fine horse and described him. Said he might take him for a ride someday. I never thought he meant it.”

Draco imagined the wastrel Walter must have knocked out a few grooms and eluded a guard or two to get his hands on that fine steed. Eldridge would have every constable in Devon and Cornwall looking for him by now. “Do you think your brother will try to sell the horse?”

She shook her head. “Him? He’d never get away with it. He could never sell a horse like that around these parts. Everyone would know he had stolen it from Lord Eldridge and turn him in for the reward money. No, Walter’s a thoughtless arse. He will abandon the beautiful beast without a care. That’s my brother for you.”

“Where do you think he might leave the horse?” Even if his Crown mission failed, at least he could assist in returning Eldridge’s prize stud to him.

She gave a mirthless laugh. “Since he has a habit of dumping his problems on me, he’s probably left it in my barn. Of course, he would never consider what the authorities might do to me when they found him there. Miserable man.”

“All right. Let’s go have a look at your barn. Can your husband and daughter mind your shop for a while?”

She nodded. “Oh, yes. They’ll do fine. My daughter’s gone across to the Kestrel Inn to make arrangements to set up shop there for the next few days. Thaddius Angel kindly offered.”

“Seems this is what you do in Moonstone Landing, help each other out whenever the need arises.”

She nodded. “You won’t find kinder people, my lord.”

He and Mrs. Halsey hopped in the old tea shop wagon that Mr. Halsey used to make his deliveries. It wasn’t long before they found the beautiful chestnut Friesian wandering about the Halsey property, munching on sweet gorse by a rivulet that flowed along their boundary.

There was no saddle on the horse, so either the contemptible Walter took it off in order to sell it, or he had never saddled him and simply rode the beast bareback.

Rather than tie the stallion to the wagon, Draco chose to ride him the short distance into town. He delivered him into Matchett’s care. “Well, I’ll be a donkey’s arse,” the man exclaimed as Draco rode up. “Blessed saints, I ain’t never seen a finer beast in all my life. He’s a beauty.”

“Indeed, he is. He appears unharmed, but you had better check him out, Mr. Matchett. Treat him like a king. I’ll pay for whatever Lord Eldridge refuses to cover.”

“Very generous of you, m’lord. I’m sure Lord Eldridge won’t stiff me. I wonder if there’s a reward.”

“It belongs to Mrs. Halsey if there is one offered,” Draco said. “She happened to be on her way home and found the horse wandering on her property.”

“And promptly reported it to you, her being a good citizen? Oh, I see.” He cast Draco a conspiratorial wink. “So it was her wastrel brother after all who took this fine animal, and then just abandoned it in her care because he ain’t never taken care of anyone or anything in his entire life. Well, I hope that reward covers the cost of her window.”

“I’m sure Lord Eldridge will be generous.”

Since Constable Angel was still on the hunt for the culprit, Draco walked to the fort to seek the assistance of Major Brennan.

“Of course—I’ll send one of my men off to Lord Eldridge’s farm first thing in the morning to report the good news,” Brennan said. “If the weather holds, he should make the ride to Thurlestone within a day. There’s no urgency, is there? No sense sending him off when there’s only a few hours of daylight left.”

“I suppose not. Matchett will take excellent care of that beast. But you had better post guards by the stable. Others may have the same idea as Mrs. Halsey’s brother.” Draco groaned. “I cannot believe that wastrel is still at large. I don’t know how he’s managed to elude Parrot and the constables for hours now.”

Brennan shrugged. “I’m sure they’ll be back soon, hopefully with Walter bound and gagged. I’ll put my men to guard that horse immediately. Wouldn’t want anyone blamed if something happens before Lord Eldridge gets here. He’s fairly powerful in these parts. And I’ll instruct that he is to be brought directly to me whenever he arrives. I’ll handle the details. He won’t dare cheat Mrs. Halsey out of her reward if I am making the arrangements.”

Draco understood that cold look in Brennan’s eyes. “You don’t think much of your peers, do you?”

The major arched an eyebrow. “Do you? We are in similar circumstances, having arrived late to our titles and raised never to expect much throughout our lives. You still bridle visibly whenever anyone addresses you as Woodley.”

Draco nodded. “That’s true. Let me know if you need assistance loosening his purse strings.”

Brennan laughed. “You are best kept out of this. Don’t you have enough to worry about between meeting your Irishman tomorrow and breaking up that rebel plot?”

“I suppose.” Draco cast him a wry grin. “At least we have one mystery solved. I don’t know much about Lord Eldridge. Do you?”

“I had reason to meet him years ago while scouting sites for the new army hospital, which, as you can see, was ultimately built here. He’s a pompous ass. Impossibly full of himself and struts around as though he were king of Devon and Cornwall. But he’ll behave in my presence, since I am a viscount. Having a title is useful, at times. There will be fewer questions asked if I am the one providing the answers he is seeking. We don’t want Mr. Matchett rattling on about Mrs. Halsey’s brother. That bounder deserves to be arrested, but it is best to keep his connection to Mrs. Halsey quiet, especially since she is to receive the reward.”

“Are we sure there is one offered?”

“Without a doubt. That horse is worth a fortune. I would not be surprised if Eldridge came himself to collect the beast. A regal horse for a man who thinks of himself as a king.”

Draco nodded. “Then it is all settled. As to your handling everything, agreed. I would probably punch him in the nose if he spouted off to me. I cannot abide self-important blowhards.”

“Well, that’s resolved. Will you go home now and rest?”

“Soon. I have one more stop to make. There’s mail to pick up at the Kestrel Inn. Plus I want to question Thaddius about the two gentlemen in the tea shop at the time of the incident.”

Brennan frowned. “Why ask about them? Haven’t we identified the culprit?”

“Just curious about them, that’s all. They were looking at me quite intensely even before the shooting incident, and then exchanged looks between them afterward. It is probably nothing, but I sensed something off about them. Figured I would ask while it was fresh on my mind.”

“All right, I’ll leave you to it.”

Draco bade him farewell and walked over to the Kestrel Inn.

Thaddius rushed forward to greet him. “Should you be walking around in your condition, my lord?”

“It is but a scratch,” Draco replied, trying not to lose patience, since everyone was asking him the same question. Well, this was what came from settling in a place where the locals looked after each other.

“I heard you found the stolen horse.”

Draco supposed Matchett had told him everything and was busy repeating the story to everyone who passed by his stable. “Yes.”

“That Walter… They ought to ship that worthless sod to the other side of the world. Let him be a blight on someone else’s doorstep. I hear Major Brennan will be sending one of his soldiers to Lord Eldridge’s stud farm with the good news.”

“Yes, he’ll ride out first thing in the morning.”

Thaddius nodded. “He’s sending Sergeant Ames. He’s a good man. Trustworthy.”

Bloody hell.

How did Thaddius know who was being sent? Draco did not even know that information, and he had just left the fort.

Thaddius seemed to read his mind. “I noticed Sergeant Ames walking over to the stable,” he said with a grin. “No doubt he wants to have a look at the horse before he rides off to notify Lord Eldridge.”

The local bank manager and the village’s land agent scurried past and waved to him and Thaddius. “We’re going to look at the horse,” the bank manager said.

“We hear he’s a beauty,” the land agent added. “Lord Eldridge will be pleased to have him back.”

Others were now gathering around the stable.

Blessed saints.

Draco had only left Brennan’s office a few minutes ago, and half the town already knew not only that Mrs. Halsey’s brother had committed the crime, but that the horse had been found and delivered to the Kestrel Inn stable.

He expected it would take another five minutes for word to reach Westgate Hall and Imogen.

“Thaddius, tell me what you know about two of your guests—a Mr. Sewell, who arrived here yesterday with his wife, and Mr. Gray, who also arrived yesterday with his wife. I believe they are solicitors from Exeter here on holiday. This is what Mrs. Halsey mentioned.”

“Yes.” Thaddius scooted behind his desk to have a look at his register. “They were here last year about this same time.”

“And how about in April of this year?”

“That ledger is in my office, my lord. Give me a moment and I’ll have a look.”

Draco nodded. “I’ll come with you. And you can hand me the mail while you are at it. I’ll take anything you have for Lady Imogen, as well. I’m headed over there next to see my cousin.”

“I heard she and your uncle will be staying at Westgate Hall for the week. It is for the best. Your poor cousin must have been quite overset to see you shot. Did you want information on the ladies in the tea shop at the time, as well?”

Draco arched an eyebrow. “Do you know who was in the shop?”

“Oh, yes. They are local ladies, quite respectable, and have been going there for years. They wouldn’t have anything to do with Walter, I can assure you. Just ask Lady Phoebe or her sisters. They all belong to the Ladies Auxiliary that Lady Phoebe’s sister, Duchess Hen, established. They volunteer at the hospital, undertake all sorts of beautification projects in the village, and run charity teas to raise funds for the local church and other worthy causes. Orphans. Widows. Wounded soldiers.”

“All right.” Draco had not intended to ask questions about these pillars of local society, but it was just as well that Thaddius had ruled them out. To his mind, the incident of the shot fired through Mrs. Halsey’s window was resolved.

He was curious about those two men with respect to the rebel plot. If Healy and Burke had been replaced as rebel agents, then who was to come in their stead? Of course, it seemed farfetched that it would be those two solicitors, but why not take a few minutes to rule them out? Those looks they had been casting him before Walter created chaos felt like more than mere curiosity. It was as though they were quietly checking him out, trying to take the measure of him.

Perhaps getting shot had him seeing villains everywhere.

Thaddius motioned for one of his assistants to take over for him at the front desk. “Would you care for tea? Refreshments, my lord?”

“No, thank you. I am perfectly fine.” Draco settled in one of the comfortable chairs in Thaddius’s office and watched as the innkeeper settled behind his desk and lifted a burlap satchel off the floor.

“The mail pouch,” he said, dumping its contents onto his desk, then handing over two pieces of mail. “Nothing here for you, but here are two letters for Lady Imogen from her sister. That will put a smile on her face. She misses her sister very much.”

“So I gather.” Draco was also heartened because one of those letters possibly contained instructions for him from the Home Office. Enough time had passed that if the mail coach in which he had sent his first missive had traveled fast, and the clerks receiving his letters had immediately forwarded them to the higher echelons, and those in the higher echelons had immediately replied to him…he may well have new instructions.

Thaddius set aside the mail pouch and removed the April guest register from one of the drawers in his desk. “You were curious about those two gentlemen, Mr. Sewell and Mr. Gray. I can confirm they are both solicitors from Exeter here on holiday with their wives. Nice enough gentlemen. A bit stuffy. Their wives are not above putting on airs, either. But that is not surprising. Most who come to our little village from the larger cities consider us to be ignorant and beneath their notice. Why yes, they were here in April of this year, as well. Why do you ask?”

“Do you happen to know if they were acquainted with Lord Healey or Lord Burke?”

Thaddius leaned forward in his chair. “My lord, do you think they are knaves?”

Draco shook his head. “No, I am merely asking if you’ve heard anything about them.”

“Oh.” Thaddius eased back and let out a breath of disappointment. “No, I have not noticed them having anything to do with those two lords. Or rather, those two lords did not appear interested in those gentlemen or their wives. It may just be coincidence they were here at the same time.”

“Yes, that’s probably all it is.”

“But I will keep eyes open and ears perked, my lord. You’ll be the first to know if I find out anything more.”

“Please do.” Draco rose to leave. “But can you be discreet? Neither you nor your staff should confront them. Just quietly note where they go during the day, who they meet, and with whom they dine. That’s all.”

“You may rely on me, my lord.”

“And one other request,” Draco said, wishing he did not have to enlist the chatty innkeeper in his investigation. But he simply did not have the time to deal with all the pieces on his own. “Can you go through your guest registers for last July, this April, and this July, and let me know if you find any other guests registered here during all three of those months? Note the exact dates of their visit, their arrival and departure dates.”

“I shall get on the task at once, Lord Woodley. You can rely on me.”

Draco left the Kestrel Inn and returned to Westgate Hall to deliver the letters to Imogen.

“Lady Imogen was hoping you would return soon,” Melrose said. “Lord Burness is also eager to speak to you.”

“Ah, I cannot imagine he is thrilled with what happened today.”

Melrose cast him a fatherly smile. “Well, my lord. It is safe to say he was livid. However, I expect he will have calmed down substantially by now.”

Imogen happened to be walking downstairs just as he entered. “You’re back! Thank goodness. Will you stay for supper?”

Draco nodded. “If you have not tired of my company yet.”

“You know I never will. Melrose, his lordship and I would like refreshments served on the terrace as usual.”

“Very good,” the butler said with a nod, and sent a footman off to tend to the chore.

Imogen hurriedly drew Draco through the parlor and out the open doors onto the terrace. “You were gone a while. My aunt and uncle are taking a walk on the beach with their boys to tire them out a little before putting them to bed. They’ll be back shortly, but I hope for a few moments alone with you before they join us. Have you learned anything helpful? I’ve heard gossip, but it sounded nonsensical. What happened?”

He sank onto one of the long chairs beside Imogen’s chair with a groan. Every muscle in his body ached and his arm was a fiery throb.

Imogen settled at the foot of his chair and studied him eagerly. “What? Tell me.”

“I’m sure the gossip you heard was accurate. We now know who shot out the tea shop window. It was Walter Ramsay.”

“Yes, that’s the name they repeated.” She frowned. “Who is that?”

He arched an eyebrow. “I’m surprised you don’t know, considering you are quite the proficient spy.”

She laughed. “Don’t tease me, Draco.”

“All right, Butterfly. He happens to be Mrs. Halsey’s wastrel brother who was recently released from prison and came looking to beg money from her. When she refused, he got angry. Probably went off drunk, stole a valuable horse, and then rode back here and shot out her window.”

“And might have killed one of us.” Imogen looked furious. “Did he not ever think of that? Or worry about hurting the other tea shop patrons as glass shattered and shards flew all over the place?”

“That would have required him to look beyond his nose. The man is obviously witless and thoughtless. Deucedly sly, since he managed to steal a horse out of Thurlestone and ride him all the way here. Then, after shooting out his sister’s shop window, he raced out of town and abandoned the horse on her property.”

Imogen’s eyes grew wide. “Leaving her to be charged with the theft?”

Draco shrugged. “I doubt he gave it a moment’s consideration before running off on foot. The horse is safe now. I rode it back to the village, and he is in Mr. Matchett’s expert care. Major Brennan has put soldiers on guard at the stable to protect the valuable beast. Brennan will send one of his men to Thurlestone tomorrow to advise the owner, Lord Eldridge, that his prize stud has been found.”

She rolled her eyes. “So all of today’s drama had nothing to do with your rebel plotters?”

“Not a whit to do with them. Next, I stopped by the Kestrel Inn and picked up these for you.” Ignoring his aches and pains, he reached into the breast pocket of his jacket and handed Imogen the letters that had arrived in today’s mail pouch.

“For me? Oh, I hope there’s something included for you, Draco.” She hurriedly opened the first one. It was merely a letter from Ella, who reported news about the family and the tiniest addition to their ranks. “The littlest Mersey appears to have a strong set of lungs and likes to use them at all hours of the day and night. Ella says she and Caden are constantly exhausted because they insist on taking care of him. Caden is still over the moon about having a son. He is a doting father, and his grandfather, the Duke of Seaton, is even worse when it comes to spoiling the child.” She set the letter on her lap. “Oh, but this must be of no interest to you. Let me open the other one.”

She carefully slit it open and then gasped. “Mr. Barrow has news!”

Draco leaned forward, eagerly taking the letter from her when she held it out to him. “Let me see. The Trewicks are ruled out in Driscoll’s murder,” he muttered, reading aloud. “Lord Trewick took his wife to Italy two months ago, hoping mild weather and the Italian countryside might do her health some good. She is quite ill, and their servants do not expect her to survive much longer. Trewick, despite the humiliation she has put him through, still loves her and wishes to make her final months comfortable.”

Imogen’s eyes were moistening.

He shook his head and groaned. “Imogen, do not soften your heart toward Lady Trewick. She made a fool of her husband. Do not dare talk to me about his love for her and the power of it. The Trewicks could rival Romeo and Juliet in tragedy. And how is Trewick ever to be at peace knowing his wife will probably die with Nolan’s name on her lips?”

“Speaking of Nolan,” Imogen said, “Mr. Barrow says here that his death was accidental. Well, that is a relief. It is good to know we are not looking at another murder.”

Draco snorted. “Nolan was still an ass, and I will never understand how Lady Trewick could love him…or how Lord Trewick could forgive her.”

“You are far too cynical, Draco. Who are we to judge whether any of them are deserving of love? It is none of our business. I hope Lord Trewick finds someone who will love him as truly and deeply as he did his wife, if he ever remarries.”

“Well, one set of suspects out of the way.” He shook his head. “It is something. In truth, Driscoll’s toady friends are not suspects either. Healey and Burke killed him. That’s why they are now on the run.”

Imogen nodded. “Now all we need is word from the Home Office about the rebel plot.”

“Still a little too soon for that. But I think any day now.”

“Your meeting with the Irishman is tomorrow.” She gave her lip a light nibble.

Lord, I need to kiss this girl.

“I’ve thought of something else, Draco. Give me a moment to bring down more sketches. I have several I have yet to show you from last year, and some from this year as well. I drew quite a bit, not only here but while I was in London, and one of my books is filled with drawings of riders and their horses. Scenes from here and also in London on Rotten Row. Cain and Uncle Cormac both have Friesians, and they are magnificent horses. Lord Eldridge’s chestnut Friesian has to be rare, and there cannot be more than a handful of lords in all of England who have one. Is this not something of pride any lord would show off to his peers? Just as good as a shiny new phaeton.”

Draco smiled at her. “Yes, but what is the point? We know it was Walter Ramsay who took the horse. We also know it belongs to Lord Eldridge. That mystery is solved.”

She nodded. “Yes, but it just made me curious about what else might turn up in my horse drawings.”

“All right, Butterfly. You’ve been wonderful today, so I will deny you nothing.”

“Oh.” She cast him a beaming smile. “That is quite nice of you to say.”

He grinned. “I am not always a rude, surly lout.”

She laughed softly and then ran upstairs, only to return moments later with several books in hand. “Don’t get up. It is just three books, and they aren’t heavy. Oh, and here are the refreshments for us. Care for some cake?”

“No, Imogen. Just lemonade will be fine. There’s a nice breeze off the water. I will admit, it feels good to just lie here and rest a while.”

“I knew you had overdone it. Stubborn man.” She poured him a glass of lemonade and handed it over. He gulped it down and then set the glass aside.

“Let’s see what other masterpieces you have to show me.”

“They are just drawings, Draco.”

“No, I know they will be extraordinary, just as you are. Let’s see if you can work some more of that Imogen magic.”

She glanced at her sketches. “Well, it is hardly magic. Just a knack for observation.”

“Your instincts are uncanny. You’ve given me the connection between Healey, Burke, and the Irishman, not to mention linking those two to Driscoll’s murder. Who knows if they were involved in Nolan’s death, too?”

“Mr. Barrow said his death was accidental. From what I hear of him, his instincts are also uncanny and he never makes a mistake.”

“Nor do you, Imogen. So I am determined to look at whatever else you wish to show me, because you are quite amazing.”

She cleared her throat and opened the first book of sketches.

“Still bashful about compliments?”

She nodded. “You seem to be full of them today. Is it because you are more badly injured than you let on?”

He sighed. “I am not badly injured. It is little more than a scratch. Should I not compliment you?”

“I like it when you do,” she admitted. “It just feels odd. You turn your feelings on and off with such ease. I know you like me, but…I sometimes worry that tomorrow you will suddenly turn that feeling off and move on.”

Blessed saints.

He wanted to devour her. He could not get enough of her. How could she think he would ever simply walk away?

“Butterfly, my feelings do not change. I am merely better able to hide whatever I do not wish to show.”

“I wish I had that talent.” She sighed in resignation. “Draco, what will you do if we find something more? Perhaps the information you already have is enough to call off this dangerous operation. Do you think so?”

He shrugged. “It isn’t, Imogen. I need something more, something quite spectacular.”

She took a sip of her lemonade, then cupped the glass in her hands and stared thoughtfully at the pale yellow liquid. “I hope Parrot and Constable Angel return soon. I would feel much better if you had Parrot by your side this evening.”

“Me too. They’ll return shortly, I have no doubt. Walter, that rascal, is not going to get far on foot. With Parrot’s help, Constable Angel will find him and haul him back to Moonstone Landing for questioning. The constable probably has him in custody as we speak.”

“Yes, I hope you are right.”

“Imogen, there’s something else I wanted to mention to you…”

She set aside her glass and gripped the sketchbook she had been skimming through as they spoke. “Yes, Draco?”

By the way she was holding her breath and looking at him with adoring eyes, he knew she misunderstood his pause in conversation and was now hoping for him to say something romantic.

It did not help that his gaze was smoldering. He could not look at her without wanting to pull her into his soul.

“I’ve asked Thaddius to give me information on the two gentlemen who were in the tea shop with their wives when the Walter incident occurred.”

She regarded him with a blank expression, then pursed her lips. “Why them?”

“I don’t know. Perhaps I have become too cynical, just as you accused. There was something in the way they were looking at me that raised my suspicions.”

“But you had just been shot. Should they not have been watching you closely? Everyone had their eyes on you.”

“Their eyes were on me before that shot ever rang out. At first, I thought they were eyeing you because you are so beautiful, but then I noticed they were watching my movements and not yours. I don’t know. The way they exchanged glances with each other after I was shot also felt curious.” He quickly told her what else he’d learned from Thaddius. “They were here each time the Irishman showed up in Moonstone Landing. Last July. Last April. And now this July.”

“Just like Healey and Burke?”

He nodded.

“Could it be mere coincidence?”

“Perhaps, but what if it’s more? The exact dates match. Had they been coming here monthly or on some other regular schedule, I would have dismissed them. But they were here only on those dates.”

“And that is too curious a circumstance to be overlooked?”

He nodded. “I wanted to leave no stone unturned, so I’ve asked Thaddius to check his guest registers for any other names that might crop up as being here during those exact periods.”

“Draco, this is so exciting. I think we are getting close to fitting together all the pieces of this rebel plot. The Home Office ought to be very proud of the job you’ve done.”

“It isn’t over yet.” He cast her an affectionate smile. “But you are the one who deserves all the recognition. I couldn’t have done any of it without you, Imogen.”

“I think we make a good team. Don’t you?” She was now blushing furiously, so he knew she was once again referring to them romantically.

He knew the day had left her overwrought and she wanted more from him than a discussion of possible plotters against the Crown. He took the glass of lemonade from her hands and set it aside. He also set her book aside. “Have you opened the gift I got you?”

She nodded. “The butterfly clips are beautiful.”

“So are you, Imogen. Yes, we make a good team.” He leaned forward and kissed her softly on the cheek. “But you know I am not going to make any serious commitment to you before my assignment is put to rest.”

She bowed her head and nodded, no doubt to hide her disappointment. “Yes, of course. Just know that I shall be waiting for you when that day comes. There is no one else for me, Draco. You call me a butterfly, but my heart does not flit from beau to beau. It belongs to you alone and always will.”

He groaned. “Imogen, don’t start this conversation now.”

“Why not?” She caressed his injured arm, careful to avoid the area of the stitches. “After today’s scare, I should think it is more important than ever to be truthful with each other. Anything can happen to us at any time. I am not even talking of the dangers of your assignment. Accidents happen, and they can come upon us out of nowhere and completely innocently. Why must things be left unsaid between us? Oh, you are an earl and must be careful about everything you say and do. Truly, I understand.”

He took hold of her hand. “I know you do, Imogen.”

“Which is why I will not press you, but I hope you will reconsider. Words of love should not be left unsaid. This is why I am going to tell you how I feel. It is important for you to know.”

He gave her hand a light squeeze. “Imogen, I know how you feel about me.”

She shook her head. “But I still would like to say it to you.”

“You are a little angel. I feel every ounce of your sincerity and sweetness every time I see you. I know you love—”

“No! I must say it to you first! Don’t say it for me.”

He grinned because she appeared so determined. If this was so important to her, then so be it. He knew her feelings because she was incapable of hiding anything from him. This was Imogen, all in with her heart, and ready to expose it even though it might be crushed.

He would never hurt her. How could he possibly be so cruel to his butterfly?

“All right, then—say it.”

She took a deep breath and slowly let it out. “I love you, Draco. I feel such joy whenever I am around you. I need to tell you this because…because if things do not go right tomorrow, then I don’t want you ever to wonder about whether I had feelings for you.”

He struggled not to laugh. Every blessed thing his little butterfly felt for him shone in her expressive face.

To his surprise, it felt remarkably good to hear the words spill from her lips.

“So, Draco…if there is something you wish to say to me, then now is a good time to get it off your chest.”

“Imogen, you are worried about the Irishman. But I assure you, he is not going to hurt me. Let’s look at your horse sketches before your family interrupts us.”

“That’s it?” The books were by her side, and she looked so sad as she reached for one. “Never mind the sketches. I just told you that I am in love with you. Do you not care?”

“Of course I care. But you did not need to tell me anything because I never doubted how you felt. The truth was always there in your smile and the glow in your eyes. What would you do if I said the same to you?”

“Be happy.”

“And what if tomorrow I did not make it through this assignment, Imogen? You would be shattered. You would spend the rest of your days as a spinster surrounded by cats, your heart pledged to a fading memory of the man who once told you that he loved you.”

“Draco! It would be a memory of you. Is that not significant?”

“No, and I do not want you to live out your days in a house full of cats.” He shook his head and sighed. “I know how you think. Your heart has room for only one man. Do not make me that man yet. If things go badly at any point in this assignment, you need to move on and find your happiness.”

She looked so forlorn, she made his heart ache. “Without you, Draco?”

“Yes, without me.” He groaned and closed his eyes a moment. “I am exhausted and do not want to be worrying about you.”

She inhaled lightly. “You must never worry about me. My family will always look after me. I’m sorry I said anything to you. I thought it was the right moment. But I can see I have only added to your troubles. You are going to tell me that you are fine, but I can see you are hurting. Will you please take some of the laudanum Dr. Hewitt gave you?”

“No, it will just leave me foggy.” He glanced toward the house. “I think I hear your aunt and uncle returning with their little boys.”

“Those little stomping elephants, you mean?” Her eyes warmed despite her obvious disappointment.

He took her hand and wrapped it in both of his. “Imogen…”

“It is all right, Draco.” She cast him a wobbly smile. “You don’t owe me any vow of love. I suppose men and women do not think of these things in the same way. Perhaps they do, but I am unaware of the rules. I am not very good at this love game. I just wanted to be honest with you. But I see that you do not feel the same way about me. Well, I will just have to get over you, won’t I?”

“I am not asking you to get over me, Imogen. I’m just…” He sighed in exasperation. “Gad, why do you have to be so you? So damn sweet and always making too much of your feelings.”

He leaned forward and kissed her firmly on the lips, a quick, possessive kiss that ought to have revealed what he was feeling without having to utter the words. Of course, it was the worst thing he could have done, because it only served to confuse her once again.

He could not help it. He needed to taste her, to feel the surrender of her soft lips and the inviting warmth of her mouth as he pressed his to it.

Perhaps these surroundings made him giddy and made him love her so much, for this magical place abounded with soft breezes and shimmering waters, meadows filled with vibrant red poppies, and butterflies that flitted from flower to flower.

This place opened his heart.

“I’ll try to hold back my feelings,” she said with that same earnest sincerity that made him want to draw her into his arms and never let her go. “It’s just so hard for me to keep everything bottled up inside.”

Everything?

She kept nothing bottled up inside.

Did he not love this about her?

Here he sat with Imogen, his very own butterfly, feeling content despite all the danger swirling around them. He wanted to finish this assignment, and then spend the rest of his life protecting her and loving her. Was he wrong to deny his feelings? He meant to protect her from greater hurt, but it seemed he was only making her sadder. “Let’s try this again, Imogen.”

He heard her cousins clomping up the stairs to the arms of their waiting nanny.

Burness and his wife were talking to each other as they entered the parlor and made their way toward him and Imogen.

“Quick, Imogen. Ask me if I love you.”

She stared at him, trying to understand what he meant to do after he had just spent the last five minutes insisting now was not the time. But in the next moment, she gripped the edge of her chair. “Do you love me, Draco?”

He nodded. “To the depths of my soul, Butterfly. To the depths of my soul.”