A Heart Worth Stealing by Joanna Barker

Author:Joanna Barker
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Shadow Mountain Publishing
Published: 2023-04-06T16:12:51+00:00

When I returned to Wimborne, an unfamiliar horse waited outside. I eyed it curiously. I did not receive many visitors.

Marchant met me inside. “Mr. Crouth is here to see you.”

I nearly dropped my gloves. The constable? My heart pounded, thudding along in my chest as I handed Marchant my things. Had Catherine involved the law, furious after our intrusion last night?

I hurried to the parlor. Mr. Crouth waited there, picking his teeth in a mirror. I grimaced. Awful man.

As I was about to step inside, I paused, remembering what Jack had said about Father having a mole on his staff. What if it had been Crouth? What if he was still informing, but on Mr. Northcott now? I shook my head. I was as bad as Jack, leaping to ridiculous conclusions. Just because I did not like the man did not mean he was a traitor. Besides, I could not trust Jack’s information. Whispers among criminals did not hold much weight with me.

I squared my shoulders and stepped into the room. “Mr. Crouth.”

He faced me, his mouth dropping into a frown. “Miss Wilde.”

“How might I help you today?”

He crossed his arms. “The magistrate sent me. Said I was to keep an eye on Wimborne.”

I released a long breath. Catherine hadn’t sent him, then. But still, this was unexpected. Hadn’t I told Mr. Northcott that I would inform him when I needed help? “Oh,” I said. “That is very kind of him. But I really don’t think—”

“Mr. Northcott ordered me to patrol the estate and inform you if I see anything,” Mr. Crouth said shortly. “That is what I aim to do.”

I could not decide what I should feel. I was grateful that Mr. Northcott had taken some initiative and yet also somewhat annoyed that he had done so without confirming with me.

“I see,” I said. There was nothing for it. At the least, having an armed constable on patrol would frighten off anyone thinking of further mischief. “Thank you for your help, sir. I am in your debt.”

He grunted as a farewell, touching his hat as he left. Well, he certainly wasn’t a charmer. Not like—

But I gritted my teeth and refused to think about who Mr. Crouth was not at all like.

Night fell a few hours later, and Mr. Crouth returned to inform me he’d seen nothing suspicious. I thanked him again and sent him on his way with a bundle of Cook’s meat pies. I watched from the parlor window as he rode off, my anxiety mounting. I did not much like Mr. Crouth, but I would have given a great deal for him to stay at Wimborne through the night.

I dropped to my chair and kneaded my forehead. Constables were meant to keep the peace, not provide security to my household. I could hardly expect anything more—Mr. Northcott could only do so much. Now, if he were my husband . . .

I sighed and fell back against the cushion. No, I mustn’t entertain the thought. I would not marry because of fear.

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