Secrets to a Gentleman's Heart (Uncle Charlie's Angels Book 1) by Samantha Grace

Author:Samantha Grace [Grace, Samantha]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2015-10-19T23:00:00+00:00

Seventeen

“I am going to hell,” Xavier muttered as he stood in the back garden outside Wedmore House with a crowbar he’d taken from the mews. Aside from the occasional croak of a frog or the echo of horses’ hooves from the front street, the neighborhood was quiet. The town houses were like slumbering giants nestled among one another, appearing deserted this time of night.

Anyone of consequence in Mayfair was attending a party while their servants were snug in their beds—at least until the family returned home. He’d watched from the corner as Regina and her family left for the ball half an hour earlier. It had taken him that long to decide if he was going to search for the map while they were gone.

He was still debating.

After Farrin had complimented him on seducing his way into Wedmore House, Xavier felt queasy anytime he thought of searching for the map when he called on Regina. His intentions with her were honest, but this business with the map tainted everything. He just wanted the task behind him, so he could concentrate on discovering who was responsible for placing the ones he cared about in danger.

His grip tightened on the crowbar as he approached the servants’ entrance. Before breaking another lock, he tried the handle and cursed when it opened without resistance. Not only had Regina disregarded his counsel on employing a manservant, she hadn’t barred the doors.

He leaned the crowbar against the house and slipped inside, closing the door behind him. Skimming his hand along the wall to find his way in the dark, he located the servants’ staircase. Since Regina had interrupted him before he’d thoroughly searched Lord Wedmore’s private chambers, he would continue his search upstairs before visiting the earl’s study and library. If the ladies returned home before he was finished, a first floor escape would be easier. He just hoped the lady’s maid was visiting her sister again.

Recalling his fall on these very stairs, he took more care with his footing than usual then hurried along the corridor toward Wedmore’s chambers. Whimpering and the scrape of nails came from behind a closed door. Cupid must have gotten stuck in one of the bedchambers when the ladies left for the evening. He briefly considered setting him free then thought better of it. The dog would only cause a delay with his persistent begging for attention.

The uncovered windows in the master’s chamber allowed enough light for him to make out the shadows of the massive Tudor bed and wardrobe. He crossed to the mantle to retrieve the tinderbox and candle he’d noticed the other day and worked to light the wick. Once the flame flickered to life and burned steady, Xavier carried the candle to the desk. He jerked open the top drawer only to discover an ebony hair comb and various cufflinks that appeared to have no match. Drawer after drawer held nothing of interest, not even a stack of foolscap.

Snatching the books stacked on the desk, he grabbed the top one by its cover, flipped it upside down, and shook.

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