William, Her Guiding Star by Louise Behiel

Author:Louise Behiel [Behiel, Louise]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: anonymous
Published: 2024-02-15T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Their kiss had been scorching hot. Despite all the reasons to keep his distance from her, he could not control himself around Agnes. He would have to do better in the future. They weren’t a couple and wouldn’t be. He must steel his resolve and limit their interactions to the simple ruse her father suggested.

Later, he another of their men replaced him and he retired to his room. But sleep eluded him and when it arrived, it wasn’t restful, but filled with dreams and tossing and turning.

After giving up, he dressed and joined the earl for breakfast. They chatted about the family visit last evening and their plans for the day.

“I would like to speak to you in private this morning.”

The man studied him for a minute, confusion marring his face. “Have you discovered something?”

“Perhaps.”

“Well then, let’s take our tea and talk in the study.”

“A fresh service will be brought to you, my lord,” said the butler.

William excused the two men standing watch, directing them to remain in the hall. He walked to the window and checked the flour on the windowsill, which remained undisturbed. A discreet knock preceded the delivery of their tea.

Once they were alone, the room descended into a tense silence, as if waiting for something to happen. After only a moment or two, the earl said, “You wanted to speak to me, young man.”

William turned to face his client, uncertain of where to start. He didn’t want to warn him about his information, but he needed to discover the truth. He added cream to his tea, stirred it, then settled into the chair in front of the desk.

“I had a moment of insight yesterday,” he said to Harrison.

“How so?”

“We have talked to your staff and family, but there is an additional possibility for the person behind this break-in.”

“Of course. We’ve talked about the peers in the House. Any of them might have an interest in my documents.”

“Yes, but we agreed not to talk to them until you reconvened after the holidays. However, I thought of another group that needs investigation.”

“Who is that? And why are you only coming up with them now?”

This would be the difficult part of the conversation. Men in the earl’s position often took mistresses but didn’t discuss those arrangements with others. “I have no explanation for my lapse, My Lord, however this has been an interesting group to consider.”

“What are you talking about?” roared the earl. “Stop dilly dallying and state the facts.”

William studied him for a moment and wondered why he was this angry? Would he be as anxious to begin the conversation when he heard the topic? If the man was furious, this could be the end of the case and their investigation, meaning it was important to him, the agency, and the earl. “Mistresses.”

Harrison seemed to collapse into his chair. “I don’t have one.”

“Now or ever?”

His head whipped back, and he frowned, lips pressed together. “What do you think I am? An animal? I would never impose myself on my beautiful wife.

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