The Touch of Love (The Book of Love 2) by Meara Platt & Dragonblade Publishing

Author:Meara Platt & Dragonblade Publishing [Platt, Meara]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Historical, Fiction, romance
Publisher: Dragonblade Publishing, Inc.
Published: 2019-05-29T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nine

“It seems logical someone had to know Lavinia’s secret back when it happened.” Poppy concentrated on the blackmail letter and not the handsome man standing beside her, wreaking havoc on her composure. “Perhaps if we begin our search back then, we’ll come up with some answers.”

Nathaniel stood deliciously close to her.

They were still in his study. Only a few minutes had passed since he’d shaken her to her toes with not one, but two, perfect kisses.

She felt the graze of his muscled shoulders as he leaned forward while they both pored over the blackmail letter again.

“I thought of that, but who other than my grandfather or my parents would have known? They’re no longer around to tell me.” He grunted in disgust. “The village elders might know who Lavinia’s friends were at the time then or if she ever had a beau. But what am I to ask? Were you aware Lavinia had a baby about two years before I was born?”

Poppy sighed. “The identity of her best friend back then is obvious.”

“It is?”

She nodded. “Lavinia grew up at Sherbourne. It stands to reason she was friendly with other girls her age. She and Lady Plimpton are about the same age. They’ve been friends forever. Isn’t it obvious?”

“To you, perhaps,” he muttered. “Her rat of a nephew must have somehow gotten his hands on–”

“Nathaniel! Stop accusing Andrew Gordon. You have no proof.”

“I have something better than proof. I have good instincts.” He set the letter down atop his desk and began to flex his hands, curling them and then relaxing them, then repeating the motion.

“For pity’s sake. What do you plan to do? Beat a confession out of him?” She met his frown with one of her own. “You’re growling again.”

“I am not.”

“You’re giving me that angry wolf look.” The swirls of gray and green in his eyes were quite intense and lethal. He reminded her of a predator on the hunt. “What would prompt Lady Plimpton to reveal Lavinia’s secret now? And why to him? It doesn’t make sense.”

“Obviously, she would have done so inadvertently.”

She nibbled her lip in thought. “Forget the Plimptons for the moment. There are others who could have found out the information. An old servant.”

“Ours are loyal.” He folded his arms across his chest, obviously to mark his indignation.

“All of them?”

He looked severe and massive and immovable. “Yes, every last one of them.”

She sighed. “A midwife, perhaps. A physician? Not that they would ever send such a note, but someone might have come across old records. A baptismal record? We could ask Vicar Carstairs for permission to view those.”

He grumbled.

“You know I’m right.”

“I’m the damn earl here. I don’t have to ask for anyone’s permission.”

She rolled her eyes. “Indeed, your lordship. Just stomp into the vicarage and shout your demands.”

He dropped his arms to his sides and cast her a wry grin. “Stop kicking my arse. I’m angry. I’m frustrated. I want to beat the stuffing out of the blackguard who wants to hurt my aunt.

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