A Rogue No More - Lana Williams Page 0,66

it?” he whispered, prepared to escort her off the dance floor if her upset continued. He’d been certain that not only did she expect him to enjoy the story, but that she knew how excellent it was.

“I’m quite relieved.” She took an audible breath. “You haven’t mentioned it, and at first I thought you hadn’t yet read it. But as the days passed, doubt crept in.”

The idea of her having such uncertainty surprised him. Perhaps that was something else they had in common, for doubts assailed him on a daily basis.

“I should have said something sooner. I’ve already read it twice.” He smiled at the joy in her expression. He much preferred it over the worry and coolness she’d shown earlier.

Annabelle gave a small gasp as her gaze caught on something over his shoulder.

“What is it?”

“Sir Alexander is here. And he’s staring at us.”

Thomas forced himself not to look. That would only cause the man to suspect something. His thoughts raced as he considered his options. Did he engage him in conversation? Follow him to see if he happened to go to his club after he left the ball?

“Do you think he wonders why we were in his library, or does he believe we shared a passionate moment there?” Annabelle’s gaze lowered as if she was embarrassed by the topic.

“He didn’t seem to question it at the time,” Thomas said, though he had the same thoughts. Thomas hadn’t had time to re-lock the drawers he’d searched. “His presence this evening could prove helpful.” Too late he realized he shouldn’t have said anything in front of Annabelle.

“Why is that?”

The dance ended, and he bowed while she curtsied. He offered his elbow, and they walked slowly off the dance floor, while Thomas searched for the man. “I will explain more later but suffice it to say that I think we could learn more from him if I’m in the right place at the right time.”

Annabelle frowned. “How? We don’t have much contact with him or his close friends.”

Thomas hesitated to tell her his plan, especially when he didn’t know if anything would come of it. She already had enough to worry about, and they didn’t have the privacy needed to discuss it in detail. But he wanted her to know he was working on it as best he could. In fact, it was vital that she knew that, or she might attempt something on her own.

“I haven’t found a solution, but I intend to watch for an opportunity. He enjoys playing cards and gambling from what I know. I’ll go to the card room now and see if he eventually joins in.” They reached Louisa and greeted her husband, the Earl of Granger, who now stood at her side.

“Granger, could I interest you in a game of cards?” Thomas raised a brow, hoping the man would agree. He preferred to have an ally in the room if possible. He didn’t know Granger well, but surely he could count on the earl now that they’d soon be distantly related.

Granger studied him for a moment before giving a single nod. He turned his wife and took her hand. “If you don’t mind, darling?”

“Of course not.” Louisa smiled at Annabelle. “I have my cousin to keep me company.”

Thomas noted the questions in Annabelle’s eyes, but they would have to keep. He had no answers. Not yet. Hopefully, he could give Granger enough information that he would be of some assistance

As Annabelle had said, time was running out.

~*~

Thomas left White’s much later that night, frustration simmering inside him as he walked down the steps. The entire evening had been a wild goose chase. Despite his efforts, he knew nothing more than he had earlier in the day.

He’d been hopeful when Sir Alexander had entered the card room at the ball earlier, though the older gentleman sat at a different table than Thomas and Granger. Lord Thornton, who was normally Sir Alexander’s shadow, had been nowhere in sight. After winning a few hands of cards, Thomas remained in the card room, watching Sir Alexander play. Granger had continued to play as well and kept an eye on Sir Alexander. There hadn’t been time to share the details of the entire situation with Granger, but the earl seemed to understand the basics and was pleased to help.

It hadn’t required incredible observation skills to realize Sir Alexander was in a foul mood. His grim expression and poor behavior when he lost several hands in a row made that apparent.