The Unexpected Wife - Jess Michaels Page 0,81
what is right, wholly separate from him and his values and plans. To protect you is right. To confront this woman, just the three of us, to use our collective relationship to a man she cared for at least once, if not still, is the best way. If he cannot forgive me for that, then…”
She swallowed hard. Owen’s steady presence had become so very important to her. She feared what her life would be like without it.
“Then?” Abigail whispered.
“Then I suppose our connection was never meant to be more than what it was.” Celeste shrugged and tried to feel as nonchalant about it as she pretended to be.
Abigail sighed. “You are risking a great deal for me. For the truth. So I shall be as strong as you are. I’ll go call for the carriage and then we shall be off.”
She hustled from the room, leaving Celeste alone for a moment. She clenched her hands before her, wishing she could slow their shaking. Slow her racing heart. Slow her growing fears. Thanks to Erasmus, none of them were in a good position. All of them had something to lose.
And for Celeste, losing Owen was not something she could bear to fully contemplate.
Owen paced the parlor in the Earl of Leighton’s home, clenching his hands in and out of fists as he made turn after turn across the room. He couldn’t stop thinking of Celeste.
He had hurt her today. By keeping the truth from her. By denying her a place at his side as he searched out the details. But what else could he do? This situation was about to reach its boiling point and the danger was now far more than physical. Loss and grief and heartache were very likely.
He wanted so much to spare Celeste from those things.
“You are going to wear a path in my carpet.”
He jumped and pivoted to face the earl, who was now standing in the doorway watching him. “Forgive me for coming without sending word first.”
Leighton’s expression grew concerned as his brow furrowed. “Not at all. What is it, Mr. Gregory? Something about my brother’s case?”
“Yes. I would like you to accompany me to question a person. Will you do so? I can explain the rest on the ride over.”
Leighton stared at him a moment, then nodded. “Of course. Should we take my carriage?”
Owen pursed his lips. “I think the crest might scare off our quarry. I’ve a rig waiting outside for us.”
“Then I will come directly.” Leighton motioned toward the door. “Please.”
Owen followed him, and as Leighton took his place in the carriage, Owen gave the driver instructions on where to take them. Once he had taken his own seat and the vehicle had begun to move, Leighton tilted his head. “Tell me then, so I might be prepared.”
Owen worried his hands on his lap. “Gilmore is compromised.”
“Gilmore? How? Do you suspect my friend of doing this thing to my brother?” Leighton asked, and all the color drained from his face at the thought.
“I don’t,” Owen said. “I believe him to be innocent. But I also believe he is personally invested in the innocence of my main suspect.”
“And who is that?” Leighton breathed.
Owen hesitated. “I hate to say it, but I believe Abigail might be our answer.”
Leighton bent his head. “I feared it would be one of the ladies. Christ, poor Abigail.”
“You would have pity for the woman who might have stricken your brother down?” Owen asked.
“Of course. My brother was a lout who destroyed everything in his path because of his selfishness. If Abigail snapped and caused him harm, I cannot hold her blameless, but nor am I blind as to why she might have done such a thing. So you think Gilmore has…affection for her? Despite their confrontational relationship?”
“I know he doesn’t want her to be guilty,” Owen said. “And he will defend her rather than seek the truth if its path leads to her door.”
“Fascinating.” Leighton shook his head. “I can hardly believe it. So are we going to Abigail’s then? Confrontation on your mind?”
“No, Abigail is fine where she is. Gilmore brought me information about Montgomery’s first love. The woman you and I discussed a while ago: Rosie Stanton.”
“That’s right,” Leighton said. “Rosie! I knew it was an R name.”
“And now that we know it, I think it would be best to speak to her as soon as possible, to see if she has any information regarding the murder.” Owen sighed. “Or anything else.”
“Why bring me?” Leighton asked. “I