How to Steal a Thief's Heart - Bree Wolf Page 0,92

laughed. “Don’t be afraid. Be happy. And please, talk to him. I swear you will not regret it.”

Caroline didn’t know what to think. She trusted her cousin, but she was afraid to hope especially when the thought of him with Charlaine Palmer had already felt utterly crushing. Could Pierce truly care for her? A grey wallflower?

Little mouse.

His rather unflattering, but deeply endearing nickname for her brought an involuntary smile to her face.

“Now, that’s more like it,” Rebecca remarked with utter joy in her voice. “Listen, I’ve already spoken to Zach. We’ll postpone our honeymoon and help you—”

“No!” Caroline interrupted. “You’ve always wanted to see the world and, now, you have the perfect man to show it to you by your side. Go. I’ll be fine.”

Rebecca frowned, indecision marking her features.

“I promise I’ll speak to Pierce,” Caroline vowed, unwilling to stand in the way of her cousin’s happiness. “But I need to do so alone. I cannot do it with you…watching me.”

Rebecca sighed. “But you’ll keep me informed? I’ll expect a letter daily.”

“Weekly,” Caroline offered instead, enjoying the ease that came with knowing each other’s secrets. “I’m a busy woman, you know.”

Rebecca returned her cousin’s smile, nodding knowingly. “I’ve come to realize a lot about you, and I’m glad I finally know. We should never keep secrets from each other again. Promise?”

Caroline nodded. “Promise.”

As the two women embraced each other, Caroline felt a new lightness come to her heart. Indeed, it felt good to confide in another, someone who cared and understood. Still, despite Rebecca’s words, Caroline knew she could not be certain how Pierce would react to a confession of love. Never had he spoken to her about it. Of course, neither had she. However, it had not been until the moment she’d seen him with Miss Palmer that Caroline’s heart had begun to entertain doubts.

What if she hadn’t seen them together? What would have happened then?

What would happen now? What was she to do? Simply seek him out and tell him she loved him?

The thought made her feel sick as what-ifs began swirling in her mind.

If only she possessed Rebecca’s certainty.

Chapter Thirty-Four

Off to a Masquerade

The week following the wedding celebration at Pembroke Hall kept Pierce busy as the Bow Street Runners seemed to have uncovered more than one witness to Coleridge’s whereabouts the day Daphne’s parents had been murdered. Although reluctant at first, many could be convinced to offer up their testimony, which placed Coleridge in the direct vicinity of the deserted road leading into London.

Apparently, he’d spent the day with a group of friends at a house party at a nearby estate. The theme had been Venetian Nights and the guests had worn a variety of masks. As far as those present remembered, Coleridge and his friends had caused some stir by insulting the hostess—most likely they had been deeper into their cups than recommended—and then left to seek alternative entertainment. Some time later, two gentlemen on horseback traveling in the opposite direction had seen them on the road. After that, their trail had gone cold until around midnight when they’d shown up in London, retreating into Coleridge’s townhouse—according to a footman of a neighboring household. The butler on duty at Coleridge’s home that night had been fired from the man’s employ since. Pierce’s unconventional family was working to discover his whereabouts.

Perhaps the man had heard or seen something that would further incriminate Coleridge and his companions, one of whom had been Kearsley, a lord Pierce had robbed the previous year. He should have shot the man then and there!

With his thoughts occupied, Pierce almost forgot the promise he’d given to Pembroke and found himself in a rush to dress for that night’s masquerade. Pembroke himself and his darling wife had embarked on a journey that would take them around the world to numerous places he had visited before and now wished to share with his wife. Therefore, he’d been grateful to have received Pierce’s assurance that he would keep an eye on his brother as the man seemed reluctant to return to Boston where the aftermath of the scandal around his broken engagement awaited him.

Upon Pembroke’s suggestion, Pierce had not yet informed Mr. Caswell where they were going, but would leave that revelation for the last minute. He could only hope Mr. Caswell would find some distraction. Otherwise, that evening would no doubt be a complete waste of time for Pierce did not expect to find any entertainment himself for whenever his thoughts were not drawn to