Coleridge and the evidence he was gathering toward the man’s guilt, they lingered on Caroline.
More than once, he’d wanted to seek her out over the past week, but there had never been an opportune moment. Why was it that now when he had something meaningful to say their paths didn’t cross?
“Where are you going?” Charlaine asked from the landing in the foyer as he came down the stairs. “You look quite dashing.”
“A masquerade,” he told her, holding up the two black masks he was taking along for the occasion. A part of him wished he could simply ride out and set upon one of Coleridge’s companions. That would no doubt prove a more satisfying night than the one ahead of him.
“That sounds exciting!” Charlaine exclaimed. “Are you going alone?”
Pierce stepped down into the hall and proceeded toward the front door. “No, Pembroke asked me to take along his brother.”
Charlaine frowned. “Does he know where you’re headed?”
Pierce chuckled as his footman, Jacob, helped him into his coat. “He does not,” he admitted, wondering about the thoughtful look on Charlaine’s face. “Are you better acquainted with the man than I thought you were?”
Grinning at him, she shrugged. “I spoke to him once as you well know since you were watching us.”
“Guilty!” Pierce admitted as he strode toward the door.
Albert moved to open it. “Have a nice evening, my lord.”
Pierce nodded to the old man. “Thank you, and you know where to find me if anything important arises. Send for me immediately if you hear from the Bow Street Runners.”
Albert nodded solemnly. “Of course, my lord.”
Then Pierce turned to Charlaine and gave her a quick peck on the forehead. “Have a good night. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Charlaine nodded, a pleasant smile on her face. “You as well.”
Frowning, Pierce paused as he saw that slight curve come to her lips that usually meant that she was hiding something and could barely suppress a smile of triumph from claiming her face. “Is something wrong?”
Shrugging, she shook her head. “Not that I know of.”
“Very well,” Pierce said, knowing he didn’t have the time to probe further. “Have a good night.” And with a last glance over his shoulder, he strode out of the house and toward the carriage waiting by the curb. However, a moment before the door closed behind him, he heard Charlaine say, “Albert, we need to talk.”
Pierce sighed. What was she up to now? He could only hope it was something simple, like not wearing shoes. Unfortunately, he rather doubted it.
Chapter Thirty-Five
A Daring Message
Looking over her shoulder, Caroline hurried down the darkened street, her feet moving swiftly and quietly until she reached the familiar townhouse. Once before, she’d come here at night and she remembered well the way Daphne had sneaked outside in a flight of panic. Retracing her steps from that night, Caroline entered the house through the servants’ entrance and headed toward the drawing room.
The house was quiet and no lights burned except for the dim gleam reaching out into the hall from under the door to the drawing room.
Caroline inhaled a shuddering breath, her thoughts drifting back to the short note Pierce had sent her, begging her to come see him. She’d been surprised to hear from him, but her heart had danced with joy and she’d known in that second that she wouldn’t be able to ignore his request.
Perhaps tonight would finally see her questions answered. She could only hope it would not also see her heart broken.
Quietly, Caroline moved across the hall to the closed door. Her hand rose and settled on the handle, then after another deep breath, she pushed it down and slowly slid the door open. Her eyes flew around the room as her feet moved across the threshold.
Halfway in, Caroline froze.
There, across the room by the fireplace, someone awaited her. However, it was not Pierce, but Miss Palmer, her exotic beauty once more a severe blow to Caroline’s confidence. Could a man, any man, truly look at a woman as stunning as her and only see her as a sister? And where was Pierce?
“I’m so glad you received my message,” Miss Palmer exclaimed, her speech heavily accented, but charming nonetheless, as she stepped toward her. “Please do come in.”
Caroline felt the blood drain from her face. “Your message?” she croaked, her eyes going wide as she stared at the other woman.
“Yes, I’m afraid so,” Miss Palmer said with a hint of contrition on her face. Quick steps carried her closer and, before Caroline knew