A Rogue No More - Lana Williams Page 0,16
puff of air escaped her.
“Not initially. But after thinking upon it further, it crossed my mind. I agree there are a number of similarities, but we shouldn’t draw conclusions. Who knows if the reporter has the facts correct? Perhaps he recently read your book and used some of those details when he wrote the article.”
Annabelle stared at him incredulously. “Do you truly believe that?”
“It seems unlikely, but we don’t know enough to form an opinion. This could be an odd coincidence.”
She hoped that was true, but the chill deep inside her suggested otherwise. “How can we find out?”
“Miss Gold, why would anyone read your book and go to the effort of copying the method of murder?”
He had a valid point. It seemed so unlikely.
“I don’t think the typical person who reads your work is likely to commit murder, do you?” he asked.
“I certainly hope not. But you have to admit it is eerily similar.”
“Yes, I suppose so.” He leaned back in his chair, his expression pensive. “The Thames River Police are unlikely to provide additional details to us.”
“True. Questioning them might draw unwanted attention.” She’d invented a similar situation in her book. The protagonist had not only found the body but questioned the police, which had quickly made him a suspect in their eyes.
“Perhaps I could try to speak with the reporter and see if he’s willing to share any information.”
“I would appreciate that.” She shook her head. “I know it might be a coincidence, but I can’t get it out of my mind.”
“Nor can I. I will see what I can uncover and keep you apprised of any developments.”
“If you should need assistance—”
“Please.” Thomas held her gaze with a sternness he rarely displayed. “I have no wish for you to become involved in this in any way. Do I make myself clear?”
She nodded, hoping he knew what he was doing. “Do take care, Mr. Raybourne. Murder is a nasty business unless it’s in the pages of a book.”
~*~
“Please come, Mother,” Annabelle said two days later as evening arrived. “Aunt Felton and Louisa will be sorely disappointed if you don’t.” Her cousin was hosting her first ball as the Countess of Granger and had requested they all attend.
Her mother sighed. “Your father didn’t have a good day. I’m not certain I should leave him.”
“Margaret will be with him and Barclay as well. They can send the footman for us if matters grow worse. Perhaps Father just needs a good night’s rest.” Margaret rarely attended balls, stating there was no need until after Annabelle married. Annabelle tended to think there was more to it than that, but she respected her sister’s preferences with the hope Margaret would do the same.
“I will read to him,” Margaret promised. “One of those books on farming techniques he likes so much.”
Annabelle shared a smile with her sister. “I don’t know why he enjoys those when he never farmed.”
“They certainly hold his interest.” Margaret shook her head.
“You don’t have to stay long,” Annabelle added as she turned to her mother. “But we should show our support for Louisa.”
“I suppose you’re right,” Lady Gold relented. “I’ll change my gown and join you.” She went up the stairs to prepare.
“Why are you so insistent that she attend the ball?” Margaret asked.
“Both Louisa and Aunt Felton will be upset if she doesn’t. And I think she needs to leave the house more often. Talking with other people will do her good.” She hated how narrow her mother’s world had become since her father’s health had declined.
“True, but she worries so when she’s not with him.”
“I’ll ensure she doesn’t have time to,” Annabelle said. “You help her dress, and I’ll make certain Barclay will remain with Father until you relieve him.”
Annabelle had spent much of the afternoon with Sir Reginald. She’d tried a variety of topics, but none of them seemed to settle his restlessness. She’d read some of the news to him, but only the items she didn’t think would cause him concern. With his mind the way it was, they had to be careful about what he heard and when.
An hour later, Annabelle joined her mother in the carriage Louisa had sent for them. Lady Gold smiled as she glanced about the rich black leather interior.
“Lovely, isn’t it?” Annabelle asked. “So kind of Louisa and Granger to send it for us.”
“I hope when you marry, you’ll have fine things like this to enjoy.” The faint smile on her mother’s face suggested she was remembering better times when they’d