A Rogue No More - Lana Williams Page 0,31

previous evening where he knew she’d be, he’d gone to his club and filled the night with drinking and cards. But his usual pursuits had brought little joy. Perhaps the time had come to put such things behind him and think of the future.

Could he truly find a way to make a success of the publishing house? No doubt his father would stir in his grave if he knew Thomas was even considering it. In truth, he wouldn’t be if it weren’t for Annabelle. Whether it had been the excitement of reading her book that lit his interest in the business or that she seemed to think he was capable of more, he didn’t know. But for the first time in a long while, he was considering what the years ahead might bring.

What he wanted them to bring.

Perhaps he wasn’t the failure he—or his father—believed. The earl had made no secret of his dislike of Thomas, but it wasn’t until the day of his mother’s funeral that Thomas had at last learned why.

His parents’ marriage hadn’t been a happy one, though according to his mother, it had begun as a love match. The idea of the two of them on speaking terms, let alone in love, nearly made Thomas laugh. By the time his mother had died from apoplexy when Thomas had been at university, a distinct chill could be felt if his parents were in the same room together.

After her funeral, the earl had hurled the truth at Thomas. “You are not my son. You’re nothing more than one of her careless mistakes.”

Those words had been equal parts freeing and terrifying. It explained so much yet changed little. The memory of the moment still chilled him to the bone, causing a sick feeling in the pit of his stomach. The earl was the only father Thomas had known and despite the news, Thomas still longed for his approval.

The question was did his brothers know? He had yet to find the courage to ask, fearful he’d lose them if they learned the truth. Yet the question held him in a vice-like grip. Would they turn away if they knew? Losing their affection and support was more than he was willing to risk. Yet he hated having the uncertainty standing between them.

He re-read Annabelle’s words written in her neat script. Based on the continuing frequency of the messages, he needed to respond in some manner or risk a visit from her, something he wanted to avoid. Her coming to the office could easily ruin her reputation as well as test the bounds of his restraint. He was determined to protect her, whether she wanted to be protected or not. Perhaps he should attend the Warenborough ball that evening. She’d mentioned in her last message she’d be there.

With a sigh, he set aside the note. He didn’t want to investigate the murder any further. Not when he felt so inept at the task. He wanted the police to catch the criminal so they could put all this behind them. Then Annabelle would be safe, and he wouldn’t have to worry about her. He could focus on editing her manuscript, which was locked tight in his desk drawer. He hadn’t yet read it as he wanted to do so with a clear mind, free of the concerns the murder brought. But it would be impossible to resist much longer as he wanted to see what she’d done with the storyline. Her talent continued to amaze him. The details and internal thoughts she included made one feel as if they were the hero, experiencing each twist and turn as he did.

Despite the doubt about his lack of investigation skills, Thomas had called on the Earl of Arlingwood, Smead’s brother, the day after the visit with McConnelly, but the lord hadn’t been receiving. Thomas had left a note, requesting an audience, though he hadn’t yet received a reply. He hoped the earl could provide insight as to Smead’s whereabouts in the days leading up to the murder. The idea of losing one of his own brothers was unthinkable. How must Arlingwood feel?

A low murmur of voices came from outside his door and then Graham appeared in the entrance.

“Hard at work, I see.” His brother’s pleased smile filled Thomas with a mix of pride and determination, making him realize how much he wanted to make Artemis Press successful.

“Good day, Graham.” No doubt his brother wanted an update on business. Thomas hoped he didn’t expect profits to