husband’s murder has gone unsolved.”
He mulled over the idea, realizing it might work. “Won’t he be surprised that he didn’t hear of the murder?” Though crimes occurred, it wasn’t as if murders happened daily. The few that did usually made their way into the broadsheets.
“I don’t think he’ll ask many questions if he’s consumed with grief.” Her pensive expression suggested she wasn’t completely sure about that aspect of her plan.
“And when I run into him in the coming months and he asks about you, what would you suggest I say?”
“That I’ve moved to Wales to be with my family. You haven’t heard from me since.”
Though impressed by her forethought, he shook his head, unease weighing on him. “I don’t know.”
“Do you have a better idea?” One of her winged brows rose as if in protest.
“You could remain in the hackney while I speak with him.” Though he didn’t think he’d win the argument, he had to try. How Annabelle had managed to stay out of harm’s way before now was unclear. She seemed intent on risking her reputation or worse. Was it her writing that drew her into unsafe activities or her very nature?
She gave him a scathing look, not bothering to reply.
“I would like it recognized that I strongly disagree with the plan.” At some point, one of these outings was going to end badly. The worry bothered him more than he could say. How could he protect her when she made no effort to do so herself?
“Duly noted. You do realize I heard you the first time you protested.” Annabelle looked at him as if he were the one being unreasonable.
Why had he wanted her to lift that veil?
“Each time we’re together, let alone doing something questionable, the risk is great. Doing so multiple times heightens the danger.” He suddenly felt like his father, who had frequently harped on him for taking chances when he should know better. He sighed at the realization that he was still taking those risks. Perhaps his father had been right about him after all, though part of him was annoyed that the earl’s opinion still mattered.
“Thomas.” Hearing his given name on her lips caused his chest to squeeze in a most uncomfortable way. Then she reached for his hand to hold between her gloved ones. “I appreciate your concern. Truly. However, I believe our purpose is greater than the potential peril. Don’t you?”
He wanted to agree, but he couldn’t when it came to her. “I value your safety above all else. And I mean both your physical wellbeing and your reputation. If harm befalls you because of me—”
“I won’t hold you accountable. This is my idea, not yours. I appreciate you accompanying me.” She glanced out the window before catching his gaze once more. “If you weren’t here to help me through all this, I don’t know what I’d do. It wouldn’t be possible for me to continue writing if I realized a killer was on the loose, using descriptions from my books to commit the foul deeds, and I could do nothing about it.”
Her words assuaged his concern a small measure. At least she wasn’t taking the matter lightly. He squeezed her hands. “I’m pleased I can help but nothing you say will alleviate my worry until you’re safely home again.” And the whole situation was behind them, he added silently.
The sway of the hackney brought her closer, and he reached out his free hand to steady her. Her nearness was more than he could withstand, especially when her sweet scent drew him closer, much like a finger beckoning him forward. The sweet bow of her pink lips proved equally impossible to resist. He covered her mouth with his, feeling everything inside him settling into place at the contact. But now was not the time or place for such things. Even a rogue like him knew that much.
“You should not be here with me,” he whispered as he eased back. “But I’m pleased you are.”
“As am I.” To his delight, her eyes sparkled with passion.
If he spent more time with her, the temptation to sample all she had to offer might prove too much. He clenched his jaw, reminding himself of the many reasons that would be ill-advised.
Digging deep to find renewed resolve, however limited, he released her hands and sat back. “Very well then. You are an acquaintance of mine. Shall we give you a name?”
They discussed the details and possible questions the earl might ask until the hackney halted