truly intended to copy her story, then another murder would occur this evening. The thought was unsettling, especially because there was nothing she could do to prevent it.
She’d spent much of the past two days writing notes on what they knew thus far along with a list of questions. But she felt no closer to an answer as to the motivation for the murder than she had before. The East India Company had no way of knowing whether Smead’s death would cause Arlingwood to sell. The motivation was unclear. Without it, how could they stop the murderer, assuming it wasn’t Pickford? The situation was maddening. She dearly wanted to discuss it with Thomas. Would he be here this evening?
“Smile, dear sister, lest the other guests wonder at your poor mood.” Caroline tilted her head to study Annabelle. Their mother had remained home this evening.
Caroline and Aberland had called on them soon after Thomas departed the day of the unsettling attack. Annabelle had explained what little they knew but was careful not to tell her mother of their concern about a tie between the murder and her book. Lady Gold had enough to worry about with their father. Both Caroline and her husband agreed not to say anything unless circumstances changed and it became necessary.
“I will try,” Annabelle said as she forced a smile. “But pretending all is well when it isn’t is more difficult than I realized. Isn’t Aberland with you?”
“He’s joining me later. He stopped by his club to see if he could discover any additional information floating about.” Worry lingered in Caroline’s eyes, suggesting she was as concerned as Annabelle.
Annabelle appreciated having his assistance with the current investigation. It was one more thing she wanted to mention to Thomas, along with her worry about a possible second murder.
Though Annabelle was fascinated by the idea that Aberland had served as a spy for the Crown for years, Caroline had forbidden her from asking him questions or discussing it in any manner. Annabelle toyed with including a spy in her next book, but it would be pure torture not to ask her brother-in-law whether she had all the details correct.
The shiver of awareness that passed over her suggested Thomas had arrived. She searched the crowd for his tall form, her heartbeat speeding in anticipation.
“Good evening, ladies.” His greeting had Annabelle turning to face him, her breath catching as he bowed.
She curtsied, wondering if her internal warning system of his approach was a blessing or a curse. The thought of being tied to him in such an intimate way was both fascinating and concerning in equal measure.
“And to you, Mr. Raybourne,” Caroline said. “I was hoping for a chance to thank you for your assistance with my family the other day.” She smiled, her words light. But Annabelle knew how truly appreciative her sister was.
“I’m pleased I was able to help.” Thomas nodded then his gaze shifted to Annabelle. “I trust no one has experienced further issues?”
“None.” Annabelle didn’t want to share any details with so many people nearby. “And you?”
“The same.” He studied her as if wanting to see the truth for himself.
Annabelle felt the same way. The bruise on his cheek had faded slightly, but she dearly wanted to know how he truly felt and what he was thinking.
Caroline’s small intake of breath had Annabelle looking at her in surprise. Caroline looked back and forth between them, making her wonder if her sister sensed the undercurrent of emotions swirling between her and Thomas.
The worry caused Annabelle to drop her gaze, uncertain if she was ready for her sister or anyone else to know about the growing complexity of their relationship. Was that what this was? A relationship?
Her affection and respect for Thomas had steadily grown in the past weeks, building into something more. But what? Love? She dismissed the idea. That was something she didn’t want in her life. She had too much she wanted to do to allow love and marriage to snuff out her dreams.
But she couldn’t deny how Thomas made her feel. Part of her longed to explore it further. Even the thought of doing so was enough to send warmth along her entire body and made her even more aware of the man at her side.
Oh dear. She was in trouble.
“May I have the honor of a dance?” he asked.
“I’d be delighted.” Yet the intensity in his green eyes suggested he was asking for so much more. Pulse thrumming, she placed her hand in his