“She is merely an innocent woman caught up in a dangerous situation that should have nothing to do with her in any way,” Richard said stiffly. “Of course I am concerned.”
“Mm-hmm.” Adrian's lips twitched with amusement. “You pulled me away from her rather forcefully just now. One might almost think you were jealous.”
“Do not be ridiculous,” Richard snapped, but he could feel heat creeping up his neck.
“I have known you for a long time,” Adrian said, crossing his arms. “I have never – not once, in all our years together as chaps – seen you react with anything approaching genuine emotion when it comes to a woman. You are always so controlled, so measured. But just now, when you saw me holding her hand? You looked ready to call me outside for a duel.”
The grin on his friend’s face was rapidly filling Richard with immense annoyance and irritation.
“I was merely concerned that you might inadvertently expose Isobel's identity and ruin her hard work,” Richard lied.
“Of course you were,” Adrian said, clearly not believing him for a moment. “Well, wherever this newfound protectiveness comes from, I am grateful for it. If you have been keeping Valerie's sister safe – whilst trying to find my bride’s attacker, then you have my thanks.”
Richard inclined his head, accepting the gratitude even as guilt twisted in his gut. If Adrian knew exactly how Richard had been “keeping Isobel safe” – the kisses, the intimate touches, the way Richard had brought her pleasure with his fingers and mouth – his friend would likely have more to say to him than an expression of gratitude.
“Have you made any progress in identifying the culprit?” Adrian asked, his tone taking on a stern edge again.
“We have suspicions,” Richard admitted. “But we have yet to find definite proof of their involvement.”
“Where is Valerie now?” Adrian asked. “I need to see her. I need to know she is truly all right.”
Richard nodded. “She is in the attic. It was the safest place to put her. While she recovered. Only a few people know of what has happened, so it was important that she was kept out of sight.”
“Will you take me to her?”
“Of course. Follow me.”
As they made their way through the house, Richard tried to shake whatever lingering bitter feelings sprang up at the memory of Adrian's hand on Isobel..
He was not jealous. There was no point in entertaining such feelings, not when she was not his in the first place and never would be.
Even if every instinct in his body was screaming that Isobel was who he wanted more than the breath in his lungs.
Even if he was gradually realizing that this game he had led them to play was pulling him farther than he had ever intended, and that there might be no way back to the safety of indifference.
He had no right to these feelings. No right to want her the way he did.
But God help him, he wanted her anyway.
Isobel stared unblinking at her reflection in the mirror, her hands trembling slightly as a maid fastened the clasp of her final piece of jewelry. It was an emerald necklace, one that apparently had been their mother’s favourite, and the weight of it cut new wounds into Isobel’s heart.
But she did not have time to dwell on such emotions, so she shifted her gaze to the dress draping over her body. The gown she wore tonight was exquisite – a deep sapphire silk that brought out the green in her eyes, with delicate embroidery along the bodice that glimmered in the light. It was one of Valerie's finest gowns, and wearing it made Isobel feel like an imposter all over again.
Granted, that was exactly what she was, but at least now, there was an end to the farce in sight. Although they had not found the culprit, Valerie had been kept safe, and her wedding was tomorrow, and as such, they could put this matter into more capable hands – constables, and she could return from whence she came.
Tonight, a ball had been organized for the guests to celebrate the upcoming nuptials. And she was expected to spend the evening on the arm of the Duke of Norwich, the man her sister loved
Since Richard had pulled him away with such an intense look, Isobel wagered that he had updated his friend on the situationat hand. But that did not mean she could rely on him wholly to keep up the ruse alongside her.
Whatever the case may be, she needed to do her very best to ensure that they made the picture of a perfect couple about to be wed.
Isobel could do this. She had to.
A knock at the door startled her from her thoughts, and her maid hurried to answer it. Isobel's breath caught in her throat as Adrian stepped into the room. She let herself stare, noting all the features that her sister likely favored.
He was tall – as tall as Richard, seemingly – with broad shoulders that filled out his evening coat nicely. His hair looked darker now, still swept back from his handsome face. His eyes were charged with curiosity, and Isobel realized she was being studied as well, and the intensity of his gaze made her feel exposed.
“Miss Wightman,” he said, his voice deep and formal as he bowed. “You look lovely this evening.”
