Her brother brought the candle closer. “You still have the eyes of a hawk, Lionel,” he declared in admiration.
After carefully examining the arrangement from several angles and the manner in which the string stretched across the books, her brother used a thin stick with a small hook on it, which he claimed from a purse in an inside pocket, to move the end of the string aside. “Thedust will assist in our returning this to its original position,” he said softly.
“I was just thinking I should not clean this room, even though it could use a cloth to its various hard surfaces.”
Her brother’s eyebrow rose in obvious disbelief, but he did not comment on this new realization. After a long moment where they all held their collective breaths, Alexander lifted a book on history from its place, leaving behind the two on either side.
“Very well done, Axe,” Lionel said as he expelled the breath he held.
Her brother glanced around the room. “Perhaps it is best if we place the book on the floor. I do not wish to disturb any of the things Lord Honfleur has added to Amgen’s rooms.”
“Don’t believe he be permitting a maid in here while he be in residence,” Lionel declared, as they each knelt in a circle to place the book upon the expensive, but well-worn rug.
“Not important now,” her brother said. Audrey realized how intent he was on knowing assurances that their find was properly handled. Once the book rested on the floor, he said, “You two should move away while I open this.”
Lionel caught Marksman’s hand. “I’ll be opening it. You have a sister to tend to now. No more heroics for you.”
Her brother’s hand did not move for several elongated seconds. “You are a remarkable friend, Lionel, and you are well aware I would argue if you did not speak the truth. I cannot leave Annalise alone now that she has returned to me.”
A nod of agreement passed between the two men, and Audrey was a bit jealous, for, although she adored Caroline, Audrey did not think her cousin would purposely place herself in danger in order to save Audrey. Marksman rose and reached down a hand for her. “Let us move to the hall for a moment, my dear.”
She looked between the two. “Do I have no say in this matter?”
Lionel shook his head in the negative. “Join your brother, Lady Annalise.”
Alexander had placed her behind him for protection, but it was not necessary. Audrey did not know what either he or Lionel had expected to occur, but the situation proved quite without incident. However, such could not be said of what they found inside the hollowed-out book.
Before they unfolded the pages, Alexander had examined the small bundle from every angle, memorizing how the papers were arranged—how they were folded. Meticulously, he removed the paper on the top and opened it very slowly.
“What be it say?” Lionel asked softly into the silence. “Don’t keep us in suspense.” Audrey belatedly realized she held her breath, and she made herself let it out slowly.
“Appears to be some sort of list of creditors,” Alexander said. “I will show these to Duncan and then return them.”
Audrey panicked. “You cannot remove my uncle’s papers. You said nothing of taking Uncle Jacobi’s correspondence with you.” She glanced about the room, suddenly aware of the perfidy they practiced. “What happens to me if my uncle discovers I permitted you admittance to his study?”
Her brother placed the item aside to reach out a hand to stay her rising to her feet. “Whether Moreau returns tomorrow or a month from now or never, your future does not lie with him. Moreau cannot touch you without bringing the power of the British government down upon his head. I believe he is already aware of our relationship—of your being my sister. At a minimum, he strongly suspects what lies between us, for he purposely warned you away from me. Did he not? Did he also warn you away from Lord Bacggart at the masque, or was it only me of whom he disapproved?”
“Only you,” she affirmed. “Even before you asked me to dance, he noted how my eye was drawn to you.” Reality crept deeper into her soul.
Alexander continued, “You must understand, Annalise, this is serious business. I would not ask you to act, if it were not. My first instinct will always be to keep you safe.”
“Lady Annalise,” Lionel said in compassionate tones, drawing her attention away from her brother. “Marksman won’t tell you this, but I will. Your brother had a daily prayer all those years you were gone. He prayed for your safety and your return. He dedicated every ounce of himself to becoming Marksman, for an earl possesses the power to save another, something those in the rookeries couldn’t do. You must trust him, girl.”
Audrey knew him to be correct, but she had been frightened for so long, abandoning that fear completely would be difficult to come by. “I shall attempt to do so, truly, I shall.”
Alexander caressed her cheek. “So shall I,” he repeated.
There were two more pages with the names and directions of various shopkeepers and establishments. “Some of these men are known to pass fake notes with some regularity,” her brother explained.
After that, by silent agreement, they left the book open on the floor and locked up the room again. “I will return these tomorrow,” Alexander assured.
“Cook will be here tomorrow and, perhaps, the housekeeper.” Audrey glanced at the study door.
Her brother interpreted her thoughts exactly. “The housekeeper will not enter Honfleur’s study. I promise.”
“I know,” she said weakly. “Instinctively, I know what you say is true. Yet—”
“Someday you will trust me exclusively.” He reached for her hand. “Now come with me. Although Moreau and his daughter know of the passage I will show you, it may be necessary for you to escape this house in a rush someday.” He handed her a card. “My directions are on this. Catch a hackney and have the driver carry you to Marksman Hall. My butler has orders to admit you immediately, even if I am not at home at the time, and to pay the driver double.”
