Fourteen
MAYBE CHRISTOPHER HAD been a bit hasty when he’d said to Amelia he wanted to see Pearl’s house today. Amelia had retired to her room early last night after their conversation, but he’d played the host all evening, faking smiles and bowing.
After the ball, he’d spent an hour just to say goodnight to his guests, drink too much champagne, and discuss the detail of the trip with an exhausted Harvey.
In the morning, he’d woken up with a headache, and on top of that he’d a bad night’s sleep. Not because of his nightmares about bullets and blood, but because he’d offended Amelia last night.
Pearl was her friend, and he’d accused her to be a criminal. He could understand Amelia’s anger and frustration. Yet, he didn’t have any choice but carry on. He’d promised Cowasj he would help, and his fellow soldiers deserved justice.
With the help of his walking stick, he climbed down the stairs, grimacing at the too bright sunlight and the too-loud maids’ voices.
Amelia brushed past him, her velvet bustle swaying like a cat’s tail as she trotted down. “Good morning,” she tossed over her shoulder.
Yes, he’d offended her deeply. “Amelia.”
She paused and pivoted. “Yes?” Her burgundy travel coat hugged her curves and enhanced the fierce glow in her gaze.
Hellfire, she looked stunning.
“I didn’t mean to offend you last night with my request. Try to understand my position. I’m only helping my friends.”
Her posture slackened a fraction, then she straightened again. “I understand, but trust me, Pearl is innocent.”
“If she’s innocent, then why did she vanish?” He regretted the harsh tone, but even though he hadn’t lost a pound, the fraud was a personal matter. He hated how Blackmoore-Smith had tricked innocent people. And if Blackmoore-Smith wasn’t dead—as Cowasj’s private investigator had discovered yesterday—Christopher would personally chase him down.
Amelia’s lips thinned. “Maybe Pearl vanished because she was scared.”
“Or guilty.” A sniff of her scent wafted when he stepped closer. “A few people who lost everything because of Blackmoore-Smith’s fraud took their lives after receiving the bad news.”
The gasp that tore from her lips caused her chest to heave.
“This is a serious matter, Amelia. I’ll do everything I can to recover the money.”
A challenging light shone in her eyes. “I’m sure my friend is innocent, and today’s inquest will prove it.” Tugging at her gloves, she clunked down the stairs.
A void opened in his chest. He’d ruined everything with her, first rejecting her, then accusing her friend, and he didn’t know how to make amends.
Cowasj was already in the foyer. He’d dispensed with his traditional Indian clothes and chosen a dark frock coat and tall hat. He gazed up and adjusted his scarf. “We’re all here. Good. Shall we go then?”
“Excuse me.” Mrs Armstrong strode into the foyer, her black shawl bellowing behind her. She glared at Amelia. “I’m afraid I can’t let my charge leave unchaperoned with two men.”
Christopher ground his teeth. No. She couldn’t come. Today’s trip wasn’t a holiday. An investigation was ongoing, and he couldn’t involve more people than it was necessary.
“I’m sorry, Mrs Armstrong, but I must ask you to stay here.” Christopher headed towards the door.
“This is unacceptable.” Mrs Armstrong stomped a foot on the floor. “I can’t leave Miss Amelia alone.”
“Today will be an exception.” He opened the door and stepped onto the porch, catching a quick smile from Amelia, the first since last night.
“But, My Lord—” Mrs Armstrong started.
He held up a hand, silencing her. “It’s a serious business that requires discretion. Please, stay here.”
The tone he used to imparting orders must’ve done the trick, because Mrs Armstrong paled and gave a curt nod before trotting away.
Half an hour later, they were sitting on the train to St. Pancras Station in London. Amelia hadn’t uttered a word, and he wasn’t the conversational type, nor was Cowasj, who seemed fascinated with the view.
Green expanses streamed past them as the train blew white smoke. A few children waved from a barley field, trying to run along the train. Amelia smiled again and waved back. Her smile held a sad note he felt responsible for. It was his fault if she couldn’t smile properly. But the job had to be done, and he believed that Pearl was involved in the fraud. How couldn’t she be? She’d worked with her father for years and had disappeared as soon as the fraud had been discovered. There would be no mercy for her. He’d personally lock her up in Fleet Prison and throw away the key.
