“I believe you. Let’s hope Mrs Armstrong doesn’t decide to ruin you.”
A shrug was Benedict’s reply. “What happened in London? Found anything?”
“Only more questions. Cowasj thinks that Pearl has an accomplice, someone who warned her the police was chasing her. She fled the house in a hurry.”
“Amelia,” Benedict said, sipping his brandy.
“That’s what Cowasj thinks.”
“And what do you think?”
“That if Amelia knows something, shouting at her and insulting her as Cowasj did isn’t the right strategy to convince her to talk.”
A soft whistle came from Benedict. “You love her.”
The sip of brandy Christopher was swallowing almost choked him. “What are you talking about?”
“I knew you liked her, but this is more serious than I thought.” Benedict put the glass on the low table. “Are you going to marry her? I love organising weddings.”
“Stop it,” he growled.
“She’s perfect for you, my friend. I’m happy.”
God, there was no way to make him stop. “Shut that mouth. This isn’t any of your business.”
Besides, he didn’t love Amelia, did he? The attraction that burst inside him every time she was near was just lust, not love. It couldn’t be. Yet the fierce warmth in his chest her presence had started couldn’t be just lust. He wanted to know her better. A fumble wouldn’t be enough.
“Well.” Benedict rose and brushed his wet strands of hair from his face. “I’d better start packing then.”
“It’s dusk. Don’t you want to wait until tomorrow?”
“No. Mrs Armstrong will emasculate me if I spend the night here, and I’m quite attached to my attributes.” He winked. “Say goodnight to Amelia from me.”
“Bugger off.”
Benedict left, his chuckle echoing.
Alone in the darkening room, Christopher nursed his glass of brandy. Was he in love? Really in love? Amelia’s pretty smile flashed in his mind, and that damn excitement started in his chest.
Maybe he hadn’t been completely honest with her when he’d told her he wanted an affair without consequences. At least she hadn’t fled, but had stayed in Gladstone as he’d asked. He touched his lips. They still burned after their kiss.
Thoughts for another day.
Christopher polished off his glass and reclined into the armchair. How would it feel to not be alone anymore? To have someone to share the trip of life? Amelia brought happiness and light in his dull life, but a side of him resisted her. Perhaps he needed to find Pearl first and settle the matter of the fraud before he could think about Amelia. His conscience ordered him to focus on finding the money first, and she was a delicious distraction. Hell, his attraction for her was already fogging his judgement. What if Cowasj was right and Amelia was hiding Pearl?
A soft knock came from the door.
“Come in,” he threw over his shoulder. Most likely, it was Harvey who needed to ask him something about preparing the next dinner or buying more supplies.
Quiet footsteps crossed the room. “I’m sorry to bother you.”
Amelia. His heart gave a solid kick.
He bolted upright, ignoring the pang in his leg due to the quick movement. “You don’t bother me. How’s Julia?”
“Asleep. Florence gave her something to sleep, and Mrs Armstrong claimed a headache was killing her. So Florence gave her a painkiller, but Mrs Armstrong fell asleep instead.” She chortled. “I guess Florence did it on purpose. She must’ve been tired of Mrs Armstrong’s yells of anger.”
“Do you need anything?”
