Page 17 of A Murder at Kew Gardens

“It fell from my pocket,” Cosmos said. “Simple as that. That is how it will be made to read.”

“But—” Claire looked between us, helpless.

“It was neatly done,” I said. “You have to grant him that.”

“Grant whom?” Claire asked.

“The masked man who took the pistol from me at the Floralia during the Thames investigation. Who came to our masquerade and danced with me.”

Claire blinked. “I don’t understand.”

After I explained the turn of events which had led to this moment, Claire asked, “Why would this masked man do such a thing?”

“Because he is fascinated with me, Claire. His own word.” I gave a laugh with no humor in it. “He wants me and he is using Cosmos to get to me, because he knows I will do anything to save my brother.”

“Never,” Cosmos said with a depth of feeling I’d never heard him express before. “I would sooner hang.”

I shuddered. “It will not come to that. Steele and I will find the man who did this.”

“I want to help,” Claire said.

“No.” I shook my head. “You cannot be seen with Cosmos—not here, not at your house, not anywhere. We will not hand Dodson his ammunition.”

“Cosmos.” She looked up at him, anguish in her face.

“Rosie is right, Claire. It is for the best.”

“You must go home now,” I said. “Is your carriage outside?”

“Yes.”

“Goodnight then.”

I stepped out of the study to give them a moment alone to say their farewells. And then I climbed the stairs to Petunia’s bedchamber so I could read to her. Only then, beyond everyone's sight, did I realize my hand had begun to shake.

Chapter

Eight

The Thread He Feared

For three weeks I had not been invited to Rosehaven House.

But this morning I had received a note from Rosalynd. She had news to share and suggested we meet at eleven. At Rosehaven House.

I mounted her front steps in full view of everyone in the square. At her entrance hall, Honeycutt's stiffened shoulders told me he did not approve. His taking of my hat and gloves told me he understood. Desperate times called for desperate measures.

"Her Ladyship and His Lordship are expecting Your Grace." He might as well have announced a flood. "In His Lordship's study."

As I did not know the way, he went up ahead of me.

"The Duke of Steele," he announced when we arrived and then withdrew.

Rosalynd stood by the window, her face pale in the morning light. I had never in my life wanted anything as much as I wanted to cross that room and hold her in my arms. I did not. She would not welcome any comfort from me.

"Steele," Rosalynd said.

My name in her mouth was a small undoing. "Lady Rosalynd."