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The redness in Cassie’s cheeks deepened. “Must you be so...relentless.”
“I must.”
“Well, I do not care what anyone has told you, it is a frustrating trait.”
Luke smirked to himself. Frustrated by him she might be, but he doubted Cassie felt even half of the frustration he suffered by simply being in her company.
Today would be a long day.
Chapter Four
The townhouse in which Jane resided was modest but well-kept and furnished in the latest fashions. Her late-brother kept the house as it was closer to parliament but how long Jane would be able to remain in it, Cassie did not know. Being at the mercy of her cousin’s charity left her with few options, and their parents were long passed with no aunts or uncles remaining to provide her with shelter.
Of course, Cassie would do whatever she could for Jane if needs be, but it would be far better to find out what had truly happened to Theodore and the house she was promised. If they could figure that out, Jane might be able to have the future she truly desired without the need for aid.
Wan and utterly unlike her usual bright self, Jane rose from a chair by the window as the housekeeper ushered Cassie in. She snapped shut the book in her hands and cast it onto the nearby lamp table. “I do not know why I am trying,” she said. “I have not read a word.”
“I know.” Cassie motioned for her to sit, fearing the woman might collapse if she did not.
She’d known Jane years before their debut together and she had never seen her so gray and lifeless. Her grey mourning dress did nothing to compliment her auburn hair or her usually sparkling blue eyes. There had seldom been a day during the previous Seasons where they did not laugh and dance and revel in every ball and dinner party to which they were invited. To see her so deep in mourning made Cassie’s stomach twist painfully.
Cassie seated herself on the high back sofa opposite and waited until the housekeeper had brought them tea before drawing out a notepad and pencil.
“Did you find anything?” Jane asked. “I wish I could have attended. It seems in such poor taste my cousin is throwing balls—practically celebrating Teddy’s death.”
Cassie wrinkled her nose. As Theodore’s sister, she would have to remain in mourning for some time. The cousin, however, had a little more freedom, most especially being a man and inheriting a sizeable fortune.
She pursed her lips. Relating the tale of nearly being caught would not help matters so she settled for the story she had told her sisters. “I was unable to gain access to the will but—” she held up a hand before Jane could respond “—do not fear. I have a plan.”
Jane curled her hands around an empty teacup. “I am not sure I like you doing this, Cassie. It seems far too close to scandal for my liking.”
“What shall we do? Simply let an injustice be done? You say the body was not that of Theodore and I believe you.”
“I am certain it is not.” She straightened and set the cup down on the table. “His signet ring was never worn on that finger and he would simply not be where his body was discovered.” She sighed. “They say he must have been gambling but his days of placing wagers were in the past. He has been a fine and decent brother these past years.”
“He has,” Cassie agreed.
“Of course, no one believes me. No one but you that is.”
“And my sisters.”
Jane shook her head slowly. “It is strange indeed to have all these duke’s daughters investigating such matters. I fear I put you all in danger. This whole affair seems nefarious indeed.”
“My sisters have unraveled many a mystery, but you need not fear.” Cassie straightened her shoulders. “I shall get to the heart of this matter swiftly, I promise.”
“I know you have been keen to join their ranks, Cassie, but you should not take such risks. What if you had been caught? What if some man had come upon you and you had been spotted together?”
Glancing at her hands, Cassie forced her expression to remain neutral. If she had been caught with Luke, they might have been able to brush it off as an innocent meeting between two old friends, though it was unlikely. He could escort her about in public and even be alone in a carriage together but to have stolen off in a room together would have been ruination for certain.
But it did not matter. She had not been caught by anyone other than Luke, and once she had assured him there was nothing untoward occurring, she could get on with discovering what had happened to Jane’s brother.
“I am taking all precautions, I promise.” She waited for Jane to pour the tea with a shaky hand and she dropped two sugars and a dash of milk into hers. Cassie stirred it slowly while she mulled her scrawled notes. “I cannot help but feel your house is key to this.”
“It is not my house anymore,” Jane muttered.
“Theodore promised it to you, and he was not a man to make promises lightly. Something has gone awry, and if your cousin will not tell you what, we must find out ourselves.”
“If only I could gain access to his study, but if I go alone, I can hardly slip away.”
