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“Miss Lawson,” Oliver said, “you are trying to tell us you were unaware of one of the marriages of one of the Duke of Daventry’s daughters?”
A soft smile graced Ruth’s lips. “I’m afraid I do not read the newspapers much and most certainly not the gossip columns. My husband despises them.”
“Your husband?” Eleanor pressed.
“Yes, the Reverend Thompson. We are in London to meet with the bishop, though I must confess I am looking forward to returning home.”
Eleanor glanced at Oliver, who gave a tiny shrug. “You truly deny trying to ruin my sister’s wedding?”
Ruth pressed her lips together then sighed. “I cannot deny I was angry with you for some time. You chased me away from London and ruined my plans.”
Eleanor narrowed her gaze. “Iknewyou wanted to harm Demeter.”
Shaking her head vigorously, Ruth lifted both hands. “Iwasfurious, but moving away from London, from Society—it was a blessing.”
“A blessing?” Oliver asked.
“I met my husband in Hertfordshire and he taught me how to be a kind and modest woman. I came to enjoy the peace of country living. No more worrying about whether one had to be seen somewhere or with whom or what one must wear.” Ruth’s smile grew. “In a way, I have you and your sisters to thank for this life.”
“I see.” Eleanor pursed her lips and eyed Ruth. She saw no lies and she’d certainly seen the woman lie before. However, it could all be a trick to ensure her villainous plan went ahead.
Oliver edged forward, his elbows upon his knees. “So you know nothing of plans to harm Lady Demeter and her reputation?”
“Goodness no!” Ruth pressed a hand to her chest. “If I did, I would tell my husband right away. Who would do such a thing?”
She looked to Oliver who shrugged. It seemed their suspect was entirely innocent, which left them with no leads at all and Demeter still in danger.
∞∞∞
If it wasn’t for the urgency of the situation, Eleanor would be in Oliver’s arms by now. He offered his hand once they were in the carriage and she looped her fingers through his, fitting so damned perfectly. He couldn’t trust himself to give her more comfort, though.
Embraces would lead to kisses, and kisses would lead to his heart flexing in that new breath-stealing manner. Demeter’s safety was at stake, and they could not afford distraction.
The carriage remained stationary. Neither of them knew where to go now that it seemed Ruth was innocent.
“We could speak to the modiste again?” he suggested.
“I cannot fathom she will have any more information for us.”
“What of the reverend who received the letter?”
She shook her head. “He did not know anything more than what the letter said.”
“Do you still have the letter?”
“In my reticule.” She glanced at either side of her then lifted her hands in defeat. “Which, of course, I did not bring. No one recognized the writing, though, and who would be fool enough to write in their true hand anyway?”
“True.”
Furrows appeared between her brows. “There is the matter of the stamp. It came from my father’s desk...”
“It could have been a replication.”
“Father could not even say if one had gone missing. You know how he is.”
Oliver nodded. The duke was lucky to have a diligent son who took on most of his duties as Eleanor’s father preferred to spend his time in the library these days. “If we figure out how someone got it...”
“Then we might be able to figure out who actually took it.” She met his gaze. “I think it is our only lead but we asked all the servants.”
