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“Would you care to fill the rest of us in?” Phillip said sarcastically.
Tabitha rolled her eyes. “The baby wasn’t William’s.” She turned toward Andrew. “You told me that even William didn’t think the child was his.”
“Yes.”
“Your brother suspected Miranda of being unfaithful. So, maybe William was initially sick from natural causes, but when Miranda found out she was pregnant, she panicked, knowing that the baby wasn’t William’s and that he would surely divorce her and disinherit the child. What’s the best way to secure the future for yourself and your unborn child?”
“Kill my brother.”
“With Herr’s help.”
“I have to speak with Miranda,” Andrew said.
Miranda had loved the money and privilege which had come with being a duchess. She had certainly spent enough. Andrew had seen the evidence when going over the estate accounts. Could she truly have hated her brother so much? Had it been a moment of weakness, or was Miranda really a treacherous murderer?
“She’s not at home,” said a voice from the doorway. It was Lady Holcombe. “Yes, I’ve been eavesdropping, but I’m glad I overheard your conversation. What Tabitha said makes sense, if you ask me, and I was there. William did everything that girl asked, but it was never enough. I warned him before they got married. She already had a reputation for being flirtatious. Miranda also had a temper. When she didn’t get her way, she would become—unbalanced. Now, I fear my suspicions are correct.”
Andrew went over and embraced his grandmother.
“After the incident at the ball, I struggled with whether to contact her. The other day I sent a letter to her parents’ home and was told she is not in town, and it is not known when she will return.”
“That confirms it,” Ethan said. “She must have known something might happen and has fled.”
The others agreed.
“Well, for now, the priority is to find Herr, and we’ll have to watch Vance as well,” Andrew said.
Sir Darnley spoke up. “Let me handle Vance. My people are already familiar with him and his staff. Plus, we have this issue with Phillip to clear up. I assume Vance still has those incriminating papers, or I would have heard about it.”
“I had forgotten about those papers,” Tabitha said. “Can’t you just break into his home and steal them?”
“My dear, if I know Lord Vance, he will have those papers safely tucked away where we can’t find them. But don’t worry about your brother. I have watched Lord Vance for a long time and know how he works.”
Lady Holcombe took Tabitha by the hand and led her away into the dining room while the men continued to talk for a while longer. “Come, dear, let us have some dinner. I know you must be hungry. Don’t worry, everything will be all right.”
They headed for the dining room. A few minutes later, the men joined them. The dinner conversation was lighter. Phillip and his friends regaled them with tales of their exploits. Andrew was grateful for the change of topic. It was good to hear everyone laughing, since who knew what tomorrow would hold.
After dinner, it was agreed upon to bring Thorne up to date on matters. Phillip and the others would stay at the safe house as a precaution for now. Andrew would also have to stay hidden since he had slipped away from his estate without the magistrate’s knowledge.
The men left, and the dowager retired to her room. Tabitha was again in the library in a chair by the fire, watching the flames dance. Andrew leaned against the doorframe silently, not wanting to disturb her. Tabitha had a preoccupied expression as she nibbled on the corner of her mouth. Lord, what he wouldn’t do to make everything go away, to make all the dangers and threats disappear so they could start their lives together.
Seeing the distressed look on her face made Andrew want to protect and love her, so she’d never have to worry again. The longer he stared, the more heightened his desire became for her. It had only been a few days since they’d last been together, but it might as well have been a lifetime.
Andrew stalked towards Tabitha, but was careful not to startle her. He came around the corner of the chair and knelt next to her. It took her a moment to see the movement out of the corner of her eyes, but she relaxed when she saw it was him.
CHAPTER29
Tabitha watched Andrew kneel beside her. The last few days had made her realize how much she loved him. She wouldn’t know what to do if something happened to him. Doing the first thing that came to mind, she leaned forward and kissed him.
She’d only meant to give him a quick kiss before leaving, but when their lips met, the electric current of desire coursed between them. Tabitha leaned in farther. Andrew put one hand on the chair for support and, with his other hand cupped Tabitha’s head so she couldn’t pull back, as he wanted a longer taste.
When she finally pulled away, Tabitha saw the embers of passion smoldering in Andrew’s eyes. It made her feel powerful, to know she had that effect on him. That one kiss could undo him. But she was still angry at him for not keeping her better informed.
Tabitha despised being treated like a fragile doll left on the shelf, too delicate to play with. She was just as much a part of this whole affair, more so than anyone. After all, if she hadn’t run away two years ago, none of this would have happened. She didn’t want to be kept in the dark anymore.
Her irritability must have shown because Andrew took her hands. “What’s the matter, darling? You must not fret. Everything is going to work out. Your brother will be cleared, and Lord Vance will be taken care of.”
She pulled her hands out of his grasp and stood up, causing Andrew to stand to make way for her. “It’s not that. It’s just that... why didn’t you tell me you had returned to London? I deserved to know.” Tears stung the backs of her eyes. “After everything we’ve been through, I thought you trusted me.”
