However, later, when Lilah and her aunt had settled down in the morning room, as was their daily custom, Aunt Helena turned to her with a worried frown. DelilahI cannot but wonder if it was a mistake to let you spend so much time with the Morelands.
Lilah swallowed her irritation. But surely you cannot object. Uncle Horace said theyre one of the best families in England.
Yes, but its a double-edged sword to be connected with that family. It raises your status, of course, to be on familiar terms with a duchess, but you run the risk of their reputation coloring yours.
Lilah stiffened. You speak as if they werent received.
Of course theyre received. But he is a duke. One has to do a great deal to be a duke and have society snub you. Its quite different for a young lady such as yourself.
I think my reputation is undisputed. The Holcutts are an old family, too.
Yes, but one must always be careful to maintain your reputation. You in particular must be especially circumspect, given the behavior of your fathers sister.
That was years ago. Surely its been forgotten.
And you must not do anything to cause people to remember. Her aunt leaned forward and took her hand. I understand, sweetheart, that it is hard to have that sword of Damocles hanging over you. But we have been so careful to ensure your pristine reputation. I would hate to see you abandon it on a whim.
I have not abandoned it, I assure you. Lilahs cheeks flamed with color. I have done nothing wrong.
I know. But your actions yesterday! Going to call on them, then staying over for supper on the spur of the moment. Why, you had nothing but your walking dress to wear to dinner.
The Morelands are much more casual about such things.
That is my point. I fear they are a terrible influence on you. Your actions yesterday were impulsive and inappropriate. You showed a lack of respect for me, which you have never done before. Tears glittered in her eyes before she blinked them away. I fear that your Holcutt blood may lead you astray.
Lilahs resentment was washed away in a flood of remorse. Im sorry. I never intended any disrespect to you. I wouldnt hurt you for the world. Im well aware of all youve done for me.
Dearest girl, I do not ask your gratitude. I did it because I loved my sister, and I love you. I couldnt allow your father to ruin your chances. All I want is for you to make a good marriage and live a pleasant life.
I know. I want that, as well. Her aunt was right; that was the sensible thing to do. That was what she wanted, too. The Morelands were exciting, but their life was too chaotic for her. Lilah wasnt herself around them. And she wasnt about to let the Holcutt in her come out. I shant call on them again.
CHAPTER NINE
CON WAS NOT going to think about Lilah Holcutt today. Nor was he going to dwell on that kiss. It had been a foolish thing for him to do. He had gotten caught up in the momentand, yes, Lilah had looked damned desirable charging into battle, cheeks flushed and eyes glittering, without a care for how she looked or what others might think.
But kissing her had been a mistake. He had carefully avoided her since the wedding, and hed reached the point where he hardly thought of her. Then, in one moment, he had dropped all his barriers and let her in again.
However different Lilah might have seemed during the rescue of his family, however much her kisses stirred him, she would go back to being herself. Disapproving. Rigid. Cold. Just she had been yesterday when Con entered the room. As if that moment of closeness on the terrace after the wedding had never happened, Lilah had turned her usual cool, measuring gaze on him. She had refused to even sit down with him to chat. Whereas he had come running like a puppy at the sound of her voice. He hoped she had not noticed the way he had rushed into the room.
How could the woman who had turned into flames in his arms last night manage to be all ice the rest of the time? She was a puzzle, so of course she intrigued him. But this was one conundrum that he must resist. One lock that he should not open.
He had better things to do today. The new threat to Sabrina needed his immediate and undivided attention. After breakfast, he headed to Moreland Investigations, the agency he had taken over from Olivia a few years ago. There, as hed hoped, he found Tom Quick, the agencys employee of many years.
Quick was whip smart, cool under pressure and able to follow almost anyone without being noticed. He was also a wizard at picking pockets, having spent his early years on the streets, but that was a practice he had given up since he came to work for the Morelands. Though only a few years older than Con and Alex, Tom had been their mentor in subjects that were far more interesting to them than Ancient Greek or Philosophy.
Tom was appropriately incensed by Cons story of the ladies kidnapping and rescue, though he had some reservations. A key? You think they kidnapped your mum and sisters for a key?
Yes. I know its odd.
Tom snorted. Thats true of anything connected with you lot. But a key is a small thing to risk prison for, and a parasol seems a flimsy clue.
Perhaps, but its the only one I have at the moment. Since Sabrina and Alex are off on their honeymoon, we cant ask her about it. But she is the heiress to her fathers substantial estate, and shes already had Niles Dearborn and his son trying to get their hands on her money.
Then you think its the Dearborns.
We know theyre cheats and liars. Con ticked his points off on his fingers. We know they still have a great many financial woes. They will resort to any method to get their hands on money. And they have twice abducted people.
Youve convinced me. But do you have any proof?
No, Con admitted. Thats why Im going to pay a visit to the Dearborns this morning. Care to come along?
Toms ready grin was answer enough.
The footman who opened the Dearborns door blanched at the sight of Con on the doorstep, but he quickly ushered them into Niles Dearborns study. As they followed the man down the hall, Tom murmured, Id say that fellow remembers you.
Is he the one I shoved aside?
You mean the one you punched? Yes, I think so.
Niles Dearborn looked equally alarmed when Con strode in on his servants heels. He shot to his feet, sending a glare at the hapless footman. What are you doing here, Moreland? You cant just barge in here.
Apparently I can, Con returned.
I told that maniac you sent over here yesterday that I had nothing to do with his wifes disappearance.
Leave my father alone. Niless son, Peter, hurried into the room. Why cant you leave us alone?
Because you came after my brothers wife again.
McIntyre said nothing about Sabrina, Niles protested. He said it was the dukes wife and daughters.
Is Sabrina all right? Peter asked. What happened to her?
Nothing, for which you should be very grateful. The ladies are back, and your men are in jail. You might worry what information theyll give up about you.
We dont have any men! Niles barked. I have no idea what youre talking about.