A Most Dangerous Profession(64)
“Thank you, but I believe I can find my own way.”
Ross took her hand and pressed a hasty kiss upon her fingers. “I hope we may ride again soon.”
She dropped into a curtsy. “As do I, my lord.”
With obvious reluctance, he released Moira’s hand and disappeared down the now-deserted hallway, calling for his butler.
Robert immediately climbed out from under the desk, then smoothed his coat before joining her. “I’ll walk you to the steps leading to our bedchambers, but then I plan on using Buffon’s disturbance to search a few more rooms.”
“I assumed this was his doing. I caught a glimpse of him at the end of the hallway when I first arrived. That’s how I knew you were hiding in there.”
Robert pulled her hand through his arm and strolled into the hallway, through the running servants who paid them no heed. “Thank you for hiding my shoe. I had no idea it was in sight.”
“I take it you didn’t find anything.”
“Not a damn thing. Wherever the secret chamber is, it’s not in that room.”
“So what do we do now?”
“You will return to your room, for you’re far too noticeable wearing that habit.”
“And you?”
“As I said, I shall wander about a bit more and see what I can discover. If anyone sees me, I’ll tell them the noise awoke me and I had to come see the madness for myself. Did you learn anything from our illustrious host?”
“Beyond what you heard in the library? Not really. Riding isn’t conducive to conversation.”
“Perhaps you can lure him into revealing more at dinner.” He turned the corner, where a large tapestry smoldered on a wall, footmen with buckets standing around. A large puddle of water pooled upon the floor, and he carefully led Moira around it and on to the stairs.
As they climbed the stairs, Moira said, “Robert, it might be useful if you have a headache this evening.”
“And excuse myself early?”
“Yes. If I can convince Ross that I must see his secret collection, and that I would find that very exciting, I think he’s fool enough to show it to me.”
“Why wait until dinner?”
“Because I think he will be more foolish after some port.”
“Ah. I will see to it that he imbibes more than his usual amount.”
“Good. Few men can refuse a true challenge.”
“Moira, I don’t like you spending too much time alone with Ross, so pray be cautious. He’s not a nice man.”
“Ah, but I’m not a nice woman.” Moira patted her skirt. “And I have my pistol.”
“You have it with you now?”
“I had a band made for the holster so I can strap it to my thigh.”
That made for an interesting image. “Very well. I’ll leave you alone with Ross after dinner, but only for an hour. I will be awaiting your return in your bedchamber.”
“Hopefully I will have something significant to tell you.” She smiled at him, and he was struck anew by the directness of her expression. She trusts me. The thought unexpectedly made his chest tighten in an odd way.
She paused by the steps that led to their bedchambers. “If all goes well this evening, I should have the necessary information to find the onyx box.”
He bowed. “Until later, madam.”
CHAPTER 18
A letter from Captain William Hurst to his sister Mary, sent today from Egypt.
Mary,
I hope this finds you well. I write to tell you that I have at last secured our brother’s freedom! Michael is resting comfortably upon my ship. He appears healthy, although he claims to have gained weight from too much rich food.
All is not well, though, as the sulfi who held Michael prisoner appears to have become enamored of Michael’s assistant, Miss Smythe-Haughton.
Michael refuses to leave without her, even though I pointed out the dangers. The box we gave the sulfi is not the original one, and it is only a matter of time before the deception is discovered.
If we see no progress in freeing Miss Smythe-Haughton within the next day or two, I shall forcibly bring William home. Personally, I don’t believe his assistant needs saving. From what William has told me about that redoubtable female, we should be more worried about the sulfi.