Page 5 of Black Widow

She blushed and ducked her head, hoping that was true. Hazy memories of certain conversations trickled back to her. Her father had choice words about the peerage. Words she had repeated, uncensored, to Gideon as agirl.

At the time, he had been highly entertained by her knowledge of certain colorful, vulgar expressions.And now he’s anearl.

“Oh, what a shame you can’t attend,” Mrs. Spencer interjected during the awkward pause, accepting defeat with her trademark good grace. “But perhaps I can impose on the earl to come instead. I know Sir Clarence would love to seehim.”

Gideon turned to Mrs. Spencer as if he’d forgotten she was there. He belatedly introduced himself, bowing over her hand. “Pardon me, how do you know myuncle?”

The older woman smiled, waving a graceful hand over her bosom. “Oh, Sir Clarence and I are good friends. I often act as hostess for him on those rare occasions when he chooses toentertain.”

Understanding lit Gideon’s eyes. “Oh, you’rethatMrs. Spencer.” He nodded. “A pleasure. If I’m in town, I will be sure to attend, although I plan on catching up with Sir Clarence at the club thisweek.”

“He’ll be delighted to hear it,” Mrs. Spencer said before nudging Crispin. “Darling, I’mparched.”

“One champagne on the way.” He stepped away to flag down a waiter, asking for two flutes. Then he returned with a regretful expression. “I’m afraid we can’t stay to partake ourselves. Amelia and I are expected at the Turnersoiree.”

With barely time for a civil parting, Crispin ushered heraway.

“That was hardly subtle,” Amelia chided once they were safely ensconced in the dark interior of the viscount’scarriage.

“Neither was using your uncle’s mistress as a distraction, but you had spent long enough in the earl’scompany.”

“Crispin, he’s a friend. He’s also Martin’scousin.”

“And he’s also a dangerous man from what I’ve heard,” Crispin said, inclining his head with a dark expression. “You must take care what you say tohim.”

“Don’t you think you’re exaggerating? I’ve known Gideon since I was a child.” She paused to smooth her skirts. “I admit I was anxious when I first saw him. I didn’t know if he believed the rumors aboutme.”

“You mean the rumors aboutusand whether we were involved in Martin’s death,” Crispin said with his trademarkbluntness.

She shook her head. “If Gideon thought I killed my husband, he would have confronted me or publicly cut me. He’s always been direct. Even as a youth. I don’t think he would have spoken to me at all if he blamedme.”

Crispin threw her a pitying glance. “Amelia, you must listen to me. That is not the young man you knew. Gideon Wells has changed—and I’m not talking about his new title. There are some disturbing rumors about him and what he was really doing on the continent a few months ago. If what I’ve heard is correct, then there is no chance he’s overlooking thegossip.”

She frowned at her companion. “What sort of things did hedo?”

He sniffed. “Well, as to that I’m not precisely certain. A well-informed friend with connections to the war office mentioned something but wouldn’t elaborate. Suffice to say it was a warning of sorts. Don’t tangle with the earl. He is to be avoided at allcosts.”

She clasped her hands together, the omnipresent weight on her shoulders growing heavier. “That’s going to be difficult. He’s a family connection. And he wants to hear more about Martin, about our timetogether.”

Crispin straightened in his seat. “Even more reason to avoidhim.”

Amelia sighed. “Fine. I will do as you ask, but it will be difficultunless…”

“Unlesswhat?”

“I’ve been thinking I should leave town. Go backabroad.”

Crispin passed a hand over his face. “I was afraid you were going to say that. But it’s not safe to leave England at the moment. The rumors say we are on the brink of war with France. Travel is growing more hazardous. Soon, it won’t be possible atall.”

“Which is why I should leavenow.”

He argued, naturally, and she countered his assertions, but her effort was half-hearted at best. In truth, she suddenly had a reason tostay.

Leaving would mean not seeing Gideonagain.

And despite her promise to Crispin, she wouldn’t—couldn’t—stay away from Gideon. That had always been beyond herabilities.

Hours later, finally done with the night’s round of parties, Crispin delivered her home. She had told her butler not to wait up, so she let herself in with herkey.

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