Page 102 of Marigold and the Marquess
“Does Ian have actual proof as to who paid him?” Leo tensed in anticipation of the answer.
Julius now joined in. “Denby’s cohorts. Sorry, Leo. I know what you are thinking, but your cousin had no part in this particular plot.”
“How can we be sure? Both he and my cousin were holed up in a seedy, dockside tavern then. Was it the same tavern? Could it be that much of a coincidence?”
Julius shrugged. “The killer is obviously a trained professional. Denby’s cohorts might not be the only ones interested in retaining his services. I still believe Denby’s murder and your cousin’s presence is unrelated, but we don’t have all the details yet. Mr. Barrow has been asking around. But I would guess your cousin was hiding out here and hoping to hire this man to kill you, then probably got scared off when Denby was murdered.”
Perhaps, as Julius said, the timing of Cummings’ presence in London and Denby’s murder were mere coincidence, but Cummings could only have come here for one reason. The only question in Leo’s mind was, did his cousin plan to go after him or Marigold? A knot formed in Leo’s stomach as he digested the information given.
Probably him first, for the point was to kill him off and inherit the title.
Yes, Leo knew his cousin had come for him.
But if Cummings was not able to find him– since Leo had been dashing off to Exeter to track him down– then the cur’s next target would have been Marigold.Dear heaven.He had put her in danger by his own rash action.
“Leo, you are tense again,” Marigold murmured.
He released a breath. “They’re playing a waltz next. Dance with me, love.”
She smiled up at him. “I thought you would never ask.”
He led her onto the dance floor, drawing her close as the waltz began. She leaned in and began to breathe him in. “Are you using a new cologne? The scent is divine.”
He laughed. “Ethan saw fit to anoint me with fragrant oils. I gave him a hard time about it, but I see he was right. Stop sniffing me, Marigold.”
“I can’t help it. You are intoxicating.”
He laughed. “You are quite delicious yourself.”
He twirled her around the ballroom, following the circle of other dancers. While he loved holding his wife in his arms, he did not like that they were amid this ballroom crush. He wanted to forget about his cousin for tonight and simply enjoy the evening, but he found it impossible.
Had the wretched Cummings gotten in somehow? Was he here now and watching them?
Leo knew he would never shake this worry until Cummings was locked away or dead.
Marigold was studying him as his mind drifted.
“Sorry, love.” He forced himself to concentrate on their dance. He was never one for light chatter, but he wanted Marigold to enjoy the evening even if he could not. “Has anyone claimed you for the supper dance?”
She looked up at him again with her big, gorgeous eyes. “You, I hope. There’s no one else for me, Leo.”
“I know. You’re an angel. I’m the dolt in this marriage.”
She grinned. “I shall remind you of this when I do something foolish and require your forgiveness.”
He laughed again and guided her into another twirl. “You are letting me off too easy.”
“No, Leo,” she said, now turning serious. “I will not deny I was hurt, but I understood. You believe your cousin is a dangerous man. His actions are certainly suspicious. But the fact remains, Ian and his Crown agents have not been able to link him to any misdeeds yet.”
“Marigold, don’t start. Let’s just enjoy the ball.” He did not want to have this conversation with her in the middle of a dance floor.
“You have judged him guilty, Leo,” she said, ignoring his request. “You are determined to impose your own justice, and you have no right.”
He was not going to fight with Marigold tonight. In theory, she was right. England was a civilized land where rules prevailed and men received fair trials…for the most part. But in practicality, she could not be more wrong. She was in danger while that man remained free. “Love, I’ve had a long ride home, and you will have a busy day ahead of you tomorrow. Shall we make our excuses and leave early?”
She nodded.
They bid farewell to their host and friends, then returned home to find everyone on their staff awake, some walking the grounds and others walking down their street with lanterns held high.
