Page 59 of Marigold and the Marquess
Or would she be the next victim?
CHAPTER 10
TWO WEEKS HADgone by and Leo was going out of his mind with frustration.
The gossip rags reported Beldon had taken himself off to France. This gave Homer Barrow and the Crown agents the opportunity to search his townhouse and his country estate, delve into his investments and bank records, read his journals and letters, question his friends, enemies, and neighbors, for any hint, any note, of involvement in the ambush of their delegation to Carpathia four years ago.
The Crown agents had even ripped up floorboards and broken through walls in search of evidence.
Beldon would be livid when he returned to find this mess, assuming the coward ever returned to England.
Not that Leo cared. The man was a pompous arse who never paid his bills on time, lost heavily at the gaming tables, and clearly had been envious of Leo ever since their school days. But so far there was no indication he had ordered his capture or imprisonment. In fact, it appeared Beldon had promptly reported the incident and railed at the higher ups to do something about securing his freedom, then diligently followed up for months afterward.
Leo knew Beldon had never liked him.
That diligence in having him freed was merely because the oaf wanted to resume his game of jealousy.
Unfortunately, it truly appeared to be nothing more than a game.
One suspect reluctantly struck off the list…well, unless something new turned up.
Leo looked toward the door when he heard a light knock. It slowly opened to reveal Marigold popping her head in. “May I come in?”
She stood at the threshold of his study, her eyes bright and cheeks pink. Gad, would his heart always beat this wildly whenever she was near? She seemed to grow more beautiful by the day. Was this to be his fate? Being led by the nose by this sprite of a girl who had quietly gained complete control of his heart?
Mallow was obediently standing by her side, his little tail wagging. “Yes, of course. Come in. How was the park?”
“We had a lovely time.” They had just returned from a walk along the Serpentine, spending hours there despite the weather being cooler than usual and threatening rain.
He rose and came around to the front of his desk, kneeling as Mallow scurried toward him and leaped into his arms. “Ah, wet fur. How appealing.” But he gave the pup scratches behind the ears and felt the wet fur soak into his shirt which would have to be changed anyway before he and Marigold headed out for the evening.
Marigold giggled as she removed her pelisse, a pretty coat of meadow green that she wore over a matching light wool gown. She set the pelisse over the settee as she entered his study and walked toward him. “Did you miss us?”
“Ever so much. I was bereft.”
“I’m sure you were,” she said with a roll of her eyes, but her expression quickly softened. “I love you, Leo.”
He groaned. “Come here, sweetheart.”
She came closer to kiss him, ignoring Mallow’s bark of indignation at momentarily being forgotten by the two of them. “How are you and your new valet getting along?” she asked after Leo reluctantly ended their kiss.
He arched an eyebrow. “We are bosom friends. He is a complete joy to have around. I have no idea how I ever managed without him.”
Marigold laughed. “I shall ignore your sarcasm. Ethan Mayhew is a very nice young man and you are fortunate to have him taking care of you. Sterling is too busy to attend to his butler dutiesandyou, especially now that our explorer’s club is growing and the meetings are held here every Thursday afternoon.”
“Which is tomorrow.”
“True, but we won’t be holding any until after the opening of the new Hall of Dragons exhibit. After that, they will mostly be held at Adela’s house whenever she is in residence and I will hold them here whenever Adela is not in London. She and Ambrose just returned to London but they intend to head right back to Devonshire at the end of the month. In the meantime, I am in charge of getting the word out and preparing lectures to entice like-minded, amateur archeologists to join us. We are up to fifteen members now. Isn’t that exciting?”
“Yes, love.” He kissed her again.
Mallow became fed up and leaped out of his arms to trot back to Sterling since the Muir butler had taken to keeping treats in his pocket just for the demanding little despot.
Marigold laughed softly as her spaniel left in a huff. “What was I saying? Oh, yes. The new dragon exhibit opens next week. Leo, you must come see how beautifully it has taken shape. Adela found more bones that we are sure belonged to this flying creature. They confirm our guesses on its size and shape. The public will be amazed.”
He loved her enthusiasm for these archeological discoveries.
He also loved her enthusiasm for their bedroom activities.
