Page 30 of Enchanted By the Lyon
Lucius sighed. It had been one of those days where duty was taking up the majority of his time that he’d rather spend calling upon Cassandra. He turned his attention back to the investigator. “Let me know what you find out,” he said as theman began to take his leave. “Show the constable in, Merrit. No sense keeping him waiting in the foyer.”
“Yes, my lord.” Merrit returned moments later, with a short, stocky man behind him and peeking over his shoulder. “Lord Blackthorn may I present Constable Jones.”
Lucius motioned to the chair in front of his desk. “Please be seated Constable Jones. What can I do for you?”
Jones took his seat with an odd breathless snort. With his snub nose and jowled frown, he reminded Lucius of a bulldog. “I’m investigating a couple of incidents involving women who have come to harm and were almost abducted.”
Lucius sat back in his chair wondering where this conversation was going. “And what exactly does this have to do with me?”
“Do you know a Mrs. Virtue Darling?”
A scowl formed on Lucius’s brow. “Yes,” he answered hesitantly. Had something happened to Virtue?
“And a Mrs. Emily Yates?” the constable asked.
“Yes,” Lucius replied warily. He didn’t think he should mention that she was still staying at Cassandra’s townhouse until he knew where this was going. Cassandra was very protective of Emily and wouldn’t tell anyone she was there, for Emily’s safety. He had to agree.
“And what is your association with the ladies?”
“They were once my mistresses,” Lucius said.
“So I’ve been told. Forgive me, my lord, but I need to question anyone with whom the ladies have had…an association.” He pulled a small notebook from his jacket’s inside pocket, along with a pencil stub. “And were you aware that Mrs. Darling was accosted outside a shop yesterday afternoon around three o’clock?”
“No, I wasn’t aware of it but I am hardly in the habit of learning the daily habits of women who I used to have an association with.”
“And where exactly were you at that time?”
“I was at White’s with my brother and some friends. You can ask anyone who was there to vouch for me,” Lucius answered defensively.
“Thank you, my lord. Again, I apologize, but I have a responsibility to look into the matter. Especially as you appear to have a connection with both of the women.” He added another note, and then said, “I will have to follow up there, you understand.” Jones replied looking at his notes before he looked up again. “I also understand you were present at the incident with Mrs. Yates a couple of months ago.”
“Again, there were several people who were also present and witness to the event. Excuse me, Mr. Jones, but who told you of my connection with them?” he said in aggravation.
The man tucked his notebook back into his jacket. “An anonymous tip that came into my office,” Jones replied.
“Anonymous? And you don’t find it somewhat convenient that I just happened to be a person of interest in these incidents?”
“I go where the information takes me, Lord Blackthorn. You understand I must follow all the leads I have been privy to,” Jones answered, his face completely void of any emotion.
“Am I in danger of being charged with these crimes?” Lucius asked, wondering how fast his lawyer could get here.
“Not at this time but I wouldn’t take any trips out of the city. I may have further questions for you as my investigation continues,” Jones said, as he came to a stand.
Lucius also stood and escorted the man to the door and opened it. He called out to his butler, “Merrit… show the constable out. Our business is finished.”
“This way, sir,” Merrit said holding out his arm to show him the way.
Jones turned back toward Lucius. “I’ll be in touch, my lord.”
“Be sure to keep your eyes open for whoever is trying to frame me for crimes I didn’t commit,” Lucius said with a clenched jaw.
Lucius slammed his study door, went to a sideboard to pour a shot of brandy, and then downed the alcohol. It burned its way down to his stomach before the reality of the constable’s visit finally registered in Lucius’s mind. He had best get his lawyer involved in case this whole situation took a turn for the worse. He may just need to call Smythe back as well. Someone was trying to frame Lucius. He had made plenty of enemies over the years, he supposed. The culprit could be anyone and now Cassandra could very well be in danger especially since she would soon move into her new residence. Until the person who was framing Lucius was found, he would do everything in his power to ensure Cassandra’s safety.
Chapter Eighteen
Cassandra sat inher carriage in silence as she contemplated all the turn of events that had brought her to this point in her life. With the Marquis of Saxton’s help, Cassandra had purchased a new townhouse in an area of town that would bring no question as to the restoration of her reputation. In fact, her association with her friends who had made incredible matches with some of theton’smost elite only helped her on her way to becoming respectable. Who would have ever thought that a simple act of kindness toward her lady friends would lead to her own good fortunes?
Her time with Valentine Pierce had also come to an amicable end. He had been more than pleased to learn that Lucius had finally come to his senses. Valentine had all but claimed his part in making certain Lucius learned what he would be missing out if he continued to be a stubborn lout where love was concerned. His debt fulfilled with Mrs. Dove-Lyon, the earl had thanked Cassandra profusely and she knew she had a friend on her side if she ever had a need to call upon him. She hoped one day that Valentine might also allow love to enter his heart. He may be another rake at heart, but Cassandra could also see the potential in him as some lucky lady’s future husband.
