Page 30 of To Heal a Broken Earl
“I’m quite happy with my bachelorhood,” Wright said, sounding reflective. “Besides, it seems there are fewer and fewer of us left. Although I suppose it wouldn’t be out of the question if one were to meet the caliber of woman that Armstrong did. Even your sister was snapped up by in.” He chuckled again.
“Hmm… Too true,” Michael said, swirling his brandy. “Lizzie and Sin are ridiculously happy with their growing family.” When he had inherited his title along with the various properties under his helm, it was all he could do to focus his time and energy on bringing them all up to snuff. Attending Society balls and making himself a prime target for matchmaking mamas was the last thing he wanted to subject himself to.
“Speaking of those ridiculously content married men, have you heard from Armstrong?” Wright asked.
“I haven’t received a missive yet. Then again, we arrived less than a week ago. I had hoped to receive an update on the situation in London regarding the arsonist. If I haven’t heard from Armstrong by tomorrow, I’ll send a messenger to London. In the meantime, we have plenty to do here. I’d appreciate your help securing and fortifying the property. I’ve already spoken to Hastings about hiring more footmen to guard the perimeter, but I also need to reinforce the walls. There are at least a dozen spots where it has crumbled. To be honest, I wanted to add a few extra feet to its height. Conveniently, I’ve stumbled upon the original plans, so it should make things easier.”
“I’m happy to help with that. We can inquire in the village about local tradesmen,” Wright said.
“I agree. Hastings has informed me there are plenty of talented stonemasons in the area.”
“Ah, that reminds me!” Wright exclaimed. “Aunt Chippie was showing me her latest portrait, and I’ve never seen anything more lifelike. The artist, Mr. Craig Burns, is quite a talent.He’s become a personal friend of hers and has created several paintings for her. He’s the newest social obsession in Brighton!”
Michael laughed. “You’re jesting. Your aunt is promoting a portrait artist?”
“I’m serious. I counted five new portraits of her hanging in her townhouse.”
“Your aunt is a true original,” Michael said.
“She is, indeed. However, it was the sketches Mr. Burns made that captured my attention. I think he can supply an important link to the arsonist. These were not only sketches of Aunt Chippie—they also included depictions of her previous pets, as well as her parents and siblings when they were younger. I was struck by the lifelike appearance and the detail of the drawings. I told Aunt Chippie about what Lady Emma and Katie had been through, and she suggested that perhaps Mr. Burns could help. I met with him, and I must admit he’s brilliant at his craft. I hope you don’t mind, but I invited him here.”
“That’s a capital idea,” Michael said. “It could give us the break we’ve been looking for in finding this arsonist.”
“I thought you’d agree,” Wright replied. “Burns can transform the verbal descriptions provided by Katie and Lady Emma into a depiction of the face of the arsonist. I’ve also sent a missive to Headquarters, suggesting they meet with him. He’s more skilled than any sketch artist I’ve worked with on Crown business and could be invaluable in pursuing criminals.”
“No question! Thank you for inviting him. Knowing what the arsonist looks like will give us better protection,” Michael said. “Given that I’m hiring additional men to guard the property, they will be much more effective with a good description of the villain. Not to mention, we can send a copy to Armstrong, who has more contacts in London than anyone I know. I’d like to get this resolved—it’s stressful for everyone, especially Emma and Katie.”
“You’re on a first-name basis?” Wright teased good-naturedly.
“It became easier. We’ve spent a lot of time in each other’s company,” Michael said, finding himself irritated by his friend’s comment.
“Fair enough,” Wright said with a smile. “Do you think Lady Emma and Katie will be able to recall the arsonist?”
“Well, Katie got a better look at him,” Michael said. “But I’ve been reluctant to ask her, given the trauma she’s been through. She was having bad dreams, but Finn helped with that. He’s become her champion and sleeps at the foot of her bed now.”
“That dog is an old soul.”
“He certainly is.”
The sounds of a bark and sweet, feminine giggles from the garden wafted in through the open window, carried by the warm breeze. Michael turned, his gaze drawn to the scene outside, where Emma and Katie watched the playful spaniel standing on his hind legs, clearly attempting some trick. Their joy was infectious, even from a distance. Emma looked lovely in a dark-pink dress, especially with her red hair shimmering in the sunshine. As he studied the scene below, his thoughts returned to the feel of her warm lips on his in the library of her hands in his hair at the nape of his neck. Giving his head a slight shake, he tried harder to stay in the moment but could not turn away. His chest tightenedat the sight of Emma’s smile, aimed affectionately at Katie and Finn—a smile that he yearned to have directed at him.
“And other than the bad dreams, how are Katie and Lady Emma doing?” Wright said, nodding at the window and forcing Michael from his reverie.
“They are both doing well under the circumstances,” Michael replied, shooting him a narrow-eyed look. Wright was agood man and a dear friend, but he was also a rogue through and through. Women seemed to fall at his feet. Michael would make sure Emma wasn’t one of them.
“Easy, man, cool your heels. I was merely inquiring how she is settling in here.” Wright flashed a grin. “No need to act the jealous suitor.” He lifted his glass as though in a salute and took a sip.
“She’s settling in fine,” Michael mumbled. “And I am not acting in any way, least of all as a suitor. Lady Emma and her niece are under my protection. That’s all. There’s a madman on the loose, or have you forgotten?”
“I haven’t forgotten,” Wright said, setting his glass down on the side table. “But I also have eyes, and I saw the tender way Lady Emma looked at you when we were on the boat. And the attentive way you responded.”
“Well, let me be clear. I am looking out for her welfare. That is all that you saw, and only that.”
Wright held up his hands in surrender, but his eyes held a teasing glint. “Of course. If you say so.”
“Idosay so. And don’t go getting any notions about her either.”
“I promise to be on my best behavior when in her company,” Wright said with a grin.
