Page 43 of Dangerous Games of a Broken Lady
If Ephraim completed the initial stage of his task, then a messenger would arrive no later than three o’clock to deliver the news to Lord Rowntree of its success. It was half-past two already. Time was ticking swiftly by.
Now that he had managed to observe Adelaide a little more closely, he was starting to hope that Ephraim might allow his cowardice to get the better of him. She would make a rather wonderful plaything. He did not tend to get his own hands dirty any longer, given the vast network of minions he had in his possession. However, for Adelaide, he would make an exception.
She was remarkable. That pale skin, juxtaposed with that raven hair. He could not get enough. The way she smiled and laughed, and spoke intelligently on all the creatures and objects, stowed away in their glass cases. He licked his lips, picturing what it might be like to haveherin a glass case. An exhibit all his own.
What a tantalizing idea.
“Might I assist you, Sir?” one of the museum curators asked, disturbing Lord Rowntree’s peace.
“No, thank you. I am merely browsing.” He grinned, delighting in the double meaning.
“Very well, Sir. Sorry to trouble you.”
Lord Rowntree went back to his silent admiration. He enjoyed the way Adelaide’s body moved elegantly beneath the lavender muslin of her gown, like a ballet dancer. Hypnotized, he could not tear his eyes away. She had him enraptured.
Perhaps, if your dear father does not do as he is told, you and I may come to some arrangement to free him of his debts?Lord Rowntree grinned at the prospect.I would not trouble your father for a dowry, for you would be treasure enough. Besides, I have no need of further wealth—I am richer than Midas himself. It seems a small price to pay, dear girl. The rest of your life for your father’s financial freedom.
The only trouble, Lord Rowntree was a man of his word. Despite his villainous behavior, he never reneged on a contract. He and Ephraim had come to a specific agreement; if Ephraim followed through with the task that had been set, then Lord Rowntree would have no choice but to repeal any threats he had made. He would also have to give Ephraim the second half of the promised fee. Both seemed like disappointing prospects, now that he’d viewed Adelaide with his own eyes.
Still, he had his doubts about the Earl of Leeds. He did not believe that the old man was capable of intimidating another human being, not even with his daughter’s life at stake.
Time will tell,he mused.For now, I shall enjoy what the museum has to offer.
The trouble was, in focusing all his attentions on Adelaide, Lord Rowntree had broken his cardinal rule. Standing in the shadows of the India exhibit, he had allowed his defenses to come down. He had not even noticed the museum curator until he was standing at his side. Overconfidence set a dangerous precedent. If a man believed himself to be invulnerable, he left himself open to unexpected attack.
Indeed, there was another figure that Lord Rowntree hadn’t noticed. Another shadow, lurking on the periphery. A stealthy presence, camouflaged by those who walked around him. Here, he blended in. And whilst Lord Rowntree’s focus was firmly fixed on Adelaide, the furtive shadow had the villainous wretch in his sights.
Had he only turned around, he would have seen the flicker of his potential fate darting from the India exhibit. Without realizing it, the hunter had become the hunted.
Chapter 16
Adelaide sat at the far side of the library, flipping absently through a book. It had been an entire day since she had witnessed Leah’s unexpected flirtation at the tea room on St. Martin’s Lane, and she had successfully managed to avoid encountering Jasper. She fully intended to reveal the news to him… she just didn’t know how to broach the subject. It required time and care.
A knock at the door disturbed her. Jasper poked his head into the library, prompting Adelaide’s heart to sink. She did not have the right words yet. She did not know what to say to lessen the pain, whilst somehow protecting their friendship. He would be furious with her for being the one to break the news, his distress blinding his logical mind.
“Adelaide, there you are!” he cried. He looked pale, his eyes bloodshot.
“Jasper, what on earth are you doing here? I did not hear you come in.”
“Ah yes, I happened to arrive at the front door just as Rosemary was departing with your mother,” he replied. “My apologies, I should have announced myself.”
“Are you unwell? You do not look well.”
“Charming,” he muttered.
“I mean it, Jasper. You look as though you have taken sick. See how pale you are.” She rose and crossed the gap between them. Lifting her hand to his forehead, she felt for his temperature. “Well, you do not feel feverish.”
He sighed, the breath scraping through his throat. “I did not sleep well last night, that is all. I had much to contemplate.”
“My father is somewhat under the weather today,” she mused. “Do you think you might have caught his illness? If it is infectious, we ought to call for the physician.”
“I very much doubt it, Adelaide. If he were infectious, you would also be sick. You were in his study alongside me.”
She shrugged reluctantly. “Will you promise me that you will retire early tonight, and have a full night’s rest?”
“I promise… if you will do one small thing for me.” His eyes sparked with sudden vitality.
“What?” Her tone held a hint of wariness.
