Page 68 of The Lady Glass
Marcus reached them and took a deep breath. “It’s Michael. We found him.”
“Where?”
“Behind a hedge that runs along the side of the house. He’s dead.”
Theresia gasped beside him. Without thinking, he took her hand. “Was he shot?”
“Knocked out with something, and by his position, I assume he was pushed out of an unused guest room window.”
Theresia squeezed Rolland’s hand, and he tightened his grip around her fingers.
“I thought he’d fallen asleep somewhere.” Shame filled him. “I will see that he gets a good funeral and his family is compensated.”
Marcus clapped Rolland’s arm with his hand, his expression heavy. “I appreciate the offer, but this is my doing. I put too much trust in Michael; I should’ve arranged for a second man to aid him. I won’t make that mistake again. I’ve already spoken with two footmen to keep watch for the remainder of the night.”
“Neither of you are to blame,” Theresia said. “This is the murderer’s fault. Do not let Michael’s death rest on your conscience.”
Marcus seemed to see her for the first time. “I appreciate that, Lady Glass. But there is a great deal weighing on me, regardless. Which is why I must recommend that you leave Ashbury Court.”
Rolland’s fist curled tightly again around Theresia’s. “Do you think it unsafe for her here?”
Marcus eyed him. “One cannot predict the mind of a madman, especially if he is a loyalist to somewhere other than England. Lady Glass claims Vienna as her home. We’ve inadvertently painted her as an Austrian ally. It’s country against country at this point, and the thirst for an empire is strong. Do you see why I worry?”
“There’s been no real proof to think this spy targets me,” Theresia hissed, letting go of Rolland’s hand and crossing her arms over her chest. “I knew the risk of coming, and I won’t be frightened away now.”
Marcus dipped his head. “I won’t force you to leave, but I couldn’t stay silent on the matter either.”
Theresia seemed to understand, and some of the ire left herface. Marcus retreated back toward the staircase, where he’d likely continue his search for answers, leaving the corridor eerily empty in his wake.
“Theresia,” Rolland hedged.
She stabbed her finger into his chest. “I won’t leave without my vase.”
He caught her hand, holding it there. There was fire in her eyes, no doubt brought on by fear and her relentless determination. How could he take away her chance to find the one thing she wanted more than anything? “I won’t make you do anything you don’t want to do.”
“You won’t?”
“Where would you go, anyway?”
Her eyes darted back and forth between his own. “I have friends...”
She likely meant Mrs. Bedrich, but he cared too much for her safety and well-being to send her back to a crowded tenant house in England. No one deserved to live like that. He didn’t have all the answers yet, but neither did he believe Theresia was in as grave a danger as Marcus said. “I’m glad you have people to turn to, but at least let me be included on that list. If there is a time that you are threatened, I have my own resources.”
“Rolland . . .”
“My parents’ estate in Birmingham would be a safe option, and I have a hunting lodge not far from here, in York. No one would know if I sent you there.”
“Which would suit if I were your mistress, but I am not. You have no reason to feel responsible toward me, Rolland. I came here of my own free will.”
She was right. He had no claim on her, nor would he let her or anyone else think she was his mistress. But he couldn’t ask for her hand yet, not when he couldn’t even reveal her true identity. And not when his father was so obsessed with the ideaof him marrying Miss Shields. This was not the night to broach the subject with him either. But what if something changed and Marcus’s predictions were right? “Theresia, listen. You can stay, for now. But the vase is no good to you if you are dead. If there is a connection to it and our traitor, like I think there is, and someone connects the two, it could mean the end.”
She chewed the corner of her mouth, likely biting down a thousand arguments. He knew this was hard for her. It wasn’t any easier for him. The last thing he wanted was to put her in greater danger.
“All right.” She took a deep breath. “Let’s do as you said yesterday at breakfast and take it one day at a time.”
Relief filled him. He needed all the days he could get with her. He brought her hand up to his mouth and kissed her slender fingers. “Agreed. Now, go to your bedchamber and make sure to lock your door.”
Chapter 32
