Page 71 of The Lady Glass
Rolland reached back and attempted to rub his tight neck through his thick, starched collar and cravat. “What of Mr. Stewart?”
“Agitated. He understands the politics at hand possibly better than anyone. His reactions seemed to be normal for the situation.”
Interesting. Marcus had a unique way of looking at things, and it never failed to fascinate Rolland. “Lord Vernon?”
Marcus sighed and leaned back in his seat. “Aggressive in his speech and posture. The man’s temper precedes him, but so does his intelligence.”
“Lady Glass said he claimed to know the reason behind our house party. I doubt he’s the only one.”
Marcus drummed his hand on his desk. “We invited too many cunning guests. This was far easier in my mind than it’s turned out to be. It seems foolish we ever thought to catch our man within the first few days.”
Rolland wouldn’t say the party was doomed from the beginning. No good would come from that. “Another mind will help. Soon we’ll have the information Cadogen has gathered and know whether Lord Vernon is our man.”
Marcus grimaced. “I don’t know what’s keeping him, but Ihope he hurries. I try not to wonder whether Lord Vernon left men in place to protect his secrets, because I must believe Cadogen is safe.”
“I refuse to let my mind go there either. It’s Cadogen, after all. Any news on tracking the funds beyond the banks from Haversham and Hawke yet?”
“It could be weeks yet before we receive overseas communication, and we might not have that kind of time.”
Rolland set a hand on the desk and leaned in to it. “I would wager Hawke or Vernon is our man. They hold the most red flags, and according to the ladies, both speak French. We don’t have enough evidence to arrest either one, but we can assign extra eyes on them.” He sighed. “In the meantime, that leaves us one last guest to discuss tonight.”
“Miss Yearsley? Yes, she’s an interesting one. She repeatedly rubbed her right temple in conversation throughout the entire day. While she could be a coconspirator, we already have two clear reasons to prove it’s a man we’re looking for.”
“Agreed.” Rolland thrummed his fingers on the desk. “Besides his voice, it would’ve been difficult for her to subdue Michael and lift him to the height of the window.”
“Yes, and Michael was tall and was hit on the top of his head.”
Rolland scrubbed a hand over his face. “At least our list is narrower than before.”
“Indeed.” Marcus leaned back. “But there’s more to discuss than our unresolved list.”
Rolland eyed his friend. “What else is bothering you?”
“Lady Glass.”
This wasn’t the topic Rolland had expected. “If the threat moves to her in any way, she has agreed to leave.”
“Good, but that’s not what I’m referring to. I observed you today, too, Rolland. You couldn’t keep your eyes off her.”
Rolland’s breath staggered its way out. “After the way LordVernon cornered her, how could I?”
“You could say it was merely a protective stare, but I sense there was more to it. And don’t think I didn’t notice the way you grabbed her hand last night outside your parents’ bedchamber.”
Rolland pushed his jacket aside and rested his hand on his hip. “Partly protective, partly to comfort her. You’d just announced Michael’s death.”
Marcus chuckled. “You don’t owe me any explanation. It’s only because of our conversation about Miss Shields during our trip to town to shop with our guests that I wanted to make certain you’re thinking this through.”
Rolland could use some guidance, and Marcus saw things clearer than anyone he knew. “I didn’t plan to fall for Theresia.”
Marcus gave another tired laugh. “Famous last words.”
Rolland lifted his brow. “Is that all the advice you have for me?” If his friend only knew how complicated everything was. His father had already set in motion a far different plan, and Rolland had no idea whether Theresia would disappear at the first sign of her vase.
Marcus shrugged. “If you’ve made up your mind, shouldn’t you look happier?”
“When was happiness ever simple?” When it concerned Theresia, Rolland didn’t have to tell his heart to be lighter. It just was. But thinking beyond her ruined everything.
“You’ve made it clear you don’t want us to know much about Lady Glass’s background,” Marcus said, propping his elbows on the desk. “But there are ways I can help. It’s not impossible to hide her real identity permanently.”
