Page 47 of A Dangerous Lord (Regency Spies & Secrets 3)

Corbyn gestured towards Miss Polly. “Someone entered through the window and slit Miss Polly’s throat while she was preparing for the day. Then, the person left the same way he entered.”

“You assume it is a man?”

“I do,” Corbyn replied. “Furthermore, the cut is clean, no jagged edges, making me conclude this is not the first time he’s killed someone.”

“And why do you assume the perpetrator came through the window?” the man asked, crossing his arms over his small chest.

“The door was locked when her body was discovered, and there are drops of blood on the windowsill,” Corbyn explained.

“Regardless, I would prefer to do my own investigation, Mr…” the constable’s voice intentionally trailed off.

“Actually, it is Lord Evan Corbyn, and I am the second son of the Duke of Weatherby,” he announced in a commanding voice.

The constable’s eyes grew wide. “I apologize, milord,” he stumbled out. “I hadn’t realized who I was speaking to.”

He reached into his pocket and pulled out his calling card. “If you need to speak to me again, I will make myself available to you.”

“Yes, milord,” the constable remarked as he accepted the card. “That is most gracious of you, but I don’t believe it will be necessary.”

Corbyn placed a hand on Donnelly’s shoulder. “I am sorry for your loss,” he said. “Please let me know if there is anything I can do during this difficult time.”

Donnelly tipped his head. “Thank you, milord.”

“I would prefer if you kept my true identity a secret,” Corbyn requested.

“I understand.”

Corbyn withdrew his hand and walked out of the room. It wasn’t until he left the building before he let himself feel something. Anger welled up inside of him. He would catch this blackguard who had killed two of his friends. He wouldn’t rest until he got justice for Hannity and Miss Polly.

Chapter Seven

Jane pulled theneedle out of her fabric as she turned her attention towards her sister-in-law, Emmeline, who was sitting across from her on the settee. “How are you feeling?” she asked.

Emmeline gave her a weak smile. “Much better, thank you.”

“I am sorry that you haven’t been feeling well these past few days.”

“As am I,” Emmeline admitted. “It is getting rather bothersome.”

“I can only imagine.”

Jane’s mother spoke up. “Should we call for the doctor?”

“I don’t believe that to be necessary,” Emmeline responded. “I am sure I will start feeling well soon enough.”

Lowering the fabric to her lap, Jane asked, “Do you intend to visit your aunt today?”

“I do, assuming I feel up to it.”

Her mother reached for her teacup on the table, then said, “We missed you last night at Lady Greenan’s ball.”

“May I ask how the evening went?” Emmeline asked, glancing between them.

After she took a sip, her mother lowered the teacup and replied, “Not surprisingly, Jane did not want for a dance partner last night.”

“Is that so?” Emmeline questioned.

Jane smiled. “It’s true,” she shared. “I met the most remarkable gentlemen.”

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