Notorious Deception (26 page)

“This does put us at a decided disadvantage,” Derek said.

“Marlow has allotted me two days to find his property.” Diana looked searchingly into Derek's handsome face. “What are we going to do?”

There was a short pause while he pondered the best approach to combat their enemy. “I suspect we shall spend the next two days tearing this damn house apart, floorboard by floorboard if necessary, to find the book. After we discover exactly what it contains, we will know what Marlow is so anxious to retrieve. Once we have a better understanding of our adversary, I shall formulate a plan to effectively dispose of him.” Tight-lipped, Derek gave Diana a meaningful stare. “Permanently.”

 

The following morning Diana stood in the middle of the master bedchamber, trying to control her involuntary shivering and silently chastising herself. It is only a room, you ninny, she told herself. It has no magical powers over you. But it was Giles's room, a wicked voice within her said. His bedchamber. The room where he slept, he dressed, he lived. She shut her eyes tightly, trying to close out the sound of the voices and regain her equilibrium.

She was concentrating so hard she did not hear Derek enter the room. “Diana?”

She jerked her hand up over her mouth, effectively stifling the scream lodged in her throat. She turned and looked, terrified, toward the door.

Derek stood in the open doorway, his handsome face a combination of bewilderment and concern. “I am sorry, Diana,” he said in a soothing voice. “I did not mean to startle you. Are you all right?”

She nodded her head viciously and responded in a none-too-steady voice. “I am fine, Derek. You surprised me—that's all.” She gave her husband a wan smile to prove her words. “I thought you were down in your study, talking with the investigator. Is the meeting over?”

“Yes.” Derek strode across the room and stood before her. He reached down and clasped her trembling hands. “Are you cold, Diana? Your hands feel like ice.”

Diana bit down hard on her lower lip, determined to overcome her anxiety. “I must confess I am a bit out of sorts,” Diana admitted. Her eyes darted nervously about the bedchamber. “I know it is foolish, but this room reminds me so very much of Giles. It is most unsettling.”

Derek glanced around the room. “I feel it too,” he said. “I remember now it was the primary reason I decided not to occupy this chamber.”

She relaxed visibly at her husband's remarks, comforted by his confession. If Derek reacted the same way she did, at least she knew she was not going crazy, she told herself with relief.

“I have already searched the other bedchamber on this floor, so I decided it was time to look in here,” Diana said. “'Tis a reasonable assumption Giles would hide the book somewhere in his bedchamber.”

Derek snorted. “You forget, Diana, my cousin was not a reasonable man. Besides, I already made a detailed search of this room when you first arrived, seeking evidence of your marriage to Giles. I found nothing.”

Diana sighed, disappointed the bedchamber was yet another dead end, but relieved at having the excuse to leave. “Then there is no point in our searching again.”

Once back in their bedchamber, Derek was pleased to note the color returning to Diana's face. His mouth curved up in an ironic grin when he remembered his wife's reasoning for impulsively giving this house to Henriette. Diana was right. They would never be comfortable living there.

“Tell me about your meeting this morning,” Diana said.

Derek shrugged out of his forest-green jacket and loosened his stiffly tied cravat. Then he settled himself comfortably in a large, overstuffed chair near the lit fireplace. Casting his wife a decidedly lecherous glance, he patted his knees invitingly. “Come over here and sit with me, sweetheart. I shall tell you everything.”

Diana smiled at him. Once she was situated in the his lap, he related his earlier conversation with Charles Ramsey, the Bow Street runner hired to investigate Giles's death.

“Ramsey has had limited success with the investigation,” Derek said. “He was able to track down a man named John Wickers, who was at the scene of Giles's murder, but this individual is not able to provide any significant details about the murder itself.”

“How did Ramsey locate Mr. Wickers?”

“Apparently, Wickers found Giles after he had been attacked. Wickers moved in on him, intending to relieve Giles of his purse and any other valuables he could find. Ramsey was able to trace Wickers through the pawnbroker who bought Giles's watch from Wickers.”

“Isn't it possible Wickers killed Giles?”

“Precisely the question I put to Ramsey.” He shifted his legs and pulled Diana closer to his chest. “Despite his rather sordid reputation as a pickpocket and a thief, Wickers is not considered a killer. He vehemently denies stabbing Giles, claiming he happened upon Giles after he had been knifed. Ramsey believes Wickers is telling the truth, and I am inclined to trust Ramsey's judgment in this matter.”

Diana threaded her arms around his neck and sighed loudly. “Then we actually have learned nothing from Mr. Ramsey's investigation.”

“No, there is an odd twist to the story,” he said. “Although Giles was mortally wounded when Wickers discovered him, he was still alive and miraculously conscious for a few moments.”

“What!”

“Giles even spoke to Wickers, yet his words make little sense.”

“What did Giles say?”

“Wickers says it was all rather garbled and muddled, but he distinctly recalls Giles saying, ‘Look to the foxes.' ”

“Look to the foxes,” Diana said slowly. “What in the world is that supposed to mean, Derek?”

He shook his head ruefully. “I haven't the foggiest notion. Ramsey thinks it might be a clue to the identity of Giles's murderer, yet I still believe Jonathan Marlow either hired someone to dispose of Giles or did so himself.”

Diana snuggled closer to him. “Perhaps the fox is a reference to Marlow. A code name Giles used, or the name of a tavern or inn where he met with Marlow to conduct business, or even a clue to the name Marlow uses in society.”

Derek shrugged. “Any or all of those explanations are quite plausible, Diana. But frankly, it is not my primary concern at this time. Our focus must be on Marlow and finding his black book. We only have a day and a half left.”

“I know,” Diana said quietly. “We still have a large portion of the house to search, but I am certain we will find it.”

Derek smiled at the note of optimism in her voice. “I have given the entire staff the rest of the day off and instructed them to leave the house. Morgan and Tris will be here at one o'clock to help us search the servants quarters.”

Diana's expression betrayed her dismay. “Is that absolutely necessary, Derek?”

“Yes,” he said without hesitation. “The entire house must be searched, including the servants' floor.”

“Giles could have hidden the book in the servants' quarters without their knowledge,” Diana said.

“I am very aware of the fact,” Derek said. “No matter what we discover, I promise I will not automatically accuse any of the staff of any wrongdoing until they have an opportunity to offer an explanation.” Unless Dobbs proved to be in possession of the book, Derek said silently to himself. Then he would take great pleasure in dealing with the haughty butler swiftly and decisively.

“There is one thing we have learned with certainty,” Diana said sadly. “Giles was capable of just about anything.”

The house was eerily silent as Derek, Diana, Morgan, and Tristan quickly, yet thoroughly, hunted through the servants' quarters.

“That was the last room,” Tristan said in a discouraged voice as he stepped into the hallway to join the others. “Any luck?”

Everyone dejectedly grumbled their negative answers.

“What is next?” Morgan asked.

Derek paused a moment, scratching his head. “The - kitchens. We have a few hours before everyone returns and we must complete our search of the servants' area today while they are gone. We can concentrate our efforts on the remaining rooms of the house tomorrow.”

“Fine,” Morgan said. “Tristan and I can begin in the pantry. Perhaps we will have greater success if we work in pairs.”

The exhaustive search yielded nothing. The four of them probed numerous nooks and crannies, moved furniture around, and even pried up loose floorboards and bricks, but the result was always the same. Nothing was found.

“I must confess, I'm stumped,” Morgan said.

He sprawled out on a drawing room chair and nodded his head slightly in thanks when Derek placed a glass of wine in his hand. Derek, Morgan, and Tristan were alone in the drawing room discussing tactics, while Diana was mucking about in the kitchen preparing tea for everyone.

“One thing is certain,” Derek said with conviction. “I shall meet with Marlow in Diana's place, whether or not the book has been found.”

“Of course,” Tristan said immediately. “It would be to our advantage if we could locate that book, however. It might provide us with a better understanding of Marlow's motives.”

“I am pleased to see you haven't forgotten the first rule of battle, Tris,” Derek said with a slight smile. “Know thy enemy.”

“Marlow certainly knows a lot about you and Diana,” Morgan said. “What could possibly be in this mysterious book Marlow is so desperate to retrieve?”

Derek thoughtfully rested his chin on his clasped hands before saying, “I believe the book contains a record of Marlow's blackmailing activities. It would explain why Marlow kept only one copy of this book and why he told Diana she would recognize it by the names listed inside.”

“Sounds plausible,” Morgan said. “How the devil did Giles get his hands on this valuable book?”

“Hell, Marlow was probably blackmailing Giles,” Derek answered ruefully. He moved in front of the fireplace and jabbed aggressively at the burning logs. “Lord knows Giles had enough secrets to entice the interest of a man of Marlow's character. We know Giles had other business dealings with Marlow, since Marlow admitted to Diana he aided Giles in selling some of her properties. Giles must have somehow stumbled upon Marlow's book and acting out of greed, or perhaps even self-preservation, stole the book. When Giles refused to return the book, Marlow either killed him or had him killed.”

“But Marlow's plan backfired,” Morgan said. “Apparently Giles died before Marlow was able to discover where the book was hidden. And now he has involved Diana in his search.”

“Well, I plan to uninvolve Diana in the search and effectively destroy any future plans Marlow might be harboring that could threaten my wife,” Derek said forcefully.

“What about this Ramsey fellow you hired, Derek?” Tristan asked. “Was he able to provide any critical information?”

Derek sighed with regret. “The shortened version of Mr. Ramsey's report reveals only that Giles uttered a cryptic and probably unconnected sentence before he died. The man who was in the process of robbing Giles at the time only remembers the phrase, ‘Look to the foxes.' ”

“What the devil does that mean?” Morgan asked.

Derek shook his head. “Your guess is as good as mine, Morgan. Diana thinks it might be a reference to Marlow, perhaps a clue to the name he uses in society, but we have no way of knowing.”

The discussion came to an abrupt halt as Diana entered the room. Derek immediately sprang forward to relieve his wife of the heavily ladened silver tray she was awkwardly balancing in her arms.

“Thank you, Derek,” Diana said breathlessly. “I did not realize it was such a long distance from here to the kitchens. The tray became heavier with each step. I almost dropped it twice in the foyer.”

“You should have called for one of us to help you,” Tristan said, filling his plate with several sandwiches.

“I did not want to disturb you,” Diana said, pouring out the fragrant hot tea. “I suspected you would be discussing things you preferred I not hear.”

Derek flushed guiltily under his wife's pointed glance. “It is not as though I wish to deliberately exclude you, Diana.”

Diana's thoughtful brown eyes swept their faces. Tristan squirmed uncomfortably in his chair. Even Morgan would not directly meet her gaze. Diana tilted her head down to hide her smile.

“Of course you are not deliberately excluding me, Derek,” Diana said, lifting her head. She stared at him with wide, innocent eyes.

Diana's ready agreement and open trust made Derek even more nervous. “Good Lord, Diana, don't tell me you expect to accompany me when I meet Marlow.”

“Whatever would make you think such a thing?” she asked in a light voice. She smiled broadly at him as she held out a cup of hot tea toward him.

He was instantly suspicious. “You are being entirely too accommodating and reasonable,” he said, snatching the cup from her hand.

“What a strange comment. Precisely what do you mean?”

“Yes, what do you mean?” Tristan said, biting into his second sandwich.

Derek shot his friend a withering look before addressing his wife. “I will deal with Marlow, Diana,” he said in a commanding voice. He knew he sounded annoyingly superior, but it could not be helped. At all costs, Diana had to be protected. “This need not concern you.”

“It already concerns me, Derek.” Diana calmly sipped her tea. “Despite what you may be thinking, I am not foolish enough to want to take on Marlow myself,” she said softly. “I gladly leave him to you.” At Derek's triumphant smile, she quickly continued. “But I do take exception to being treated like a dim-witted child. I believe I have earned the right to be told of your plans. After all, I shall be left behind to worry about you.”

Diana gazed expectantly at him, as did Morgan and Tristan. Derek smiled grimly, knowing he had been neatly outmaneuvered.

“I am certainly glad to know you are on my side,” he said quietly. “I believe you can hold your own matching wits against Marlow, my dear. However, I would never allow you to be placed in such jeopardy. When Marlow contacts you, I shall finalize my plans.” He bowed his head graciously. “And naturally I shall enlighten you.”

“That is most considerate, Derek,” Diana said, holding aloft a large platter of sandwiches she had made. “Now, gentlemen, is anyone else besides Tristan hungry?”

 

Derek and Diana spent the majority of the next day closeted together in various rooms of the house. They received several queer looks from the servants, but no one was bold enough to make a comment. Diana supposed the staff was becoming used to the eccentric behavior of the earl and his new bride. Their tireless searching was again an exercise in frustration. The mysterious book was not located. Diana began to have serious doubts if Giles had ever possessed the book, but she knew Marlow would not be interested in hearing her opinion on the matter. He would demand results.

“It is still early, Derek. Do you think we should go out tonight?” She asked while they finished their dinner.

Derek frowned. “Was there some affair you specifically wished to attend, Diana?”

“Oh, no. But Marlow said he would contact me in two days to arrange a meeting. I haven't left the house since the ball. How will Marlow get a message to me if I don't appear in public?”

Derek grimaced. “I do not wish to make things any easier for Marlow, Diana. Truthfully, I would prefer it if he was unable to contact you. We could certainly use the extra time.”

“For what?” Diana asked. “We have combed this house for two entire days and found nothing. I would prefer getting the whole mess over with as soon as possible.”

Derek did not argue, but they did not go out that evening either. In the end, it made no difference. While Diana sat at her dressing table brushing her hair before retiring that night she noticed a folded note next to her hairpins. Her stomach felt decidedly queasy as she stared down at the bright white paper. With shaking fingers she picked up the offending note and quickly scanned it.

The note was unsigned, but there was hardly need for a signature. Diana knew very well the message was from Marlow. A small chill went through her. Somehow Marlow managed to invade her bedchamber, the most private and intimate part of the household, to deliver his message.

Derek came up silently behind her. He did not notice the small scrap of paper she clutched in her tightly closed fist. She saw his handsome reflection in the mirror and she relaxed when his strong fingers closed around her shoulders. He bent low, trailing a delicate line of soft kisses just below her ear. “Ready for bed?” His voice was deeply sensual.

Diana closed her eyes and leaned her head back. The urge to succumb to his seductive kisses was strong, yet she knew she must tell him about the note.

She turned in her chair to face her husband. The words she was struggling to speak were instantly forgotten as she took a full, long look at him. “You're naked,” she said, feeling her cheeks flush.

Derek grinned broadly at her, and he lifted his hand, tracing with his finger the lines of her flushed cheekbones. “I always sleep naked, Diana. I thought you were becoming use to it by now.”

Diana paused, unable to put her thoughts into words. It was one thing to cuddle naked against Derek's hard strength in their bed, but quite another to watch him wander casually about the room without his clothing. She did not think she would ever become used to that.

She swallowed hard. The sight of her husband's taut, sensual male body was having its usual devastating effect on her senses. Her breathing quickened and her pulses raced, and she felt the tingling desire deep in her belly. She longed to reach over and embrace his warm masculine form.

He leaned forward and began kissing her throat. “Derek,” she said weakly, holding up the fist containing the crumbled note.

“Mmm,” he replied, his hand closing over her breast. Diana moved her head back so he could not kiss her lips and she waved her clenched fist at him.

Wordlessly, he reached for her hand and she relinquished her hold on the paper.

“Where was this?”

“On my dressing table.”

“Bloody hell,” he said softly. “That bastard must have one of the house servants working for him.”

“I know. Only a member of our household could have placed the note there without drawing attention to himself,” Diana said grimly. It pained her greatly to think one of the staff was disloyal to Derek. “What are you going to do?”

“Forget about it for now.” He threw the note to the floor. Then he pulled Diana into his arms. “What am I going to do, my love?” he said hypnotically, sensually into her ear. “I am going to strip my beautiful wife of her clothing and carry her over to our bed, where I can hold her sweet, naked body in my arms. Then I am going to kiss her senseless and stroke and caress her until she is moist and burning hot and I can feel her body quiver with need. And then I will enter her warm sweetness. Fill her. Possess her. And I am going to feel her cling to me and listen to her moan and whimper for more as I drive her to mindless excitement. And when she is finally sated and totally relaxed, I am going to start all over again.”

“Oh, Derek.” Diana felt the flames of his words and the rigid trembling of his passion. She totally forgot about the note, about Marlow, about everything.

“There is one slight flaw in your plan my lord,” she said as her body arched toward his tender stroking caresses.

“Problem?” Derek murmured, taking her nipple carefully between his teeth.

“I don't believe I can wait until you carry me all the way across the room to our bed,” she said with a teasing growl. Reaching down, she glided her hand over his broad, naked chest and then lightly caressed the tip of his fully aroused manhood.

Derek groaned and thrust himself back against her hand. “Don't fret, my love. I am a man who has learned to appease his wife in all things.” Laughing, he pulled her onto the soft carpeted floor.

Afterward, Derek held Diana in his arms, listening to her shifting restlessly in her sleep. Slumber eluded him. His mind was focused on the events of the upcoming morning. He assumed Marlow would have someone watching the house, but Derek needed to contact Tristan and Morgan. He decided to send a footman to bring Ramsey to the house to guard Diana. Since she would be left behind, she would need the extra protection the Bow Street runner could provide. Given the ease in which Marlow's note had been delivered, Derek felt justified in taking the extra precautions to guard his wife.

He did not doubt his own ability to effectively dispose of Marlow, but faint lingering doubts about Diana's safety haunted him. He loved and cherished his beautiful wife, and he was uneasy about leaving her. He knew if any harm came to her, he would probably kill Marlow with his bare hands.

Diana muttered something in her sleep and cuddled closer to him. He slid his leg lazily along hers until he felt her calm and relax. Vowing to keep her safe at all costs, he finally relaxed and fell asleep.