Free A Shameful Secret by Anne Ireland

not,” Paul replied. “Someone made sure I could not question the man who might have told me. Yet, I have not lost hope of bringing the culprit to justice. I know he is guilty of the deaths of some of my men. It may have been the result of greed or there may be a more serious purpose behind what was done. I have sworn to bring the perpetrator to justice, and one day I shall do so. I have not the least doubt of that.”
    “I wish you good fortune with your mission, sir.”
    Paul's gaze narrowed for she seemed to shiver.
    “Have no fear, Miss Weston. Mortimer will not attempt another abduction.”
    “You will be careful, sir?”
    “You must not be anxious for my sake, Miss Weston.” His expression lightened, became warmer as he saw that she was indeed anxious for him, and the knowledge made him suddenly lighthearted. “And now we have spoken of this wretched business for long enough. Will you dance?”
    “Willingly, sir,” Hester said and gave him her hand.

Chapter Four
     
    A smiling Henry Blackwater greeted Hester on her way to the lending library the next morning. He looked extremely handsome in a coat of blue superfine that moulded to his powerful shoulders, a striped waistcoat, and a cravat that could only be described as artistry. It fell in beautifully arranged folds that must have taken either him or his valet endless trouble to arrange.
    “Miss Weston,” he said sweeping off his tall crowned beaver hat and making her an elegant leg. “How charming you look this morning.”
    Hester blushed and disclaimed, thinking that of the two of them he had the better claim. She was wearing a light blue gown under a pelisse of grey velvet, for it was cooler that morning, and her bonnet of matching velvet trimmed with silk roses—but only the bonnet was new.
    “You flatter me, sir, but it is very kind of you.”
    “Who would be anything but kind to you, Miss Weston?”
    Hester could think of several people who had been less than kind to her in the past, but she merely smiled and shook her head. Mr. Blackwater would make some fortunate young lady a kind and considerate husband, she thought. Had she been free to marry, she might have been happy as his wife, though he did not make her heart leap as did another gentleman of her acquaintance. However, it would be foolish to think of marriage at all. Her father had forbidden it, and her mother would never relent.
    “Have you been invited to Lady Jersey’s ball?” Hester asked, deciding to steer the conversation to safer waters. “Countess Danbury has heard a whisper that the Prince Regent may attend.”
    “Is Prinny visiting Bath?” Henry looked sceptical. “He seldom bothers, for he prefers Brighton or London, and who can blame him? It will surprise me if he shows, but I may be wrong. Have you never met him, Miss Weston?”
    “I have been to neither London nor Brighton,” Hester said feeling awkward. He would wonder why, and she would have to lie to satisfy his curiosity. Happily, he did not question her further.
    “Perhaps you prefer the beauties of the countryside to the rattle of empty-headed society,” he said with a teasing look. “How wise you are. I sometimes think all this coming and going a waste of time.”
    Hester laughed and shook her head. “No, no, I am sure a London season must be delightful. I was to have had one when I was eighteen, but unfortunately things happened to prevent it.”
    “Then you would not mind dividing your time between the country and town in the right circumstances?” His eyes were intent as they rested on her face, making Hester feel very warm. His manner was so particular that she could not help thinking he was considering making her an offer at some future date.
    “Given the right circumstances I imagine it would be very pleasant,” she replied, hoping that her words would give him pause for thought. “But I do not see it happening in the near future.” With a feeling of relief, she saw Geraldine and Lucinda