Aaron snorted. “Are you saying the gossiping lords are lying? Sigmund just told me the news gained from witnesses at the Olympic.”
“What news, sir?”
“The news that you’re betrothed.”
A laugh escaped her. “But we’re not really betrothed. Theo said it in the heat of the moment while threatening Lord Wrotham. He has no intention of ever leaving Fortune’s Den.”
Theo looked at her with obvious admiration. Most people were terrified of Aaron and seldom voiced their opinions. Yet she knew when a man’s temper stemmed from love and concern and when it was borne from his own selfish interests.
“I’m afraid you’re stuck with me,” Theo said, his smile failing to reach his eyes. “We made a pact to be bachelors until we’re old and grey.”
Aaron contemplated the remark for lengthy seconds. A frown marred his brow, and when he sighed, it was long and weary. “As I said, you don’t need to hide anything from me. Your happiness has always been a priority.” He stepped back and motioned to the door. “It’s late, Miss Darrow. I suggest you retire before you lose your most prized possession in a game of chance.”
It was a demand, not a suggestion.
Eleanor stood and made for the door. “I thank you for your hospitality.” She had outstayed her welcome. “I shall return to my modiste shop in the morning.” Mr Gibbs would tackle the villain if he dared to attack her again. “Hiding is only delaying our progress. Perhaps it’s time I lured the blackguard into a trap.”
Theo made to speak, but Aaron replied first. “I admire your courage and tenacity, madam. In the face of adversity, true emotions are often revealed.”
True emotions?
Eleanor sensed he was referring to her relationship with Theo, not the devious ransacker’s motives. She also suspected Theo would object to her leaving but understood the logic of Aaron’s suggestion.
“I mean to bring this matter to a swift conclusion.” She turned to Theo, hoping her smile did not convey the true depth of her affection. Anything more than a brief affair was out of the question. “Thank you for an entertaining evening, Mr Chance. As to our game of trivia, you were right. Aphrodite is the goddess of plums.”
Chapter Thirteen
“You left the card room last night like you were late for an appointment.” Theo studied her in the confines of his carriage, his eyes a smouldering azure. “Do you regret our experiment?”
Regret feeling a passion she did not know existed?
Regret feeling close to a man for the first time in her life?
Regret this delicious obsession?
Heaven help her, she should.
She should be cursing her stupidity.
“No. I’m only sorry we were interrupted. I suspect Aaron rode in on his metaphorical white charger intending to save my virtue.”
“He wished to prevent us both from making a mistake. He told me so when he ordered me into his study and dragged me over hot coals.”
Did Aaron fear living alone at Fortune’s Den? Did he hope Theo would set his sights on a lady, not a lowly modiste? Despite their upbringing, the men had an aristocrat’s blood.
“For what? Seducing me on a card table?”
His slow smile became a confident grin. “You’ve been seducing me since you stormed into the theatre box, threatening to hound me night and day until I give you what you want.”
That seemed like a lifetime ago.
So much had changed since then.
“Did you get what you wanted, Eleanor?”
“Did you?”
He laughed. “I left the card room feeling like I’d emptied the Marquess of Rothley’s purse.”
“Is that a good thing?” She knew her clients found the marquess to be an enigma. The largest dowry in all Christendom would not convince him to marry. According to gossip, he was amoral. A hedonist.
“An exceptionally good thing. After our amorous interlude, I’m obsessed with plums. I’m obsessed with you, Eleanor.”
Any woman would melt upon hearing his declaration. Every heart longed to hear sweet whispers of affection. But would these intense emotions fade with time? Would their friendship survive when lust released them from its talon-like grip?
“What happened to the pie?” she said, changing the subject.
“Aaron wanted a piece but declined, saying it looked like it had been ravaged by wolves.” His voice took on a husky gravel. “I didn’t tell him it’s because we ate it without cutlery. Shall I send Sigmund to Breadwell’s and order another for tonight?”
Her pulse raced.
Last night had been magnificent, but she would be a fool to believe this affair would end well. Despite her donning steel armour, this man had stolen her heart. What hope had she of reclaiming it now?
“I meant what I said to Aaron. I must return home today.” The thought filled her with dread. “Working to find the villain must be my priority.”
He said nothing for a moment and simply stared as if she’d spoken a foreign language. “I would rather you remained at Fortune’s Den until the culprit is in custody.”
