The Daughter of an Earl by Victoria Morgan Page A

adroit handling of the reins of the curricle, I would have suffered more than a broken arm. However, then you would not have been recruited to draft my correspondence, which might have saved me a few headaches and a lot of time,” he said.
    â€œI think you would be facing far graver problems if youhad been shot.” She said the words lightly, but her stomach curdled at the memory of the thugs who had attacked Brett and Robbie.
    A startled laugh escaped him. Clearly the reminder did not disturb him. “True again.” He glanced back at her. “Good thing I was not. Or were you hoping otherwise?”
    â€œOh, no. I am glad you survived. As you well know, I had need of your assistance the other day.” She drew in a deep breath, and took the first step in her dance with the devil. “In fact, I was thinking about your offer of assistance and—” She got no further.
    â€œI knew it!” Ignoring the stallion, he strode away from Jonathan’s perch.
    To her annoyance, he left her no choice but to follow him.
    He lowered his voice to an excited hiss. “I knew there was more to your invitation.”
    â€œI beg your pardon?”
    â€œYou have an ulterior motive for wanting my sisters and myself to stay with you in London. Do not deny it. Contrary to Melody’s prattle, you have no interest in escorting them to society events,” he declared, his expression triumphant.
    â€œDo not be ridiculous. I am pleased to—”
    â€œNo, you are not. Daniel says you have been avoiding the social affairs of the ton for years, have not extended any invitations to friends, and stunned Julia with your sudden, gracious offer. So it begs the question, why?”
    â€œWhy what?” Her anger flared. Tamping it down, she cursed Daniel for his breach of confidence, and Brett for digging into wounds he could never see. He thought he knew something, but he did not.
    He understood nothing of the fears she fought to keep at bay.
    That her will faltered in the crush of crowds. That the murmurs sweeping the room were like a strong current threatening to drown her—again.
    He folded his arms across his chest. “Do not deny it. Youneed my sisters as decoys while you arrange clandestine meetings with men like Drummond and—”
    â€œThat is enough! You have no idea what you are talking about,” she cried, advancing on him. “It is not your sisters’ help I need, but yours, you arrogant, obtuse man.”
    His lips parted before he snapped his mouth closed. “My help?” he blurted inanely, recovering his voice.
    â€œI hoped we could perform a mutual service for each other. I have decided to accept the assistance that you offered me the other day. In exchange for your help, I am offering you mine with your sisters.”
    â€œCalling me obtuse when I did deduce you had an ulterior motive is rather rich.” He arched a brow.
    â€œFine. But arrogant still stands.”
    He shrugged. “I have been called worse.”
    His words reined in her own temper, and the tension gripping her eased. “I understand that while in the city, you will need time to search for your cousin. Your sisters confided your aunt’s worry over his recent disappearance.”
    He scowled. “My sisters are not known for their discretion, Melody in particular.”
    â€œNeither is my brother-in-law.”
    Brett made no response, but warily studied her as if he could extract her true motives. “So you wish for me to speak to my contact at the East India Company?”
    She glanced over at Jonathan, who held his sword above his head as the stallion stood majestically, eyeing her brother with distrust. She and her brother faced dangerous adversaries and needed to proceed cautiously. “No, I need your assistance with a matter of a little more delicacy.”
    He frowned, but did not question her. He let the silence unfold, not rushing to fill the void with