The Daughter of an Earl by Victoria Morgan Page B

speculations, as most men were wont to do. It was one more trait of his that she appreciated.
    â€œIt is about those answers that I am seeking. You see my questions, or rather, my suspicions arose when I reread some of my late fiancé’s letters.” She repeated what she had toldDrummond about the discrepancy in the ledgers. “Accounts were not adding up, supplies were disappearing, and monies used for payment on items delivered were missing. He feared he had found evidence of foul play.”
    Neither surprise nor interest crossed Brett’s features. She needed to give him something more. “Jason’s clerk and his valet accompanied Jason’s casket home. During Jason’s funeral, his clerk left me an address for me to contact him. He asked that I do so to discuss a matter of vital importance. He would not say what, and I . . . I did not press him at that time because I was . . . I . . .” She faltered and heat burned her cheeks. “I was . . .”
    â€œI understand,” he intervened. “The viscount was your betrothed; you were grieving.”
    She
had been
grieving. In the darkest depths of despair, but he need not know that. “Yes. Well, this past year I recalled his request, and I wrote to him at the address he had given me. He has replied and agreed to meet with me in London, and I wish to do so because I believe the matter he wished to discuss concerned Jason’s death.”
    â€œYou want me to escort you to a meeting with your fiancé’s former clerk?” He rubbed his neck, looking uncomfortable. “Shouldn’t your father escort you? Have you asked him—?”
    â€œNo, I have not. And you must not mention any of this to my father or Julia. Please, I need your word on that.”
    He frowned. “Lady Emily, he was your fiancé. You do have a right to allay whatever misgivings you have regarding his passing. I am sure your father would understand—”
    â€œNo, please. I have put them through enough the last few years; I will not put them through any more. You must give me your word that what I share with you will remain in the strictest confidence. That you will not breathe a word of it to anyone.” Desperation had her near begging.
    After a prolonged stretch of silence, he nodded. “You have my word—with one caveat. Should they become cognizant of whatever it is that you wish to discuss, and ask me directly, I will be honest. I will not lie to your family or Daniel.”
    â€œOf course not. I am not asking you to do so. But until that situation arises, I am requesting that you keep my confidence because they would not approve, particularly after all that happened to Daniel and Julia two years ago when they pursued a similar course.”
    â€œI understand,” he said.
    â€œThank you.” She lifted her chin and stared him straight in the eye. “I believe Jason was murdered, and I need your help in proving it.”
    Brett stiffened with a curse. His eyes darkened and he shook his head. “No! No more murder mysteries. Absolutely not.” He spun away from her and stormed off in Jonathan’s direction.
    That was it?
Her mouth opened and closed like a fish tossed on land and left to dry.
Of all the arrogant, insensitive . . .
She caught up her skirts and started after him. When he suddenly stopped and spun around, he nearly collided with her. She stumbled back and blinked up at his thunderous expression.
    â€œBlast and damnation!” he barked. He leaned low, crowding her as his voice spilled out in an angry hiss. “Do you know the dangers inherent in investigating a murder? Daniel almost got killed. Julia almost got killed. More important,
I
nearly got killed! I have no interest in dying young. Or watching you kill yourself in this quest. Not to mention your father would murder me. Then we would
both
be dead. So do you see why I cannot