Page 28 of Unmasking the Diamond
“I want you to be careful.”
“You need not worry about me, my lord,” she returned. “I can take care of myself.”
He wasn’t so easily persuaded. “You say that now, but you have no idea the dangers that lurk in the heart of London.” He hesitated, then added, “I think it would be wise if we told your brother?—”
“Absolutely not!” she exclaimed, her voice rising in alarm. “If Alistair even suspected I was in danger, I would be locked away in the townhouse forever.”
“Would that be such a bad thing?”
Her glare would have felled a lesser man. “How would I get material for my articles?”
“Your safety is more important than a blasted article.”
“But yours isn’t?” she shot back.
Her words struck home, though he did not let it show. Running a hand through his hair, he muttered, “I don’t believe the duchess’s death was from influenza. It was too convenient, too sudden. I have to keep investigating.”
Her brow arched. “Why is her death so important to you?”
He faltered, then gave her the truth she deserved. “The duchess was a dear friend of my mother’s. My mother tried desperately to help her when she learned of her being committed, even petitioned the queen, but her hands were tied. When the news came that the duchess had died, my mother was inconsolable. I vowed then that I would find the truth, one way or another.”
Her features softened. “I am sorry.”
“I don’t want your pity,” Luca said sharply. “I want justice. That is all.”
She studied him for a long moment. “That is admirable, but is this investigation worth your life?”
He exhaled, knowing she was right to ask, yet unwilling to admit defeat. “Something is happening at The Chelmsford Asylum. I intend to uncover it.”
“Very well,” she said, eyes brightening with determination. “But I still wish to help.”
He blinked at her, incredulous. “No. I won’t have you risking your life for this.”
“Well, I am involved now whether you like it or not,” she countered. “I already spoke to Jane. She told me the duke rarely spoke of his wives, particularly his first wife.”
“That does not surprise me,” Luca said grimly. “He discarded her so easily. Why would he even bother mentioning her?”
Charlotte stepped closer. “What are we going to do?”
“Weare going to do nothing,” Luca said firmly. “I, however, intend to speak to the late duchess’s sister. She may have answers.”
“I could go with you.”
He huffed a laugh. “And how, pray tell, would we explain that to your brother?”
She shrugged with maddening nonchalance. “We could go on a carriage ride.”
Luca smirked despite himself. “Are you trying to get me alone, Miss Winslow?”
Her cheeks flushed. “Good heavens, no. You are a cocky, loud-mouthed man.”
“And yet you just suggested a carriage ride with me. I am flattered, but I worry you would ravish me.”
Her mouth dropped open. “I would never ravish you!”
“Whyever not?” he asked lightly. “I am a remarkably good-looking man. You could do far worse.”
“I pity the woman who marries you.”
