Caroline couldn’t quell her panic at the sight of the message that had just arrived. Though unmarked, she knew it was from the Duke of Wayfair. Three days had passed since that terrible afternoon at the bookshop. No doubt he’d returned to London and wanted his new book.

Richard had given her the wrapped one, advising her that when Wayfair contacted her, she should explain the one she was supposed to receive hadn’t been ready. Along with the book, he’d given her specific instructions not to meet the duke alone.

She’d known Wayfair would contact her, but knowing didn’t reduce her fear that he’d refuse to remain quiet about her father’s health since she hadn’t been able to do as he asked.

Luckily, she was by herself in the drawing room, reviewing correspondence and didn’t have to hide her worry from her family.

Fingers trembling, she opened the missive.

Meet me at the Pantheon Bazaar this afternoon at two o’clock.

W.

Simple perhaps, yet still frightening. The idea of casually announcing to him that she’d failed seemed impossible. Especially when on the heels of that, she’d need to insist he hold his silence regarding her father’s condition. Since she hadn’t completed the mission, she had no way to convince the duke to keep her family’s secret.

Richard had asked her to notify him as soon as the duke contacted her so he could accompany her. While grateful for his support, she didn’t see how he could help. He held no sway over the duke. In fact, she feared Richard’s presence would make Wayfair less likely to agree with her request.

Richard might choose to confront Wayfair as to why he’d asked her to complete the exchange on his behalf. Part of her wanted him to, if only to show the duke she wasn’t unprotected. Yet she saw no way that would end well. Richard’s interference was more likely to anger Wayfair than warn him off.

If she had to meet the duke, one of her sisters might be the best chaperone. With luck, Annabelle would be distracted enough by the sights of the Pantheon that she might not notice Caroline meeting with the duke or wonder about their conversation.

The Pantheon Bazaar had originally been built as a theater then changed to a public assembly room where balls had been held. Financial troubles had forced its closure for some time until a few weeks ago when it reopened as a place for shoppers to find luxury goods. Even those not wishing to buy jewelry or clothes found plenty to hold their interest as a variety of novelty items were also offered for sale.

Caroline hadn’t yet visited the bazaar but the idea of meeting in a public place that would be crowded made her feel safer.

She hesitated as she reviewed the message, wondering if she should notify Richard after all. She still felt guilty over his being injured at the bookshop. Although she didn’t know why he’d been there, he surely wouldn’t have been stabbed if not for her.

No. Including Richard held too much risk, plus his presence might anger Wayfair, which she’d prefer to not do. She hoped to convince the duke to keep her father’s failing health a secret.

She needed to handle this herself. Richard was more than a cynical rogue, but despite his specific instructions as to how she should deal with the duke, he couldn’t possibly have any experience in situations such as this. It was too much to ask him to help her resolve this mess.

Then why did a hollowness fill her at the idea of leaving him out of it?

Annabelle was delighted at the idea of visiting the Pantheon, so delighted that Margaret decided she wanted to come along as well. The time for the meeting quickly approached.

Caroline hoped Annabelle and Margaret would keep each other distracted and allow Caroline to complete her conversation with the duke without issue. As long as they remained in the vicinity so Wayfair knew she wasn’t unaccompanied.

How ironic that she’d followed the duke out to the garden at the ball only a few weeks ago and now the idea of being alone with him gave her the shivers.

The main doorway of the Pantheon on Oxford Street was sheltered by a portico and already filled with people. A rotunda served as the great room, the architecture stunning. The barrel-vaulted ceiling gave an open, airy feeling to the building. Large potted ferns and colorful parrots on tall stands greeted new arrivals as they entered, lending an exotic feel.

“Look at the blue in his feathers.” Annabelle moved to stand closer to one of the birds. “I’ve never seen such a bright color.”

“Beautiful,” Margaret agreed. “Think of a silk gown in that shade. Can you imagine?”

Caroline smiled at her sisters but was too nervous to truly appreciate the parrot or the other sights, all too aware of the weight of the book in her reticule.

“Oh, look,” Annabelle declared. “They have monkeys here.”

Margaret frowned as she followed Annabelle’s gaze. “The poor things, tied all day to that stand. They should be swinging from trees in the jungle, don’t you think?”

“Yes, but I confess it’s still enjoyable to see them up close.”

“Let us continue into the bazaar,” Caroline said as she studied the crowd for a sign of the duke.

“I don’t understand what made you want to come here, Caroline.” Annabelle narrowed her eyes as she studied her.

“I heard someone speak of it. I thought it would be interesting to browse through.” Caroline was careful not to look at her sister as she lied. Annabelle was far too observant and knew her too well.

“Hmmm.”

Margaret sighed in appreciation as her gaze swept the rotunda.

“It is said that very few leave the Pantheon without giving that same sigh.” Annabelle paused beside Margaret and sighed as well, making all three of them laugh.

Caroline was glad they were with her. No matter that they didn’t know the reason she was here, they still provided moral support.

“Is there somewhere specific you’d like to go first?” Margaret asked as she looked about.

“Not really,” Caroline answered. She hadn’t realized the place was quite so large. Unfortunately, the duke hadn’t been specific in his message. “Perhaps we can wander until one of us sees something we want to look at more closely.”

Annabelle led the way. Several young children bounced from sight to sight, dragging their governesses along, delighted at the novelties. Wide bays lined the sides of the bazaar and struck Caroline as the most likely place for the duke to meet her. She moved in that direction, hoping her search for Wayfair went unnoticed by her sisters.

They’d made it nearly a quarter way through the bazaar before she saw him just ahead.

“Isn’t that the Duke of Wayfair?” Annabelle asked.

“Oh, I believe it is.” Heat stole up Caroline’s cheeks.

“Did you know he’d be here?”

“Why on earth would you suggest that?” Caroline wished her sister would go with Margaret to view the fine jewelry on display.

“You’ve been acting oddly since we left the house and now your cheeks are pink. What’s going on? Did you plan this?”

“Your imagination is getting the best of you. I’m betrothed, you know. I’ll say hello and we’ll be on our way.”

“I’ll join you,” Annabelle said as she watched the duke with narrowed eyes.

“That would be awkward. I’m merely going to visit with him briefly. Will you please go with Margaret? I’ll be right behind you.”

“Why don’t I believe you?” Annabelle was being unusually stubborn. “Does this have anything to do with your engagement to Aberland?”

“Stop,” Caroline ordered. Her sister’s behavior made Caroline more nervous, along with making her feel guilty for not notifying Richard of the meeting. “All is well. I’m asking you to give me a moment to greet an acquaintance. That is all.”

With a scowl, her sister slowly walked toward Margaret.

“Good day, Miss Gold.” The duke bowed as Caroline curtsied.

Heart hammering, Caroline lifted her chin, reminding herself it wasn’t her fault things had gone so terribly wrong at the bookshop. Turning her back to where her sisters stood, she withdrew the still-wrapped parcel from her reticule. She was suddenly very grateful Richard had prevented her from opening it. She no longer wanted to know what it contained.

The duke frowned. “That’s the book I gave you. Where is the new one?”

“I couldn’t say. The bookshop owner insisted he knew nothing of your request.” Remembering the events brought forth her anger, a much more welcome emotion than fear.

“What—”

“And I do not appreciate being sent to a less than desirable neighborhood for such a bizarre errand.” She lifted her chin. He might be a duke, but she was a lady and didn’t appreciate the way he’d treated her.

One of the duke’s brows rose. “Did something untoward occur?”

“Yes, and it was most unpleasant. Another customer interrupted my conversation with the owner and insisted he take your book.”

“And?”

“I told him in no uncertain terms that was not possible. I’m afraid I had to get physical in order to prevent him from taking it.”

“He didn’t offer one in exchange?”

“Why would he?” She waited, wondering if he’d explain.

“I thought...perhaps I had the name of the bookshop wrong.” The excuse sounded weak, partly because of the duke’s tone.

“I don’t know what all this is about, but it’s not my fault this excursion did not go according to your expectations.”

“But—”

A glance at her sisters gave Caroline the courage to continue, interrupting whatever the duke was going to say. “I expect you to hold your silence regarding any suspicions you may have pertaining to my father’s health.”

“You didn’t fulfill my request.” The chill in his pale blue eyes couldn’t be denied.

She held tight to her anger. She’d kept her end of the bargain. He needed to do the same. “Actually, I did everything you requested. I’m sure you’d agree.”

“Agree to what?” The deep male tone had Caroline spinning, her heart racing.

“Richard? I—I didn’t expect to see you here.”

“No? I thought I mentioned that I intended to accompany you.” The steel in his dark eyes didn’t escape her notice. “Wayfair. This doesn’t seem like a place you’d frequent.”

“The Pantheon offers many interesting sights.”

Richard ignored his less than friendly tone. “Bought a book, did you?” He glanced at the wrapped package the duke held.

“Yes. They offer unusual items one doesn’t find elsewhere.”

“Are you ready to continue on?” Richard asked her. “Your sisters are getting restless with the delay, I believe.”

“Yes. Yes, of course.” She held Wayfair’s gaze, trying to make him understand she expected him to do as she requested.

“Until we meet again,” the duke said with a unpleasant smile and a nod.

Caroline’s heart sank. Between the duke’s thinly veiled threat and Richard’s anger, she felt as though she were between a rock and a hard place. Any move she made would no doubt be the wrong one and squeeze her all the more.

She didn’t bother to respond. Instead, she turned toward her sisters, taking Richard’s offered arm as they walked. “I’m surprised to see you here.”

“Did you misplace the message you meant to send me, advising me of the meeting?”

Guilt spread through her, but she couldn’t deny how pleased she was that he’d found her. “I didn’t see how you coming along would convince Wayfair to hold his tongue.” She glanced at his injured arm. “You’ve suffered enough on my behalf.”

Richard stopped before they reached her sisters. “You must know that I would do all in my power to keep you safe.” The intensity of his gaze made her question why she’d doubted him.

“It’s not me I’m worried about, but my family.”

“That extends to them as well.”

Her heart softened at his words. She truly believed he meant them.

But how could he make such a promise when he didn’t have the ability to see it through? With limited funds and limited connections, why would Wayfair bother to listen to Richard?

That left her to deal with the threat. She couldn’t become dependent on Richard when she still believed their betrothal might very well end. Although she was intimidated by the duke, she refused to allow him to harm her family.

If only Richard truly were in the position to aid her. Or they were truly going to be married. That would change everything.

~*~

“Thank you. I appreciate that,” Caroline said, her gaze shifting away.

Richard ground his teeth at the polite words. She obviously didn’t believe him. While he knew that was his fault as he’d taken care to build his reputation as a careless rogue, he didn’t appreciate her lack of faith in him. Nor could he tell her the truth—that he was a spy for the Crown. “What did he say?”

“He was less than pleased that I didn’t make the exchange.” She glanced about as though searching for the duke. “I know you aren’t used to this sort of subterfuge but don’t you think we should have this conversation later? He could very well be watching us from a distance.”

His frustration at the situation nearly sent his blood boiling, at least what he imagined boiling blood would feel like. “You are incorrigible.”

Caroline stared at him as though thoroughly perplexed. “I’m not even going to pretend to understand your meaning.”

Richard shook his head. “And I’m not going to attempt to explain.” He took her arm and escorted her to her sisters. He glanced over to see Rochester, one of his associates, tilt his head toward the entrance, a sure sign he’d seen the duke leave.

Rochester moved to follow the duke as they’d discussed.

It was difficult for Richard to allow Caroline to think he had no idea what he was doing when it came to dealing with the duke when, in fact, he had training and experience in such matters. But he could do little else without giving up his secrets.

“I don’t understand why you’re so angry.” Caroline looked up at him from under her lashes.

“As you suggested, we’ll discuss the matter later, but suffice it to say that as your fiancé, I forbid you to meet men without me present.”

Her mouth opened into a perfect O before she closed it with a scowl. He tore his gaze from her lips, for the thought of what more those lips were capable of distracted him from his purpose.

At last, she said, “I was properly chaperoned by my sisters.”

“That isn’t the point.”

If he hadn’t happened to call upon Caroline, he wouldn’t have known about this meeting, although Rochester would’ve eventually briefed him as he’d been trailing the duke since his return to London.

Another Whitehall agent had discovered Wayfair in Southampton, along with a man the duke hired to take a boat across the Channel at night, just as Richard suspected. The message the agent found on the man had been coded and was at Whitehall now.

Unfortunately, as with the other message, they had yet to decipher it. Once again, evidence suggested the duke was involved in illicit activities, but without actual proof, no action could be taken other than to continue following him.

The situation grew more frustrating by the day.

Added to that was his betrothed’s lack of faith in him.

Why her belief in him, her trust, had become important was nothing he wanted to explore.

But it mattered all the same.

Which left him angry and her annoyed, as far as he could tell.

He greeted her sisters with a smile, which Margaret, the youngest, returned. Annabelle appeared to have a suspicious nature. The cautious smile she offered in return told him she wasn’t yet convinced of his place in their family.

In truth, her reserve served as a reminder of his previous commitments. Chances were he wouldn’t be joining their family. Odd how in the course of a few weeks, he now regretted that.

The time had come to take the next step in his plan that would determine the identity of Dumond’s murderer. He might very well die in the process. His untimely death would set Caroline free without the faintest smudge on her reputation. In fact, she’d have the full sympathy of the ton. A marriage proposal from a worthy, wealthy lord would surely follow on the heels of his death.

“What is it?” Caroline whispered as they strolled along in front of her sisters.

“What do you mean?”

“You have a most unpleasant look upon your face.” Caroline glanced at him. “As though you see something you don’t care for.”

She was right. He didn’t care for the idea of her marrying someone else. Not after he’d held her in his arms. He wanted her so much that he ached. The thought of never having her was painful in every way possible.

The time he spent with her only made him care for her more, despite how aggravating she could be at times.

But his promise to Dumond could not be delayed. He was nearly ready to claim vengeance. Nothing could deny him that goal.

Not even the possibility of love.

~*~

Richard strode into the shipyard office not far from Gold’s office as if he owned the place. A clerk rose from his desk and quickly bowed.

“How may we be of service, my lord?” He adjusted his spectacles on the end of his thin nose, his voice higher than most women Richard knew.

“I would speak with Jeremy Brant.”

“I’m terribly sorry,” the man said, wringing his hands. “Mr. Brant isn’t in this morning.”

“Oh?” Richard walked past the clerk, who scurried forward with a hand out, as though he would stop Richard.

Richard paused long enough to glare at the outstretched hand, causing the clerk to think better of his intent. He slowly drew back, holding his hand tight to his chest.

“He’s not in, my lord.”

“Then me opening the door to his office won’t matter.” It had taken several inquiries with the help of his connections to find out who was behind at least one of the poor-performing investments in which Gold had been unfortunate enough to be involved.

The paper he’d found in Wayfair’s drawer had helped, but confronting Wayfair might jeopardize the plans to capture the man’s spy network.

Bringing significant financial losses to the duke would be far more entertaining. Richard intended to kick one leg of the stool Wayfair sat on out from under him. Then another and another, until Wayfair realized his world was coming to an end.

The thought nearly made Richard smile. He opened the interior office door with force, pleased when it slammed against the wall, startling the man inside.

“Mr. Brant, I presume?” Richard asked the well-dressed man who jerked to his feet.

Brant glared at the clerk before returning his focus to Richard. “I don’t believe you have an appointment, my lord.”

“I wasn’t aware I needed one. I thought thieves kept all hours, not merely business ones.”

“I have no idea of what you’re speaking, but I do not appreciate being insulted in my own office.”

“I’m sure you don’t.” Richard pulled a paper from his breast pocket to check his notes. “I understand you issued shares for a ship called the Majestic.”

Brant blinked rapidly. “Unfortunately, that ship sank off the coast of—”

Richard raised a finger. “I will warn you now that I don’t take kindly to lies.”

“I-If you chose to view the records, you would see the loss of the ship is well documented.”

“How interesting, as I have come across another ship that matches the description of the Majestic to the smallest detail.”

“That has to be a mistake.” The high color in the man’s face suggested he knew he’d been caught.

“I believe the mistake is yours.” Richard made himself comfortable in the chair before Brant’s desk, making it clear he had no intention of leaving until the matter was resolved to his satisfaction.

“Perhaps you would like to share the details of your claim.” Brant asked, clearing his throat then attempting a smile.

Richard wondered how many investors had pounded on Brant’s door when they’d learned of the sinking of the uninsured ship and been greeted with that same false smile.

“I think you are already aware of the details, so I won’t bore you with them. Rather, I’ll tell you what is going to happen.”

Richard leaned forward, his gaze holding Brant’s. “You will notify each and every investor that a terrible mistake was made and while your company believed the ship to be lost at sea, it somehow miraculously survived. Instead of the loss of which you advised them, their original investment plus the estimated profit and interest for the delay in payment of such profit will be paid immediately.”

“Who are you?” Sweat beaded on the man’s brow as he stared in disbelief at Richard.

“That is a detail over which you need not worry. Here is a note with the details of the ship that has been renamed and is currently in port with a substantial load in its hull.” Richard handed over the piece of paper that described the registration number of both ships, their names, dates of recent shipments and corresponding cargo.

Brant swallowed hard as he read over the information. “This proves nothing. I’m afraid I must ask you to leave.”

“I wouldn’t do that if I were you. It seems your newly named ship won’t be permitted to unload its valuable cargo at any dock in London without a letter from the Shipping Office that clears the ship of any suspicious activities. I don’t believe you have such a letter.”

“Why would I? There’s nothing wrong with the cargo in that ship.” Brant had found his temper at last. No doubt he saw the money he’d pocketed along with the others involved in the scheme floating away in the Thames.

“I heard rumors that it carries illegal cargo. The authorities are preparing to board the ship at this very moment.”

Brant glared at Richard but the hopelessness of his situation at last seemed to sink in as his shoulders lowered in defeat.

“Once I receive notice of the return of the investors’ money along with the profit and interest, I have no doubt the authorities will clear the ship and allow the cargo to be unloaded.”

“This is impossible. There is nothing to return. The ship is not mine nor do I have the investors’ funds.”

“But you know who does.” Richard rose. “Show your boss the paper and share our conversation with him. I have no doubt that once he understands the seriousness of the situation, he’ll be pleased to do the right thing.”

“And if he does? How will I notify you?”

“No need. I’ll know. My associates are watching closely.” Richard leaned forward. “Are you in complete understanding of what needs to occur?”

The man closed his eyes in defeat as he nodded.

Richard pulled the door shut behind him, a smile on his face. He only wished he could be in attendance when the duke learned of the change in his fortune.