When Daphne finally dragged herself away from Lavinia, she went in search of Daniel. She had no idea what she would say to him. The man had always been a conundrum, so opaque, so complex. Now she could see that every action stemmed from a need to right the wrongs of the past.

But nothing could repair the damage done.

Surely a man of his intelligence knew that.

Daphne wandered out onto the terrace, descended the stone steps and followed the gravel path only to find the garden deserted. She returned to the house, searched the library and billiard room, but they were empty, too.

Walking back out into the hall, she stood at the foot of the grand staircase. Searching the bedchambers was the only other option. And she considered racing up the stairs before any of the guests noticed.

“Do you need any assistance, madam?” Chadwick appeared at her side, squinting through his poorly fitted spectacles.

“No, thank you, Chadwick.” Daphne had been so lost in thought she’d not heard the butler approach. “I was looking for Mr Thorpe.”

“Are you referring to the tall gentleman with dark hair you were walking with earlier?”

“Yes. Have you seen him?”

“I believe he went upstairs, madam. Shall I see if he is available?”

“No. Thank you, Chadwick. You’ve enough to do looking after the guests. After the long journey yesterday, Mr Thorpe is probably in need of rest.” Either that or the thirty minutes spent laughing with Mr Dempsey had taken its toll.

The butler inclined his head and ambled away down the hall. Daphne returned to the drawing room and made polite conversation with Prudence Roxbury, the bride’s sister. Numerous times she’d been forced to ask the lady to repeat her question. While Daphne’s body was in the drawing room, her mind was somewhere else entirely.

When Prudence went to the aid of her grandfather, who often confused people’s names and insisted Mr Dempsey was a gentleman called Captain Lawrence, Daphne found herself alone.

So much had happened since leaving London. They’d discovered Lord Gibson’s involvement in Thomas’ murder. Daphne now knew of Daniel’s past, his motivations. She knew his desire to avoid the aristocracy stemmed from a fear of being recognised. Which was probably the reason he’d made himself scarce at the first opportunity.

Of course, the most life-changing moment had occurred in his carriage. Taking Daniel Thorpe as her lover had only made her want him all the more.

“Remind me to give Thorpe a good shaking for leaving a lady alone,” Mr Dempsey said disturbing her reverie. “Lord knows where he’s disappeared to.”

She should go to him. Had she known the story of his past, she would not have forced him to come.

Daphne leant closer to the handsome gentleman. “I need your help, Mr Dempsey. Thorpe has retired to his chamber, and I’ve no idea where that is.”

A sinful grin formed on Mr Dempsey’s mouth. “And you want to join him there? Is it not a little early in the day to be … cooped upstairs?”

The only way to deal with men who enjoyed teasing was to play them at their own game. “You do not strike me as a man who requires a blanket of darkness to enjoy life’s pleasures, sir. You’re the last person I’d think to call a prude.”

“Prude?” Mr Dempsey laughed. “You’re as amusing as your colleague, Mrs Chambers. Thank heavens you’re both here else I might die of boredom.”

“Does that mean you will help me?”

“I gave you a clue earlier. I’m surprised a woman with your skill for deduction missed the sign.” When she frowned, he said, “Peacocks. Thorpe is in the room plagued by the ugly creatures.” He turned, caught his wife's attention, and she came to stand at his side. “Mrs Chambers needs your help, Helena.”

Helena turned to Daphne and smiled. “Wonderful. Is it a question about a case?” she said with some excitement.

“Unfortunately not,” Mr Dempsey said. “I know how you enjoy a good mystery. But no, this requires the utmost discretion.”

Feeling somewhat impatient, Daphne whispered, “I need you to take me to Mr Thorpe’s room. Or at least tell me where it is.”

Helena smiled. “Of course. Who am I to stand in the way of two people in love?”

“We are not in love,” Daphne protested. “We are friends and colleagues, that is all.” And occasional lovers, she thought, but no one need know of that. “I’ve had an idea about the case and need to speak to him before it slips my mind completely.”

“Forgive me,” Helena said softly, “if I spoke out of turn. Come with me, and I shall point you in the direction of his room.”

“If you find your …. discussion becomes a little heated, Mrs Chambers, have no fear.” Lucas Dempsey gave her a knowing wink. “There’ll be plenty of time to cool down as dinner won’t be served until six.”

Helena tutted. “Pay Lucas no heed,” she said as they walked out into the hall. “He is fond of Mr Thorpe and credits him with saving his reputation. There’s not a man he respects more. Without your friend’s intervention, Mr Weston might never have confessed.”

Pride blossomed in Daphne’s chest. “Thorpe is an exceptional enquiry agent — the very best. It’s not often in our line of work one hears such praise.”

“After everything you both did for Anthony and Sarah, we want you to be happy.”

They climbed the grand staircase. Once at the top, Helena pointed to a door further along the corridor to their left.

“It’s the third door on the right,” Helena continued. “I shall wait here to make sure no one sees you.”

“Thank you.” Daphne’s stomach fluttered at the prospect of entering Daniel’s chamber. The sensation was akin to thousands of butterflies bursting from their chrysalises.

With a quick glance over her shoulder, Daphne hurried to the room Mr Dempsey insisted was plagued by peacocks. After rapping gently three times on the door, Daphne breathed a sigh of relief when Daniel finally answered.

“Here you are,” she whispered, noting that he’d removed his coat and boots. It was obviously his intention to remain upstairs as long as possible. “I’ve been looking for you everywhere. Can I come in?”

“Did anyone see you come up here?” he snapped.

“Only Mrs Dempsey.”

Daniel popped his head around the jamb. Helena smiled, waved and continued to a room along the opposite corridor. Daniel shot back into the room, wrapped his fingers around Daphne’s wrist and yanked her inside.

“It is not wise to enter a gentleman’s bedchamber.”

The cold look in his eye eradicated all the progress they’d made over the last few days. He stood before her as the old Thorpe: stiff stance, tart tone, and stony expression. The need to keep his secret pressed heavily on his shoulders. Lavinia had talked to him constantly through the wedding breakfast. Did he fear the matron might have more questions? Was that the reason he’d sought the privacy of his room?

“Then perhaps you should shut the door, Daniel, before someone walks past and sees us.” Daphne searched his face. She understood it all now. A wealth of pain lay buried beneath his facade. “Sneaking in fully clothed in the afternoon is hardly the same as being caught leaving at midnight wearing nothing but a nightgown.”

He closed the door and came to stand before her. “Is there something wrong?”

“Wrong?”

“That you felt the need to seek me out.”

This was going to be extremely hard work. Breaking Daniel Thorpe was the most difficult case she’d ever taken.

“I came to ask if you wanted to return to London.” Daphne smiled. How could she make him stay knowing Lavinia would continue to pry until she’d gained a confession? “We could say we’ve had a breakthrough in the case and leave after dinner.”

He tilted his head and squinted. “But don’t you want to stay?”

Not if it roused painful memories of his past.

“Anthony and Sarah are too absorbed with each other to miss us,” she shrugged. “Mr Dempsey might be sad to see you go. Helena said you’re one of the few gentlemen her husband respects.”

The corners of Daniel’s mouth twitched. “We do have a remarkable amount in common. There are not many men who will admit to thinking the way I do.”

“We don’t have to leave. If you enjoy Mr Dempsey’s company, we can stay. The choice is yours.”

“I came here for one reason only — to keep you safe. And so the choice is yours to make not mine.”

He’d come to Elton Park for her, knowing one of the guests might reveal his secret. Leaving was the least she could do for him. “Then we’ll leave after dinner. With luck, we’ll make it home sometime after midnight. We can discuss how we want to proceed with Lord Gibson on the way.”

“It’s probably for the best.” His shoulders relaxed and his frosty countenance thawed. “I can’t think about the case while here. My mind is too occupied with other things.”

Daphne glanced around the room. The peacock wallpaper hit her immediately. Why had she not noticed the hundreds of ugly creatures before?

“I agree. Perhaps it’s best we do go home,” she said. Her mind was made up. Sarah would understand. “Sleeping in this room would be like spending a night in a cramped aviary. I doubt you’ll get a wink of sleep. And we must be bright and refreshed if we expect to solve this case any time soon.”

“One’s bed should bring relief from a busy mind and a hard day,” he said scowling at the birds, “not add to the stress and confusion.”

A pang of sadness filled her chest. What did go on in that marvellous mind of his? Too much thinking, she feared. Perhaps a distraction might help soothe him.

Daphne wandered over to the window. The views of the garden were spectacular. “No doubt the monstrous wallpaper is a ploy to lure you to the window. I’ve never seen a landscape as beautiful.”

He came to stand at her side. “I’ve spent the last ten minutes admiring the shaped topiary.”

“I thought you found the hustle and bustle of the city more appealing? The incessant noise, the fog-drenched streets, the constant stench from the river.”

There was a long pause before he replied. “The city keeps me busy. Dealing with other people’s problems, helps me to forget about my own.”

She understood that. “My work is the reason I’ve remained sane these last three years. I had no time to think about the mysterious intruder. But then maybe that is not a good thing. We cannot use work to run away from our problems.”

Daniel stared deep into her eyes. “You know don’t you?”

Daphne cleared her throat. “Know what? That you’re the son of the Marquess of Pulborough? That you own a country estate but choose to rent a townhouse in London?” That you’re running away from your past, she added silently.

He squeezed his eyes shut and inhaled deeply. “Yes.”

While Lavinia’s story sounded convincing, hearing Daniel’s confirmation sent Daphne’s heart racing. That one word proved powerful. Perhaps now he would be more open. But she didn’t want to press him further, didn’t want to bombard him with questions.

A distraction was needed. A means to pull him out of his black mood.

She placed her hand on his chest, and he opened his eyes. His heart was beating so hard she could feel it pounding against her palm. “Do you want to talk about this now?” With a quick glance at the bed, she smiled. “The only problem with leaving early is that we’ll never know what it’s like to sleep next to one another in such a large bed.”

A sinful smile replaced his grim expression. “That is one problem we can rectify.” He bent his head and kissed her softly on the lips.

The slow, sweet melding of mouths caused her desire for him to burst to life in her belly. The warm tickling sensation soon spread. Needing something more to ease the ache in her chest, her tongue penetrated his mouth, brushed against his gently at first.

Daniel wrapped a strong arm around her, pulled her tight to his chest and devoured her mouth with a hunger that stole her breath.

“Lock the door,” she panted breaking contact. “Quick. Hurry.”

He smiled, kissed her once more and then strode to the door and turned the key. “What’s the rush, love? We have hours until dinner. I’m determined to study every inch of your naked body. All in the name of science, of course.”

Oh, he was so different now than when she’d first entered the room. Relaxed and carefree, his countenance was so bright it was almost blinding. This was the man she loved, the man she adored.

The thought forced her to jerk her head back in surprise. She loved him. Good Lord. Her heart swelled in confirmation. She loved him.

Daniel beckoned her over to the bed. “If you’re going to stand there gaping, this experiment may run into the night.”

A nervous chuckle escaped from her lips. It had nothing to do with his amusing comment and everything to do with the feeling of hope that sprang to life in her breast.

He held out his hand by way of a prompt, and she ran into his arms, eager to rejoice, to celebrate the wonderful feeling inside.

“I can’t wait to touch your skin,” she said as he ran kisses along the line of her jaw, leaving a hot molten trail in their wake. She tilted her head as he nipped at the sensitive spot below her ear. “I can’t wait to feel your hard body pressing me down into the mattress.”

Daniel growled. “Damn, love, keep talking like that, and this will be over before I’ve unbuttoned my waistcoat.”

“Then undress me.” It was like her addiction for him had found its own voice.

“Undress you? I’m so impatient I’m liable to tear the dress from your body.” He spun her around, ran his hand over her back. “Where the hell are the buttons?”

She giggled, the sound of an innocent young woman, not someone whose world had been tainted by all the terrible things she’d witnessed. “They’re at the side.” She turned back to face him and raised her arm to reveal the row of small pearl buttons. “Betsy made this dress for me.”

“Does she not know that a man struggles to say his own name when consumed with desire?” He held out his hands, and she noticed them tremble. “Do they look like nimble fingers to you? Even a child would struggle to open such tiny fastenings.”

“Then allow me.” Holding his greedy gaze, she undid the buttons, dragged the dress over her head and stood before him in her petticoat. She threw the garment at him, and he caught it with ease.

“I’ll have your undergarments too.”

Daphne enjoyed playing temptress. All her married life, she’d felt so hopelessly inadequate. She unthreaded the cords of her petticoat, lifted that over her head and threw it too. This time she aimed for his face and laughed when it covered his head like a veil.

“I think I can tackle the stays,” he said throwing her clothing onto the chair by the bed. He stepped forward. His fingers grasped the end of the cord and pulled gently. Poking one finger through the laces, he tugged until they were all free of the eyelets. He pushed the straps off her shoulders, his hands skimming her breasts in the process.

Daphne sucked in a breath. “For a man with large hands, you’re incredibly tender.” Her skin tingled in response. Blood pounded in her ears as loud as thunder. Her erect nipples pressed against the thin fabric of her chemise, eager for his touch.

Wearing a wicked grin, Daniel knelt before her. “Now for the moment I’ve imagined many times over the years.” He clutched the hem of her chemise, slid the garment up over her thighs, over the curve of her hip, higher still.

“You must forgive me,” he whispered holding her chemise at her waist. “The need to taste you is too great.” He buried his face in the hair at the apex of her thighs, his tongue pushing between the folds.

Lord above!

The action sent a jolt of pleasure shooting to the tips of her toes. She choked down her embarrassment, parted her legs to give him easier access.

“Daniel … I … heavens.” She stumbled back and fell onto the bed. Grabbing the ends of her chemise, she dragged it over her head and threw it onto the floor.

“Bloody hell,” he hissed between clenched teeth. “You’re so damn beautiful.”

For a woman who’d never shown a man her naked body, she was surprisingly calm.

“What about my stockings?”

“Leave them on.”

He settled between her thighs, the tongue that was just as skilled as the rest of him continued to tease her, to lick and suck the tiny bud. Lord, she could not wait to take this man into her body, to feel full, stretched tight.

“Undress for me,” she managed to say, though struggled to relinquish her grasp of his hair, to stop thrusting her hips up to meet his wicked mouth.

Daniel jumped up, fumbled with the buttons on his waistcoat, practically ripped the shirt as he yanked it over his head.

Her wide eyes feasted on the impressive breadth of his chest, on the bulging muscles in his arms. But then she noticed the wound. On his upper arm, the skin was red and swollen. The graze was oval in shape, a brighter red.

“You were lucky,” she said, a sudden sense of panic taking hold as she pointed to the inflamed area that was sure to leave a scar.

“Had I not been wearing such a thick coat, the damage would have been far worse.”

Swallowing deeply as his gaze travelled down the length of her body, he undid the buttons on his breeches. When his solid manhood sprang free, Daphne gulped. The muscles in her core pulsed in anticipation.

She shuffled a little closer to the end of the bed and beckoned him closer. The cool air breezed across her sensitive nipples just to add to her torment.

Stepping out of his breeches, he climbed onto the bed and settled on top of her aching body. Daphne wrapped her legs around him tight, determined to anchor him there for all eternity.

The feel of his warm skin against hers flamed her desire. With eager hands she caressed the hard planes on his back, arched and grasped his buttocks when he entered her in one long, fluid movement.

The deep groan resonating from the back of his throat was music to her ears. He kissed her, withdrew almost fully before pushing slowly back inside.

“Hmmm…” The soft sound of satisfaction left her lips as he buried himself deep. She could feel the coil inside tightening, pulling her towards her release. She liked it slow. Liked watching the satisfaction etched on his face when she sheathed his thick shaft and held him there.

“Lord knows what we’ll do once we’re back in London,” he said thrusting a little quicker, grinding his hips to rub against her intimate place.

“What … what do you mean?” Waves of pleasure rippled through her body.

“This needs to be … to be a regular occurrence,” he panted, pumping harder now. Trickles of sweat ran down his back. The bed creaked from the sudden urgency that drove them. “Damn it all, Daphne. Loving you makes life worth living.”

Loving her? Did he mean joining with her in bed?

Before her mind could dissect and probe his statement, he rubbed against her once more, and she exploded around him. Her legs shook as she panted for breath. Her whole body sang his tune.

“We’ll have to … have to do this again,” she said, as he filled her over and over. She gripped his buttocks to prolong the moment. “We can try other positions … purely … to satisfy our experiment.”

“Precisely.” The word was accompanied by a guttural groan. “Relax your grip. I need to withdraw.”

She had failed to conceive in the two years she’d been married to Thomas. Then again, intimate moments were rare and had always been beneath a mound of sheets and under the cover of darkness.

“Tell me you want me,” he said slowing his pace and holding the base of his shaft as he pulled himself free of her body.

“I have never wanted anything more.” It suddenly occurred to her that a man born on the wrong side of the blanket would not wish to repeat history. Daniel Thorpe would not want to father a child out of wedlock. In a moment of fancy, she pushed at his chest. “Sit up.”

“What?”

“Sit up.”

“Why?” He came up on his knees, and she did too. Without considering her lack of experience, she bent her head and took the man she loved into her mouth. The sensation was oddly liberating. She felt in control as she mimicked the motion of their joining.

“Your mouth is divine.” He caressed her back in soothing strokes as his hips jerked violently. “Stop now, love.”

But she ignored him. Continued pleasuring him until his seed burst into her mouth, wet and warm. He shook from the power of it, stilled and gasped for breath as the tremors subsided.

Daphne sat up and moistened her lips. For a woman who lacked experience when it came to passionate encounters, she was quite pleased with herself.

“You did not have to do that,” he said, still struggling for breath.

“Did you not enjoy the experience?”

“Enjoy it? I’ve never felt anything so damn good.”

“Excellent.” She drank in the look of contentment on his face. Tried to ignore the faint battle scars on his shoulder and chest. Nothing would spoil this moment of utter bliss. “Now you can do something for me.”

He raised an arrogant brow. “I thought I just did.”

Daphne gazed at him. The overwhelming sense of love and longing in her chest must surely be apparent. “Lie with me. Hold me in your arms. Let’s forget about the rest of the world for a while.”

“By now you must know I would do anything you asked,” he said, taking her hand and lying down next to her on the bed.

She turned to face him and buried her head in his chest. With his strong arms wrapped around her she closed her eyes, drew comfort from the smell of his unique scent.

Daniel Thorpe was her match in every way. Why had she not seen it before?