“That is a wonderful relief, my lady. I assume he is quite well, then. No ill effects?”
“He is very well. Thank you for asking.”
Shelbourne nodded sagely as his gaze settled rather intently upon her face. “London can be a dangerous place, but I hope this adverse experience does not keep you both from appreciating the many good things our city has to offer.”
The truth was, she had no intention of exploring the city any further until the threat against her brother was eliminated. But Lord Shelbourne would not be aware of the second abduction attempt nor that Frederick had apparently been targeted by someone specifically.
For a moment, she considered confessing the full scope of their situation. He’d offered to help in the past; perhaps he could offer additional resources.
But then she glanced at the list she’d just completed. Lord Shelbourne’s name was included. Though she didn’t think he had any cause to be involved, she did recall how he’d stressed the importance of discretion.
She might consider requesting his assistance at some point, but for now, she decided against dragging him any further into their problems. She smiled. “Of course not, my lord.”
The older man seemed to hesitate for a moment. Then he glanced to the side. “Did you discover what instigated his disappearance?”
Having already decided not to reveal more than necessary, Katherine replied carefully. “Not exactly, though we suspect ransom may have been a motive.”
Shelbourne nodded sympathetically. “An unfortunate probability, I’m afraid. May I meet the boy?”
“I’m afraid Frederick is occupied at the moment. He’s with his tutor and I’d rather not disturb him. I thought it best to get him focused on other things right away so he’d wouldn’t dwell on his recent experience.”
Though a lie, the excuse felt appropriate. Her brother had been over the details of his ordeal enough in the last days. She didn’t want to place him in a position where he might be questioned further.
“A wise decision, Lady Katherine. I imagine your guardian is grateful to have such a responsible surrogate taking on his duties while he remains abroad.”
Lord Shelbourne knew of Warfield’s absence from England? Was it such common knowledge, then?
“Thank you again for offering your assistance following our father’s unexpected passing.”
Shelbourne gave her a gentle smile. “Well, I see myself as being somewhat responsible for you and your brother. Your father was a valued friend.” His tone lowered. “I do hope you won’t mind if I check in on you now and then?”
She heard only kindness and concern in his tone, yet a part of her wanted to dissuade his interest, if only because she was so unaccustomed to such offers.
Life before London had not lent itself to the formation of many friendships. It was something Frederick would need as he grew into his role as Duke of Northmoor. She would be wise to cultivate these types of relationships for his future. “Of course not, my lord.”
“I believe I’ve taken up enough of your time. I shall see myself out.” Before turning away, he offered her another gentle smile. “Please, do not hesitate to contact me should you have need of me. For any reason at all.”
“I appreciate the offer. Thank you.”
With another nod, Lord Shelbourne turned and left the study.
Katherine wandered back to her desk as she listened to the click of Shelbourne’s shoes on the parquet as he crossed the hall. Though Shelbourne had been nothing but pleasant, she wondered at the feeling of apprehension his visit had inspired. Perhaps it was merely a remnant of the anxiety that had arisen with her earlier task. Or maybe his courtesy had simply reminded her of just how few people she and Frederick had to rely on in the city.
Which brought her back to Hale.
Just the thought of him gave rise to a strange and intimate rush of awareness and anticipation. She looked toward the door of the study just as the man himself appeared. His great size nearly filled the doorway and, for a second, stole her breath.
He was just so...imposing. So physically present and solid.
His presence caused an instant shift in her being—a sudden exhilarating rush and a weighted grounding all at once. One breath in Mason Hale’s company sparked a swift and undeniable connection to the present moment that obscured all other concerns.
It was a thrilling and dangerous thing to experience.
Their gazes met. And held. In those few seconds, it seemed as though he drew her deepest feelings out from her core, as though he breathed her in. Then he lowered his chin with a questioning tilt of his head. In a subtle instant, his expression darkened. Tawny brows furrowed. The hard, square line of his jaw bunched as he swept a glance about the room.
“What’s wrong?”
Still slightly bemused by his sudden and forceful appearance, Katherine glanced down at the list on the desk. Her gaze automatically focused in on Lord Shelbourne’s name, third from the bottom. With a small shake of her head, she folded the paper and slipped the list into the pocket of her dress. “Please come in, Mr. Hale.”
She took up her position standing behind the desk then watched as Hale stepped across the threshold and closed the door behind him. It was an unnecessary action, an improper one as well, and he knew it if she were to judge by the sharp glint in his eyes.
Though in addition to the impropriety there was also a degree of vulnerability that came with being in a closed room with him, she could allow neither to affect her purpose and intention. “Where have you been?”
His response was an arch of his brow and the familiar wicked curving of his irreverent mouth. “Miss me?”
Her core fluttered but she forced a firmness to her voice. “I hired you to keep my brother safe, Mr. Hale. How could you do that
