Read Online Fencing for Ladies (The Archer Family Regency Romances #5) by Amy Corwin - Free Book Online Page B

appropriate authorities. Now is that all?”
    “Yes. I am sorry — I did not mean to interfere.”
    His anger faded as quickly as it had arisen, and he smiled before he leaned forward to give her shoulder a squeeze. “You never mean to interfere. You simply do.” His expression grew serious again, however, as he studied her face. “Promise me you will not involve yourself in this matter. One man is dead — I would not see anything happen to you.”
    “I will not.” Her smile twisted ruefully. “But I believe the coroner already thinks I stand right at the heart of the tragedy.”
    “But Peregrine was with you.” Edward’s frown deepened.
    “Not every minute, no.” She tried to sound confident, but her voice sounded plaintive even to her ears. “I was alone in my office several minutes before he joined me.”
    “How long?”
    She shrugged. “I’m not sure. Perhaps only one or two minutes. I went into the room, opened the wardrobe to check the equipment, and saw Mr. Grantham. I screamed, and Peregrine ran in just a few seconds later. That is all I remember — not very helpful, I fear.”
    “No, it is not.” Edward’s dark brows drew down as he stared at her with a combination of aggravation and anger. Finally, he shook his head and turned away. “Cannot be helped now, however. I wish you had never started that ridiculous academy” — he held up one hand — “but as you did, we must do what we can to keep your name out of this matter. Just try to avoid any further difficulties.”
    “I will, I promise,” she agreed with such a meek voice that Edward’s eyes twinkled.
    His lips twitched, but he refused to smile. “Why is it I do not trust your promise?”
    “Because you are wise beyond your years,” Olivia said before she slipped past him and retreated to the library.
    An hour later, Edward, Peregrine, and Hildegard left for the theater, while Margaret retired to her room, pleading a headache. Olivia explored their library, picked out a book, and spent the evening ensconced in her favorite wing chair next to the fireplace. She couldn’t concentrate on reading, however, and kept thinking about Mr. Grantham and Mr. Underwood. Was Edward wrong? Was Mr. Underwood involved? Her thoughts swam in useless, repetitive circles. It was not long before she developed a tired headache like Margaret had and went to her bedchamber.
    She had half-expected Constable Cooke to appear with additional questions that evening. As she prepared for bed, she had the uncomfortable feeling that their quiet day had simply been the lull before the storm.

Chapter Five
    Olivia was once again seated at her delicate white writing desk in the corner of the Ivory Drawing Room, writing a reply to the Duchess of Peckham’s kind letter, when Latimore rapped gently on the doorframe of the open door.
    He cleared his throat.
    “Yes? What is it?” she asked, sprinkling sand over her missive.
    “Lord Milbourn, Lady Olivia,” Latimore announced.
    She glanced at her desk, suddenly reminded of the note she’d written to him the day before. She pulled open the slim center drawer. It was gone.
    What? The picture of Margaret standing next to the desk yesterday filled her mind. How could she take it upon herself to post my letter? A sense of betrayal warred with her embarrassment.
    Flustered, Olivia stood just as Lord Milbourn strolled around the butler.
    “Lady Olivia,” he drawled. “I felt sure you wouldn’t mind an impromptu visit. Your surprising letter seemed a trifle urgent.” One dark brow soared in query.
    “Thank you, Latimore.” Olivia nodded at the butler.
    Latimore bent forward slightly as he gripped the doorknob. His bland expression couldn’t quite hide his concern at leaving Olivia alone with Lord Milbourn.
    “Leave the door open,” Olivia said. “That will be all, Latimore.” One hand touching the curls of her loosely arranged hair, she glanced around and gestured toward a primrose-colored silk couch. “I