Read Online Temptations of Anna Jacobs by Robyn DeHart - Free Book Online
Authors: Robyn DeHart
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herself,” Drew said.
“Indeed. Tobacco,” she said in between bites. “Your tobacco, in fact. It is the main reason why I suspected you. You smelled like him.” She paused for a moment, then smiled. “Not tonight, though. Nor do you smell of alcohol.”
“And your eyes are clear,” Alex said. “First time in a long time.”
Drew gave him a weak smile. “It is not always easy to stay away from my preferred vices.” The words came out before he could stop them. It wasn’t something he readily discussed. “My tobacco of choice is not terribly common.”
“Indeed, we went to Rickman’s Tobacco and Supplies on Vine Street,” Alex said. “The shopkeeper gave us the customer list of the people who purchase that particular blend. There aren’t very many of you.”
“There is another shop that sells that blend as well. I only used it a handful of times because it’s not in the best part of town. I’ll look into it, though.”
“We do still have our notes,” Alex said. “You’re welcome to them if you think they would help.”
Drew nodded. “Right now I’m looking for all the information I can. I’m determined to catch this villain.”
“Do be careful, Drew. We have only now reunited as family; we don’t want to lose you again,” Mia said.
Chapter Six
After dinner, Drew still had an hour until it was time to retrieve Anna for their trip to Scotland Yard. He felt overwhelmed, if not slightly exhausted, from his dinner with his family. He hadn’t expected forgiveness and camaraderie to be given so easily.
He stepped through his front door and had no sooner removed his hat and overcoat than his housekeeper rushed to his side.
“She’s here. That nasty, horrible woman is here,” Mrs. Huddleston said.
“Calm yourself, Mrs. Huddleston. Precisely who is here?” Fatigue ate at him, though he had much of the evening left in front of him.
“Your mother, the dowager duchess.” Mrs. Huddleston twisted her hands into her apron and shook her head. “She demanded entrance and is waiting for you in the parlor.”
Ah. Nasty and horrible. Yes, that was the perfect description for the Dowager Duchess. Frankly, he was surprised she didn’t have
N & H
embroidered on all her handkerchiefs, since he was certain it was her personal motto. Then again, it might have tipped off members of polite society to her true nature. Most of her friends and companions found Lady Carrington to be perfectly delightful. Certainly, among her peers and equals she was. He was one of the lucky few who knew her true nature.
Somehow, it helped knowing that Mrs. Huddleston wasn’t fooled by the dowager’s performance. Mrs. Huddleston had been his housekeeper since he moved out of Alex’s townhome. Before that she’d worked in the Carrington household and Drew had somehow convinced her to move with him. He suspected that his brother had encouraged her to go to keep an eye on Drew in his new living arrangement.
He bent and kissed the woman’s cheek. “Go and make yourself a pot of tea and do not fret. I shall handle the dowager.”
She gave him a weak smile and crossed herself, offering a silent prayer for Drew’s safety. Without another thought he left his housekeeper and stalked to the parlor. He had to admit he was surprised the dowager had come here. Yes, Alex had mentioned she was back in London, but she and Drew were not on the best of terms, and this was her first visit to his townhome.
After bracing himself for her “maternal affection,” he opened the door and found her standing by the front window. She did not bother to turn in his direction as he entered. “Andrew.” Her voice echoed through the room as she fingered the draperies. “These drapes are ugly.” She dropped the fabric and faced him.
“Do you require refreshments?” he asked. Though he already knew the answer: she would not sully herself to drink out of his china.
“No.” She motioned to the settee, her brows raised. “Offer me a
“Indeed. Tobacco,” she said in between bites. “Your tobacco, in fact. It is the main reason why I suspected you. You smelled like him.” She paused for a moment, then smiled. “Not tonight, though. Nor do you smell of alcohol.”
“And your eyes are clear,” Alex said. “First time in a long time.”
Drew gave him a weak smile. “It is not always easy to stay away from my preferred vices.” The words came out before he could stop them. It wasn’t something he readily discussed. “My tobacco of choice is not terribly common.”
“Indeed, we went to Rickman’s Tobacco and Supplies on Vine Street,” Alex said. “The shopkeeper gave us the customer list of the people who purchase that particular blend. There aren’t very many of you.”
“There is another shop that sells that blend as well. I only used it a handful of times because it’s not in the best part of town. I’ll look into it, though.”
“We do still have our notes,” Alex said. “You’re welcome to them if you think they would help.”
Drew nodded. “Right now I’m looking for all the information I can. I’m determined to catch this villain.”
“Do be careful, Drew. We have only now reunited as family; we don’t want to lose you again,” Mia said.
Chapter Six
After dinner, Drew still had an hour until it was time to retrieve Anna for their trip to Scotland Yard. He felt overwhelmed, if not slightly exhausted, from his dinner with his family. He hadn’t expected forgiveness and camaraderie to be given so easily.
He stepped through his front door and had no sooner removed his hat and overcoat than his housekeeper rushed to his side.
“She’s here. That nasty, horrible woman is here,” Mrs. Huddleston said.
“Calm yourself, Mrs. Huddleston. Precisely who is here?” Fatigue ate at him, though he had much of the evening left in front of him.
“Your mother, the dowager duchess.” Mrs. Huddleston twisted her hands into her apron and shook her head. “She demanded entrance and is waiting for you in the parlor.”
Ah. Nasty and horrible. Yes, that was the perfect description for the Dowager Duchess. Frankly, he was surprised she didn’t have
N & H
embroidered on all her handkerchiefs, since he was certain it was her personal motto. Then again, it might have tipped off members of polite society to her true nature. Most of her friends and companions found Lady Carrington to be perfectly delightful. Certainly, among her peers and equals she was. He was one of the lucky few who knew her true nature.
Somehow, it helped knowing that Mrs. Huddleston wasn’t fooled by the dowager’s performance. Mrs. Huddleston had been his housekeeper since he moved out of Alex’s townhome. Before that she’d worked in the Carrington household and Drew had somehow convinced her to move with him. He suspected that his brother had encouraged her to go to keep an eye on Drew in his new living arrangement.
He bent and kissed the woman’s cheek. “Go and make yourself a pot of tea and do not fret. I shall handle the dowager.”
She gave him a weak smile and crossed herself, offering a silent prayer for Drew’s safety. Without another thought he left his housekeeper and stalked to the parlor. He had to admit he was surprised the dowager had come here. Yes, Alex had mentioned she was back in London, but she and Drew were not on the best of terms, and this was her first visit to his townhome.
After bracing himself for her “maternal affection,” he opened the door and found her standing by the front window. She did not bother to turn in his direction as he entered. “Andrew.” Her voice echoed through the room as she fingered the draperies. “These drapes are ugly.” She dropped the fabric and faced him.
“Do you require refreshments?” he asked. Though he already knew the answer: she would not sully herself to drink out of his china.
“No.” She motioned to the settee, her brows raised. “Offer me a
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