House of Croft, Book 2
Historical Mystery/Thriller/Romance
Date Published: 10-29-2024
He’ll never forgive her deception, or the hold she still has on his
heart…
Adrian Croft’s worst fear has been realized. His wife, the sweet
woman who swept past his every defense, is a cunning spy working against
him. Forced to play a dangerous game where one wrong move could see him
destroyed, he must unravel her secrets while hunting a far more sinister
threat.
Samantha knew her decision to marry her target would come at a price. Now,
having lost her husband’s trust and affection, she’ll do
whatever it takes to win it all back – abandon past loyalties, spill
her secrets, and catch a killer. But will it be enough to undo the
damage?
Chapter
One
London,
August 15th, 1818
Lady
Eleanor dropped onto the stool in front of her vanity table. Exhausted from
entertaining dinner guests with her parents, she looked forward to climbing
into the soothing comfort of her bed.
Something
pushing against her leg made her lower her gaze to Milly, the miniature poodle
her parents had gifted her with for her sixteenth birthday. Rising onto her
hind legs, Milly shifted her paws to better press her damp nose against
Eleanor’s thigh, her stubby tail wagging with eager affection.
Eleanor
chuckled and scooped the pup into her lap. She raked her fingers through
Milly’s fur, scratched her a few times behind one ear, and allowed her to
settle comfortably in her lap.
“Are
you ready, my lady?” The question was posed by Audrey, Eleanor’s lady’s maid. A
short woman with dark brown hair and eyes to match, the servant was five years
Eleanor’s senior and possessed a positive outlook to match her own.
Eleanor
glanced at her and smiled in response to the warmth she found in Audrey’s eyes.
“Yes. Please begin.”
Audrey
raised the comb she’d collected earlier and drew it through Eleanor’s hair.
Molly snuggled farther into the circle of her arms, nails scratching a little
at Eleanor’s lap as she repositioned her legs.
Eleanor
sighed and sent her bed a longing glance. The coverlet had been folded back to
display the crisp white sheets that beckoned. It would be good to climb between
them and let the weariness seep from her body.
Molly’s
curls compressed beneath the weight of her hand as Eleanor stroked the fluffy
fur. Glancing up, she caught Audrey’s gaze in the mirror, her thoughts
returning to the charity visit she’d planned for tomorrow. “Maybe you’re right
about the brown woolen spencer. I never wear it, so I might as well include it
in the donation.”
“Are
you sure?” Audrey set the comb aside and collected a glass bottle containing
Warren & Rosser’s Milk of Roses
lotion.
The
question was a legitimate one since Eleanor had argued against the suggestion
yesterday when she and Audrey had prepared the box that would go to St.
Augustine’s Church. The spencer had been a gift from her aunt three Christmases
ago. It was undoubtedly lovely, but every time she’d put it on she felt it
didn’t quite suit her.
“Yes,”
she said, her mind made up. “There’s no sense in it taking up space in the
wardrobe when it can keep someone less fortunate warm.”
Audrey
dabbed a bit of lotion on Eleanor’s face and began rubbing it in with
wonderfully soothing circular motions. “I’m always impressed by your kindness,
my lady.”
But
was she always kind? Guilt gathered in Eleanor’s stomach, becoming so heavy it
felt like a block of lead. The choice she’d made for herself – for her future –
had not been easy. She hated how selfish it made her feel.
Yet
she managed to smile and pretend Audrey’s comment was welcome. “Thank you.”
Audrey
responded with a smile of her own and proceeded to plait Eleanor’s hair. The
peaceful activity calmed her mind. She allowed herself to focus on what was to
come, instead of worrying over the past.
She’d
had her say, and in so doing, she’d paved the way to a new adventure.
A
surge of excitement filled her breast at this thought. Everything would be
fine. All she needed was rest. The maid finished her ministrations and tidied
up. Eleanor set Molly down and climbed into bed. The mattress sagged beneath
her weight, the cool sheets inviting her to sink deeper.
“Would
you like me to close the window before I go?” Audrey asked.
“No.
Leave it open.” The afternoon sun pouring into the room several hours before
had made it unbearably warm and stuffy. She couldn’t sleep like that.
“I’ll
bid you good night then, my lady.” Audrey called for Molly to join her and the
dog complied without question, knowing full well that a walk and a treat
awaited.
“Good
night,” Eleanor replied, “and thank you for your help.”
The
maid left and Eleanor reached for her book. This was her favorite time to read,
when all was silent and there was no risk of being disturbed. She opened Pamela
and flipped to the spot where she’d left off the previous evening.
A
gentle breeze streamed through the window, toying with the curtains. Distant
laughter reached her ears. It was followed by a horse’s faint whinny. Eleanor’s
eyes grew heavy. The book began sagging between her hands.
She
yawned and it felt like only a moment had passed before she was startled by a
loud noise. Her eyes snapped open, adjusting and observing. The light by which
she’d been reading had burned itself out. Her book had slipped from her grasp.
She must have fallen asleep.
Light
flashed beyond the window. A resounding boom followed. The curtains flapped
with wild abandon while rain poured down from the heavens. She blew out a
breath and went to close the window. It was just a storm. No need for alarm.
Barefooted,
she padded across the Aubusson rug and noted that parts of it were now damp
from the rain. She leaned forward through the window’s opening, her abdomen
pressing into the sill, wetting her nightgown as she reached for the handle.
Her
hand caught the slick wood and she pulled the window shut. A welcome silence
followed, cocooning her from the elements. Pausing briefly, she watched water
streak down the smooth window pane, saw lightning flash across the sky.
Intent
on returning to bed, she took a step back, prepared to close the curtains, and
froze when her toes connected with something unpleasant. Not just water, but a
thick and squishy substance of sorts. But how could that be? Confused, she
dropped her gaze, but the darkness was blinding. She’d need a candle or an oil
lamp in order to see.
She
straightened and started to turn, her aim to locate the tinderbox she kept on
her nightstand, when a pair of large hands captured her throat. She opened her
mouth, attempted to scream, but couldn’t even manage a gasp as the fingers dug
deeper and cut off her breath.
Terrified,
she stared at the window, at her own blurry figure reflected in the wet glass,
and the larger man standing behind her. Tears welled in her eyes. She clawed at
the hands that gripped her, kicked her attacker’s shins, and did what she could
to wriggle free.
None
of it worked.
He
was much stronger than she, and her strength waned with each breath she was
denied. Her heart fluttered desperately. It begged her to keep on fighting. But
it was no use.
She
had already lost
#
Chief
Constable Peter Kendrick removed his hat as he entered Orendel House. Given the
circumstances, a somber atmosphere wasn’t surprising. But the gloom he
encountered in the elegant foyer was unparalleled.
Servants
stood near the walls, slumped like wilting plants. Maids wept while the male
servants stared into nothing, their stricken expressions underscoring the
horror they’d woken up to. Even the butler struggled to speak when he offered
to take Peter’s hat, his voice cracking before he averted his gaze.
“Where
are the earl and countess?” Peter asked.
The
butler gave his eyes a quick swipe and straightened his posture. “In the parlor
with their…remaining children.” Someone sobbed and the old man’s expression
twisted with grief. “As you can no doubt imagine, this is terribly difficult
for them. They asked me to show you upstairs.”
“Very
well.”
He
followed the butler, one step at a time, a couple of Runners at his back. They
arrived on the landing, their footfalls muted by the plush carpet lining the
hardwood floor. A few more paces and then…
The
butler paused and gestured toward a door. “Through there. I realize I ought to
come with you, but… Do you mind if I remain here?”
“Not
at all.” Peter reached Lady Eleanor’s bedchamber doorway and froze. A sick
feeling caught hold of his stomach. Ghastly didn’t come close to describing the
scene he beheld. This was the sort of thing that could make men lose all hope
in humanity. It was…barbaric.
“Good
lord,” murmured Anderson, the Runner standing at Peter’s right shoulder.
Anderson’s
colleague, Lewis, only managed a faint, “Excu…” before he bolted for the
stairs, no doubt hoping to make it outside before he vomited.
Peter
swallowed and took a deep breath, then entered the room. It hadn’t been so long
ago since another young woman’s body was found – the last in a series of brutal
murders that left him baffled for more than a year. But that killer was dead,
so it couldn’t be the same man who’d acted here.
Besides,
this was different and shockingly worse.
He
clenched his jaw, reminded himself that he had a job to accomplish. There was
just…so much blood. It felt like the room was bathed in it. And the victim…
Forcing
himself to employ an analytical mindset, he considered her position on the bed
and the clean blanket draped over her torso and legs.
“I’ll
need the usual sketches,” he said.
“Already
working on it,” Anderson told him, his voice gruff.
“You
may want to wait a moment.” Peter studied Lady Eleanor’s face and the empty eye
sockets that seemed to mock him. “Until I’ve removed the blanket.”
“Sir?”
“It
doesn’t belong. Someone placed it here after the fact, no doubt to protect her
modesty.” He shot a look over his shoulder. “If you’ll please shut the door.”
A
firm click followed and then, “Why would the bastard take her eyes?”
“I
don’t know. Could be a trophy of sorts. There’s no telling what goes on in such
vile creatures’ heads.”
Slowly,
with respect and consideration directed toward the poor young woman whose body
lay on the bed before him, Peter folded back the blanket and shuddered.
Whatever nightgown she’d worn to bed was gone, her naked body left on display.
Air
rushed into Peter’s lungs on a sharp inhalation. She’d been stabbed too many
times to count, as though her attacker hadn’t been able to stop. And her neck –
the skin there was a bright red shade.
Swallowing,
he surveyed the rest of the room while Anderson kept on drawing.
A
vase lay on the floor near one of the windows, smashed to pieces. The flowers
were strewn across the Aubusson rug. They’d probably ended up there during a
struggle. Peter lowered himself to a crouch, his fingertips testing a dark
brown stain and feeling the wetness. Mud.
“Take
notes too, will you?” Peter retreated until he’d reached the bedchamber door.
He grabbed the handle. “And cover her with the blanket once you’re done. I’ll
question the servants in the meantime.”
#
The
parlor was made available for interviews, each servant introduced to Peter by
the butler as he showed them into the room. Peter considered the latest
arrival. Audrey was her name. Short in stature, with mousish features and
lackluster hair, she’d been Lady Eleanor’s lady’s maid.
“I…I
don’t…” Audrey gulped.
She
dabbed at her watery eyes again. Her handkerchief looked heavy and wet. Peter
handed her a fresh one and gave her a moment to try and collect herself. Not
easy, he realized, since she’d been the one who’d discovered her mistress’s body
when she’d gone to rouse her.
“Did
you always wake her in the mornings?” Peter gently asked.
A
nod accompanied trembling lips. “She was always so…active. Liked making the…the
most of each day. Today… Oh dear. Please forgive me.”
“It’s
quite all right,” Peter told her and waited once more for the woman’s tears to
abate. “Take your time.”
She
swallowed, licked her lips, and seemed to straighten a bit. “We planned to
visit St. Augustine with a few donations. My mistress…she was so very kind I…I
don’t understand why anyone might have wanted to hurt her.”
“So
you can think of no enemies?”
“None.”
“No
hopeful suitors she might have spurned?”
Audrey
shook her head. “She’s engaged to Mr. Benjamin Lawrence. They were supposed to
marry three months ago, toward the end of April, but his horse-riding accident
forced a postponement.”
Peter
recalled news of the tragedy. The event had turned the young man into a
cripple. He’d lost the use of his legs. “She still meant to go through with it,
despite what happened?”
“Of
course.” Additional tears slid down Audrey’s cheeks. “My mistress loved Mr.
Lawrence and intended to stand by him. That’s the sort of person she was.”
And
yet, the nature of her death suggested someone had loathed her beyond all
reason. Peter made a few notes in his notebook, his pencil scratching the paper
with quick and efficient strokes.
“Thank
you, Audrey. That will be all for now.” He accompanied her to the door and
called for the next servant.
Again,
his thoughts wandered back to the murders that took place earlier in the year.
Those women had all seemed like proper young ladies. Friends and family had
vouched for them. Yet they’d each had a secret that had gotten them killed.
In
all likelihood, Lady Eleanor had secrets too. If he was to figure out who
killed her, he’d have to discover which of hers had led to her death.
#
There
was no greater nuisance than murder.
It
was hard to predict how one would play out. Killing Lady Eleanor had been
messier than he’d intended. Perhaps because he’d allowed himself to get carried
away.
His
lips curled. At least he’d had the foresight to stash a change of clothes for
himself at St. George’s burial ground. Returning home covered in blood would
not have helped him get away with the crime. As he intended to do.
Hands
shoved into the pockets of a clean pair of trousers, he stood by his bedchamber
window and watched the London traffic go by.
He
had no regrets. She’d deserved every part of what he’d done.
His
attention focused on the carriages filling the street and on the people
hurrying by. It was the busiest hour of the day, when men of consequence made
their way to Parliament while those who belonged to the working class went off to
start their jobs.
Bow
Street would have its hands full this morning. He casually wondered if they
were examining Lady Eleanor’s body right now and where the clues they
discovered might lead them.
Spotting
a young girl who carried a crate of eggs on her head, he tracked her as she
walked along the opposite side of the street. A man coming the other way nudged
her shoulder as he pushed past her, but failed to disrupt her stride.
She
threw a quick glance toward him then stepped off the pavement and hurried
between two carriages, making her way to this side of the street.
A
couple of street urchins came from the left at a run, most likely fleeing
someone whose pocket they’d picked. Leaping into the street at the same exact
time as the girl with the eggs attempted to exit, they crashed into her,
tripping before regaining their balance and sprinting onward while she was sent
reeling.
Down
went the crate and all of her eggs, straight into the gutter.
Not
one person stopped to inquire about her wellbeing. She was invisible to the
crowd – just another lowly individual doing her best to scrape by. Too much
trouble for the middle or upper class to get involved with. Too time consuming
for the rest.
And
yet, as he watched the poor wretch try to salvage the few eggs that somehow
remained intact, there was no doubt she’d prefer her situation to Lady
Eleanor’s at the moment.
He
watched the girl until she’d gathered whatever she could and continued along
the street, vanishing from his view before he turned from the window. His gaze
went to his bedside table and he crossed to it, retrieved a small key from his
jacket pocket, then dropped into a crouch.
With
adroitness, he set the key in the lock of the door beneath the drawer and
turned it. The door opened and he reached inside, retrieving a jar that he held
up against the bright morning light.
A
pair of eyes contained in a clear solution stared back at him while his lips
twitched with amusement. The last time they’d talked, Lady Eleanor had insisted
she’d no desire to see him again.
It
was a wish he’d been more than happy to fulfill.
About the Author
USA TODAY bestselling author Sophie Barnes writes historical romance novels
in which the characters break away from social expectations in their quest
for happiness and love. Having written for Avon, an imprint of Harper
Collins, her books have been published internationally in eight languages.
With a fondness for travel, Sophie has lived in six countries, on three
continents, and speaks English, Danish, French, Spanish, and Romanian with
varying degrees of fluency. Ever the romantic, she married the same man
three times—in three different countries and in three different
dresses.
When she’s not busy dreaming up her next swoon worthy romance novel,
Sophie enjoys spending time with her family, practicing yoga, baking,
gardening, watching romantic comedies and, of course, reading.
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