A Fatal Waltz by TASHA ALEXANDER Read Free Book Online Page A

room underneath a copy of the collected works of Aristophanes.”
    “This is outrageous,” I said. “I—”
    Colin raised a hand to stop me, his eyes on Lord Fortescue. “This is nothing but the barest sort of circumstantial evidence.Anyone could have put that bracelet on your floor, and anyone could have put the papers in her room.”
    “Perhaps, but I think the police would believe my version of the story. And I’m certain I could come up with at least one witness who saw her leaving my chamber. I wonder what Sir Julian would make of all this? I’m certain he’d want to run something about it in his paper.”
    “You’ve no more interest in involving the police or the newspapers than I do,” Colin said.
    “Quite right, as always, Hargreaves. Do you think Her Majesty would be interested in hearing my story? Would it cause her to lose faith in her favorite agent?”
    “It’s more likely to shake her faith in her favorite political advisor. The papers were in your possession. You should have seen to it that they were in a secure location.”
    “The queen would not approve of your marrying a woman suspected of theft.”
    “It does not become a man of your position to attack a lady. Save your venom for some other adversary,” Colin said. Through all this, Mr. Harrison had remained silent, leaning against a bookshelf, inspecting his fingernails. His jacket hung open, and I saw that he was carrying a pistol under it.
    “Ah.” Lord Fortescue laughed. “So you don’t view her as an equal, just as a mere lady? Can’t imagine she’ll be happy to hear that.”
    “She’s my equal, but your superior. You degrade yourself by trying to insult her.”
    “A devastating observation. Think on it, though, Hargreaves. Can you afford a wife whose integrity is so easily compromised?”
    “I’ve done nothing to compromise my integrity,” I said, my voice strong. “Other than having the poor judgment to converse with you after dinner.”
    “I’m glad to see you’re using the rope I’ve so generously left for you. You’ve let us all witness the danger of women trying to think for themselves. I’ve nothing further to say on this subject for now. But remember, Lady Ashton, that regardless of the opinion of your fiancé, I could use this incident against you. Do not try to cross me again. And when I need something from you, don’t forget that this will become public should you refuse me.” With that, he stalked out of the room, Mr. Harrison following close behind, a cold smile on his face.
    I turned to Colin at once. “I’m so sorry,” I said, and told him the details of my arrangement with Mr. Harrison.
    “A clumsier plan than I would expect from Fortescue.” He frowned and took my hand. “You must be more careful, though. What made you trust Harrison?”
    “His story seemed reasonable; what he was asking of me, nominal.”
    “But what made you think he was trustworthy? It’s simple to tell a reasonable story that is full of lies. Consider a man’s character before you decide to believe him.”
    “Forgive me?” I asked, feeling like a child who’d been scolded for interfering with adults. It was unlikely that Kristiana had ever found herself in a comparable situation. She was Colin’s colleague, his professional equal. I was the lowest sort of amateur. Was he drawing the comparison, too?
    “Of course I forgive you. But you must promise that in the future you will be completely candid with me before you embark on anything like this.”
    “I promise.” I hated that he had to ask this of me. “What was in the papers Mr. Harrison took?”
    “He was correct when he told you they were politically sensitive. But that’s all I can say. Don’t worry any more about Fortescue. There’s enough political trouble brewing that he’ll soon have notime to worry about you. I fear there’s more at stake than any of us realizes.”
    “Was there truth in what Mr. Harrison said to me?”
    “Yes.”
    “I wish