Deception at Sable Hill by Shelley Gray Read Free Book Online

home last night.”
    “Yes, sir. I wanted to keep her safe. I’m grateful that she granted me the honor.” He carefully glanced Eloisa’s way, then forced himself to keep his expression neutral and not soften as was his want. Today she was wearing a pale-yellow morning gown. It was intricately detailed and extremely flattering to her coloring, though he supposed there was little in her wardrobe that wasn’t.
    She was also regarding him discreetly.
    It took everything he had not to lose himself in her aquamarine gaze.
    “It was very kind of you to trouble yourself like that,” her mother said. “Though I imagine one in your line of work is called upon to perform many such services.”
    “Indeed, ma’am.”
    Eloisa glared at her mother. “Mother, Lieutenant Ryan solves crimes. He is not part of an escort service.”
    Mrs. Carstairs sniffed. “Nevertheless . . .”
    Sean decided to offer Eloisa’s mother an out. “Nevertheless, I was happy to be of service.”
    Mr. Carstairs waved a hand. “Sit. Sit, Ryan. Coffee? Water?” He turned to his wife. “Is anything on its way?”
    “I believe so. I expect Worthy told Mrs. Nelson that a policeman arrived.” She worried her bottom lip. “Though I’m not sure if it is proper to serve beverages to police who are here in an official capacity?”
    Before he could mention that he actually hadn’t come only to question Eloisa, that he’d also wanted to reassure himself that she was suffering no ill effects from witnessing the aftermath of Danica’s attack, Eloisa spoke. “Mother, don’t be so rude.”
    “I’m only being honest, dear.”
    “Regardless of what your deportment classes have taught you, Audra, I would still like some coffee,” Mr. Carstairs said.
    Mrs. Carstairs picked up a sterling silver bell. “Then I shall make sure it is on the way, Evan.”
    While her mother rang the bell, Sean glanced back at Eloisa. To his surprise and delight, she smiled for the briefest of moments before schooling her features into one of relative calm.
    The bell was answered immediately by Worthy, who informed them that a teacart—with coffee for Mr. Carstairs—was being prepared by Mrs. Nelson and would be arriving within a matter of minutes. After the servant left, Evan Carstairs leaned forward on his elbows. “Have you apprehended Danica Webster’s assailant yet?”
    “Not yet, I’m afraid.”
    Not looking pleased with the answer, he shot another questionSean’s way. “Well? Is it the work of the Society Slasher?” Evidently, he was not concerned about offending the sensibilities of his wife and daughter.
    “The evidence suggests that,” Sean replied, thankful he was adept at answering questions without revealing very much at all.
    “Well, then?” Mr. Carstairs barked impatiently. “What is taking you men so long to make an arrest?”
    Knowing that Evan Carstairs’s harsh tone was a result of worry for his daughter, Sean weighed his words carefully. “There are a great many reasons, including the possibility that the Slasher might be known to the women he attacked.”
    “Surely not,” Mrs. Carstairs said with a decisive shake of her head. “Of course only a madman would be running about, cutting women with sharp objects.”
    “It is a crime that makes no sense, but please know we are doing everything in our power to discover the attacker as soon as possible.”
    Before either parent could fire off another question, Eloisa turned to him. “Lieutenant, please, could you tell me how Danica is recovering?”
    His voice gentled. “I have not stopped by her house this morning, miss, but from what I heard last night, it seems she will be just fine. She may be slightly scarred, and I am sure she is shaken by the attack, but other than that, the doctors feel she will eventually recover completely.”
    “Her scars are unfortunate,” Eloisa’s mother said. “They’ll ruin her chances for an engagement this season.”
    Eloisa winced. “Mother, surely you