Page 89 of Not a Fine Gentleman

“It’s odd, but Mr. Finch said he barely knew Hennessy.”

“That is odd. Perhaps they had a falling out.”

“Had he started any new business ventures related to diamonds, or anything else?”

She lifted her shoulder in a shrug. “He wouldn’t have told me if he had.” She frowned. “Although, Mr. Finch was always looking for new investments. Years ago, he funded a venture to create a system of canals. So, surely diamonds would interest him.”

“But you know of nothing connecting Hennessy to diamonds.”

“I’m afraid not. Do you think that’s a clue?”

“It might be.”

A maid arrived carrying a silver tray and bowed before Margaret. “Milady, forgive me for interrupting, but this arrived for you by messenger. I thought it might be urgent.”

Margaret picked up the white folded paper, addressed to the Dowager Marchioness Hennessy. She turned it over, but the seal was plain and unadorned with no clues as to who sent it. She broke the seal and read, then paled.

“What is it?” Connor asked.

Wordlessly, she handed him the paper with the neat, bold script that accused,

Confess, murderer!

Cold and hot chills raced down his backbone. “It seems the magistrate’s ruling that you’re innocent is not accepted—at least by someone.”

She folded her hands together, but her expression ranged from worried to grave.

“Has something like this happened before?” he asked.

“This is the only time.”

“Let’s hope it’s the last.” But he doubted it. “Has anyone confronted you?”

“No, but between handbills, newspapers, and rumor, it’s clear all of London believes I’m a murderess.”

“Your family doesn’t, and the magistrate doesn’t,” he said firmly, then added in a softer voice, “I don’t.”

Her lips curved into a faint smile. “That’s all that matters.”

The air thickened between them, and a primal yearning for her rose up within him. The deepness of her eyes, the nearness of her mouth, her clean, garden-like scent, even the breath she exhaled beckoned to him. Invisible threads wound around them, pulling them closer together until their lips were only a breath apart. His eyes focused on her mouth as they drew ever nearer. Meg lifted her chin as Connor lowered his head.