Daniel did not ask for the note.That was what troubled Leah most when they stepped back into his house.He did not reach for the envelope hidden inside her coat. He did not ask to read it again, or copy it, or lock it away. He did not remind her that Lady Ashbourne’s note might matter to his investigation. He did not even look at the place where her hand had gone, almost without permission, to feel whether the paper was still there.He simply gave his coat to Peter, removed his gloves, and said to Mrs. Turner, “Mrs. Cole will need tea.”Leah looked at him.Daniel met her eyes briefly. “Unless you would prefer something stronger.”She almost smiled.Almost.“Tea is fine.”Mrs. Turner took in the answer, the damp hem of Leah’s dress, Daniel’s controlled expression, and the fact that neither of them was speaking about whatever had happened at Lady Ashbourne’s house. Her face changed by less than a breath.“I will bring it upstairs, madam.”“No,” Leah said before she could think better o
Last Updated : 2026-06-11 Read more