Nine
A love potion.
John gazed up the steps outside the Landon townhouse, unable to banish Penelope’s broken expression from his mind.
Oh, to be so innocent again. To believe in any sort of magic instead of the bitter truths of the world.
Guilt for his behavior gutted him. It had never occurred to him that she might get hurt in this little charade. He’d agreed to the ruse because he’d been curious about Colton’s bizarre request. Of all people, John should have known better than to tangle with matters of the heart. He knew what betrayal was. He never should have left Penelope’s side. He should have stayed and demanded another moment alone with her.
He paced a few steps to the left of the stairs, contemplating his options. If he barreled back in, insisting upon an audience with Penelope, it would imply a romantic interest he wasn’t prepared to follow up on. Rules of propriety were strict. If he wasn’t careful he’d find himself at the altar, or at the very least expected to offer for her. Christ. What was a man to do?
From the corner of the brownstone, a flash of movement caught his eye. He snapped his head around and glimpsed a small boy, no more than ten, peaking around the corner. The lad caught sight of John and instantly popped back behind the wall.
Odd. Not to mention suspicious.
John followed with long strides and caught the little scalawag attempting to hide behind a pathetically slim tree. The boy clenched his eyes shut as though to make himself invisible. His clothes were worn and he grasped a cloth sack in one hand.
“What have we here?” John grabbed hold of the boy’s arm before he could scamper off again.
Panic lit the boy’s wide gray eyes. He tugged against John’s hold and the bag slipped from his hand. An ornate candlestick and several silver spoons spilled into the snow.
John held firm to the lad. “A thief, eh?”
The imp said nothing.
“What is your name?”
The boy pursed his lips, refusing to respond.
Without releasing the young brigand, John scooped up the lad’s would be loot. “Come along then. You have some explaining to do to Lord Landon.”
Without knocking on the door, John threw the portal inward and hauled the lad into the high-ceiling entryway he’d just vacated. Lord Landon, Holbrook and Penelope still stood outside the door to the earl’s study. All turned startled gazes to John.
“My Lord, I believe I’ve found the reason for your missing letter opener. I caught this little scamp outside with a bag full of your fine silver.” John tossed the sack to the floor. The contents clattered loudly on the marble floor.
