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“Papa’s shipping outfit isn’t doing well, but one must consider other things such as influence, position, and respect throughout society.

My father knows powerful men in parliament as well as the government; he’s done a bit of smuggling for them, I’ll wager, in return for information.

” She shrugged. “It sounds crass, but one must think about these things. My father always told me to pay attention to where connections can be made, and then do something about them. One never knows when one will need the help.”

“Good advice to follow.” How far did those connections go?

“I think so.”

“Tell me this, Miss Perkins. Would Mr. Lockhart have been angry enough at his friend that he might shoot him in high emotion merely to stop the defamation of his name?”

“I don’t think so. Devon isn’t a violent man; I rather doubt he owns a pistol.”

Caroline nodded. “If someone, perhaps, mistook Mr. Blythe for Mr. Lockhart, does he have any enemies you might know of?”

“Other than his horrid cousin and valet?” She shook her head.

“I can’t think of any, except his mother.

His family doesn’t believe he should take up the Kingston title.

I’m his only support.” A sigh escaped her.

“Once we’re married and he is the duke, his family shall regret that they didn’t treat him better. ”

Ah, so then as new duchess, Miss Perkins planned to cut his family out of Mr. Lockhart’s life. Interesting strategy, and definitely something she wouldn’t think would come out of a true love match.

“Well, I’m glad you have each other. ”

“Oh, yes, I’m quite protective of him. Devon has a promising future as long as he can ignore everyone else’s opinions.

” Then she stood and shook out her skirts.

“Well, I should return to the house. It’s nearly dark, and I told Devon I would play a round of whist with him before retiring for the night. ”

Caroline nodded. “Thank you for your time, Miss Perkins.”

“You are most welcome.” Then an inscrutable expression came over her face, made twisted by the play of light and shadows due to the hedges all around them.

“It’s confusing being in love, and a bit like suffering through a fever and sickness.

” A soft sigh left her throat. “When I think of how I might have been made a fool by Mr. Blythe, I could shudder.”

What was this, then? Caroline frowned. “How so?”

She shrugged. “When I thought it was Devon who walked that roof, I was livid. He should have known better than to put his life at risk for a dare.”

“You were there when Mr. Blythe died?”

“No, but I argued with him before he went up, until I discovered that the man I thought was Devon… wasn’t. He didn’t have the crescent scar. Then I wished him well and walked away. Shortly afterward, I heard so meone scream.”

“Yet you didn’t return to find out what caused it?”

“No.” Miss Perkins shook her head. “I figured he’d reaped what he had sown.”

“Ah.” That sounded a bit cold, but then, Caroline hadn’t been a victim of Mr. Blythe’s switching places.

“It wasn’t your fault. You thought it was Mr. Lockhart, and your motives were pure.

I believe that you are innocent of the death.

” Yet why wouldn’t she return to the icehouse to check on him?

Even if she was angry, he was a friend to her fiancé.

“Thank you. I appreciate that.” She offered a small smile. “This time in my life is quite hectic. Have you ever been in love, Miss Ives?”

“No.” Was she now? Surely, she didn’t have romantic feelings for the major.

Strong desire and passion, yes, high respect, of course, but was she in love with him?

Not entirely. Theirs was not a courtship.

It was a partnership to solve a case. Once that occurred and the house party was over, she would probably never see him again, yet there was a tiny kernel of hope that she couldn’t seem to banish.

“Well, I don’t recommend it. Even if the man is wonderful. It requires quite a lot of commitment and trust that everything be right as rain.”

“I’ll bear that in mind.” What an odd thing to admit to a stranger .

Miss Perkins moved toward the path that would eventually lead away from the maze’s heart. “Yet on the other hand, being in love with the right man is simply divine.”

“You seem to have found that in Mr. Lockhart.”

She nodded. “Let us hope that will prove true after everything. He merely needs to understand that I have his best interests at heart and would do anything to help him succeed in his endeavors.” Then, with a wave, she left Caroline alone.

Perhaps this might prove a perfect viewing place to watch the stars.

No sooner had she sat on the wrought iron bench Miss Perkins had just vacated than the crunch of gravel and shells on the path warned her that someone approached.

When the last glimmers from twilight faded into the night, Felix entered the heart of the maze.

Though her fickle heart leapt at the sight of him, Caroline told herself not to be a ninny about any man, for nothing was permanent. “Why were you lurking in the maze?” Yes, they’d made amends in the cemetery vault, but nothing else had been said or even decided.

“I never lurk.” His blond countenance was shadowed by the gathering night, but the outline of his strong, solid form was unmistakable, and his presence sent shivers of need down her spine.

She snorted. “Did you follow me?”

“Of course not. That would be ungentlemanly. I was merely keeping an eye on you in the event you required assistance.”

“Why?”

He shrugged. “After recent events, I would rather keep you safe than not.”

Her traitorous heart squeezed, for he was thoughtful and compassionate. “I appreciate that. After the incident with the vault, I feel unsettled, as if my body won’t relax, or worse, that it’s steeling itself for something even worse.”

“I understand, which is one of the reasons I needed a walk.” Then he reached into his brown tweed jacket and withdrew a familiar brass object. “Besides, I wanted to return this.” With a tentative grin, he offered her the telescope.

“Oh.” A tiny piece of her heart few unexpectedly into his keeping. Should she be concerned? Deciding not to worry just yet, Caroline gave him a smile. “That is so sweet.” When she took the telescope from him, their hands brushed, and heat tingled up her arm.

“Perhaps.” The major shrugged. “I figured it was a decent night for stargazing.”

Was it merely an excuse or was he truly trying to make an effort? Did it matter? “It is,” she finally said as she curled her fingers around the neck of the telescope. “Will you join me?”

“I would be delighted to, even if the only heavenly body I see tonight is you. ”

Heat blazed through her cheeks from his obvious flattery. “Where is the grouchy major I’ve become used to?”

“I think I might have left him—mostly—back in the vault.” Then he seated himself next to her on the bench, and since it was a snug fit the sides of their bodies brushed each other, and an involuntary sigh escaped her. “How did the interview with Miss Perkins go?”

“It was all right, but I can’t help but think there is something… off there, as if she has left something out. Not necessarily lied but didn’t tell me everything.”

He nodded. “I feel that way too. Tomorrow morning, I’ll speak with Mr. Lockhart again. Sooner or later, something will give, and the person who has made attempts on our lives will become desperate.”

“With us in the crosshairs?”

“Only time will tell, but I meant what I told you earlier in the vault.” He turned his head and met her gaze. Nothing but honesty reflected there. “I won’t let any more harm befall you.”

How could the same man who infuriated her not a handful of hours ago manage to twist her heart with feelings that were both foreign and familiar?

“Thank you.” Daring to rest her free hand on his thigh, Caroline allowed a small grin in the darkness.

She’d never cared to know a man beyond the niceties before, so why had this particular man made such an impression?

I need more time to think.

But for the time being, she would enjoy the quiet companionship with him.