Page 25 of A Heart Worth Loving

“Sir,” Kyla replied.

“Mister Harris wanted to talk to your father about the property,” her mother said.

Kyla frowned “Papa is not here. Why ask for me, Mister Harris?”

“Your mother informed me that you often visited Baron Carrs’ home.”

“Last year, when his niece lived at Renwood, I visited several times.”

He smiled. “I was hoping you might be able to answer some questions.”

Kyla sat on the couch opposite her mother, and said, “What sort of questions?”

Mister Harris—if that was who he was—took his seat again. “Baron Carrs’ man of affairs showed me the house. It is very large. I was wondering if you know of any hidden rooms?”

“Hidden rooms?” she said in a polite voice—had that been a polite voice?

Her heart pounded. This had to be Mister Laurent. Why would anyone ask about hidden rooms, but a man who suspected a smuggler of storing stolen goods? When they’d first arrived in the area, her father had, in fact, used Renwood twice to store his booty, then decided that the abbey was a far better choice. Was it possible someone knew they’d used the estate as a hiding place?

Mister Harris smiled a charming smile that Kyla felt sure he knew was charming. “Forgive me, Miss Brodrick. I do not mean to be presumptuous. It is just that, well, forgive me for saying so, but I spoke with your constable today, and he informed me there is a smuggling ring operating in the area.”

“Smuggling?” Kyla’s mother gasped. “That cannot be possible.” She looked at Kyla, her eyes wide with fear. Her mother always was a good actress. “Margaret often walks alone,” she said.

Kyla caught herself before she rolled her eyes. Her mother would feign concern for Margaret and not her. When in Rome…

Kyla nodded. “I know, Mamma. Perhaps she should forego her afternoon walks until the criminals are apprehended.” She looked at Mister Laurent—for Mister Laurent he certainly was—and said, “Did Constable Hamilton say when the brigands would be apprehended?” Before he could reply, she returned her attention to her mother and said, “Perhaps we should send word to Papa?”

“Where is Mister Brodrick?” Mister Laurent asked.

“London,” Kyla answered. “He is not due home for another month, but perhaps he will shorten his visit and return home. Or we could go visit him.”

“What took your husband to London, Mrs. Brodrick?” he asked.

The question was highly impertinent for a stranger to ask, and Kyla’s mother responded exactly as she should, “My husband’s business is his own, sir. I do not intrude.”

Mister Laurent angled his head. “Forgive me, Mrs. Brodrick. I did not mean to offend. I hope to be your neighbor soon. I was simply being friendly.”

She smiled. “Oh, of course. Forgive me. But I cannot tell you anything about my husband’s investments. I have no head for figures.”

“As you said, your husband’s concerns are his own.” He returned his attention to Kyla. “I assume if you had seen anything suspicious at Renwood, you would have told your father.”

Kyla blinked as if in surprise. “Of course. But I assure you, sir, Lady Julia is not a smuggler.”

“Of course not.”

“And her father is quite elderly. I cannot believe he would be able to run a smuggling ring.” Kyla frowned as if in confusion. “Did Constable Hamilton say he suspected Baron Carrs or Lady Julia? I-I cannot believe such a thing.”

The man shook his head. “No, he did not say that. He did say that he has been unable to discover where they hide their booty.”

“I saw nothing at Renwood to make me believe Baron Carrs was a smuggler.” She paused for effect, and said, “How does one run a smuggling ring?”

Oh dear, had she gone too far? Oh, how she wished Margaret were here. She would distract the man from his mission.

“I cannot say for sure,” he replied.

She gave a soft laugh. “I suppose we should be glad to hear that, sir. After all, you may well be our neighbor soon.”

He smiled, and she was startled to realize that he flirted with her.