Anne Herries - The Mistress of Hanover Square

‘To stay away from me?’Amelia stared at him in dismay. ‘What can you mean?’

‘I think someone had guessed that I meant to ask you to marry me—and whoever that person is he has decided that he does not wish for the marriage to go ahead.’

‘He would rather see me dead than as your wife?’ Amelia’s hand shook and she felt cold all over. ‘Who could be so evil? I do not understand who would do such a thing.’

‘Your brother threatened you,’ Emily reminded her. ‘He warned you against renewing your acquaintance with the earl.’

‘Is this true?’

Amelia met Gerard’s concerned look. ‘Yes. Michael has warned me that you are interested only in my fortune many times. I told him that I did not believe you to be so mercenary—and he did tell me that I would be sorry if—’ She broke off and shook her head. ‘I cannot believe that my brother would try to shoot me like that.’

‘He knows that if you marry me he would no longer have a chance of claiming your fortune for himself. I am sorry to say that there are some men who would stop at nothing where a large amount of money is concerned.’

‘Michael is a bully—but I am not certain he would murder for gain.’

‘At the moment he is our most likely suspect.’ Gerard reached for her hand and held it. ‘Do not fear, Amelia. You will be protected. I have already set measures in hand to have you watched all the time. I had not thought it necessary while we stayed at Pendleton. I imagined that you might be at risk once we announce our engagement, but my men will be in place by then.’ His expression was grave. ‘Unless you wish to withdraw in the circumstances?’

‘I refuse to let anyone dictate to me!’ Amelia lifted her head proudly. ‘Whoever this person is, the threat would not go away if we postponed the announcement of our engagement, Gerard.’

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