Vane's lips twisted wryly. "He was waiting for me." Strolling forward, he took up his customary position, shoulders propped against the mantelpiece. "Which, the last time I checked, wasn't a crime."
Timms sniffed. "Exactly so. That much was obvious."
"If we're agreed on that, then I suggest we forget the incident. There's no way I can see to link it to anyone."
"Masters couldn't fault any of the other alibis." Patience lifted her chin when Vane looked her way. "I asked him."
Vane regarded her for a moment, then nodded. "So tonight has revealed nothing-there's nothing more to do but head for bed."
He kept his eyes on Patience's face; after a moment, she inclined her head. "As you say." She bent down to Minnie. "If you don't need me, ma'am?"
Minnie forced a tired smile. "No, my love." She clasped Patience's hand. "Timms will take care of me."
Patience kissed Minnie's cheek. Straightening, she exchanged a conspiratorial look with Timms, then glided to the door. Vane fell in in her wake, reaching around her as she halted before the door to open it. Then- positions were the same as they'd been that afternoon, when he'd deliberately discomposed her. This time it was she who hesitated, then glanced up, into his face. "You don't believe it was Gerrard."
Half question, half statement. Vane held her gaze, then shook his head. "I know it wasn't Gerrard. Your brother couldn't lie to save himself-and he didn't try."
Briefly, she searched his eyes, then inclined her head. Vane opened the door, closed it behind her, then headed back to the fire.
"Well," Minnie sighed. "Will you take on my commission?"
Vane looked down at her and let his Cynster smile show. "After that little interlude, how could I refuse?" How indeed.
"Thank heavens!' Timms declared. "Lord knows we need a little sound sense around here."
Vane stored that comment up in case of later need-he suspected Patience Debbington thought she had the sound sense market cornered. "I'll start nosing around tomorrow. Until then-" He looked at Minnie. "As I said, it would be best to forget about tonight."
Minnie smiled. "Knowing you'll be staying will be enough to ease my mind."
"Good." With a nod, Vane straightened and turned.
"Oh-ah, Vane…?"
He glanced back, one brow rising, but didn't halt in his progress to the door. "I know-but don't ask me for a promise I won't keep.",
Minnie frowned. "Just take care of yourself-I wouldn't want to have to face your mother if you break a leg, or, worse yet, your head."
"Rest assured-I don't intend to break either." Vane glanced back from the door, one brow arrogantly high. "As you've no doubt heard, we Cynsters are invincible."
With a rakish grin, he left; Minnie watched the door close. Reluctantly smiling, she tugged at her slipping shawls. "Invincible? Huh!"
Timms came to help. "Given all seven of the present generation returned from Waterloo, unscathed and with nary a scratch, I'd say they have some claim to the title."
Minnie made a distinctly rude sound. "I've known Vane and Devil from the cradle-and the others almost as well." She poked Timms's arm affectionately. With her help, she struggled to her feet. "They're very much mortal men, as hot-blooded and bold as they come." Her words gave her pause, then she chuckled. "They may not be invincible, but be damned if they're not the next best thing."
"Precisely." Timms smiled. "So we can leave our problems on Vane's shoulders-Lord knows, they're broad enough."
Minnie grinned. "Very true. Well, then-let's get me to bed."
Vane made sure he was early down to breakfast. When he entered the breakfast parlor, only Henry was present, working his way through a plate of sausages. Exchanging an amiable nod, Vane headed for the sideboard.
He was heaping a plate with slices of ham when Masters appeared, bearing another platter. He set it down on the sideboard. Raising a brow, Vane caught his eye. "No sign of any break-in?"
"No, sir." Masters had been Minnie's butler for twenty and more years. He knew Vane well. "I did my rounds early. The ground floor had already been secured before the… incident. I checked again afterward-there was no door or window left open."
Which was no more nor less than Vane had expected. He nodded noncommittally and Masters left.
Strolling to the table, Vane drew out the chair at its end.