The shopkeeper bowed again. “What can I do for you, my lord?”

“I am seeking a man called Anant Paltu.”

The shopkeeper exchanged glances with the woman. “I have heard of him. Is there something I could help you with, my lord?”

“I saw him only moments ago, in the streets. I want to find him.”

“If you want my advice, stay away from him, my lord. He is an opium eater. Very dangerous.”

The mention of opium made Stephen recall the tattoo on his neck. He loosened his collar to reveal the marking. “Can you tell me what this means? It was done to me while I was on board a ship. I’m told it is Chinese.”

The shopkeeper’s expression turned curious. “It is the brand of a criminal, my lord.” He sent a hesitant glance toward the woman, who kept her gaze averted.

“What does it mean?”

“It is for opium smuggling. If you are caught a second time, you will be executed.”

A strange sense of finality struck him. Now that he knew the tattoo was the same as the one given to Carstairs and Hollingford, it made sense why the stolen shipment had even more value. The profits had involved smuggled opium.

But was Carstairs responsible? He’d admitted that he’d traveled to India with Daniel, but he’d claimed his own innocence, foisting the blame upon Emily’s brother and Anant.

Stephen paid the shopkeeper and departed. As he returned to his carriage, he turned the events over in his mind.

And he couldn’t help but think that his time was running out.

Chapter Twenty

Emily hadn’t expected to see Stephen so soon. She heard his voice in the hall and saw him handing his gloves and hat to Nigel’s footman. Tension knotted his face, but he relaxed when he saw her.

“What is it?” she asked. Had he changed his mind about acknowledging her as his countess? Was he planning to bring her home with him? From the unsettled expression on his face, that didn’t seem likely.

He took her hand in his. “I’ll tell you in private. Is your uncle here?”

“He had business with some associates this evening. He promised to return later tonight.” She studied her husband, noting the worry on his face.

“He left you alone?”

What was this about? Her nerves tightened, though she pointed out, “We have a houseful of servants.”

“I’d rather know for myself that you’re safe. I’ll stay with you while he’s gone.” He walked alongside her and rested his palm upon her back. Although it was meant as reassurance, she sensed that what he was about to tell her wasn't good.

Emily led him into the drawing room, her apprehension rising when he closed the door. “There was another attempt on my life.” He told her about the poisoned biscuits, and her insides turned to ice.