Cameron peered toward the candle, trying to see the shadowy figure behind it. He'd been in his bed chambers when he'd heard odd noises from the attic. But never in his life had he expected to find Madison roaming around.

She expelled a gush of air. "Cameron? What are you doing up here?"

"Madison? Is that really you?" He stepped closer, still not believing his eyes. "What in the blazes... I came up here to investigate when I heard noises. I didn't think a mouse could have such a heavy step."

She rolled her eyes. "It's just me. I came up here because Alice remembered seeing Rosie leaving the attic the day before she disappeared."

Her statement took him off guard and he belted out a sarcastic laugh. "Rosie? Up here? Impossible."

"That's why I'm here...hoping to get a vision."

He noticed a spider web strand caught in her hair, and without asking, plucked it out. "Has it worked?"

"Not yet."

She watched his hand as he shook off the web. Now that his eyes had adjusted, he noticed the lovely gown she wore. The lavender color complimented her dark brown hair that flowed perfectly over her shoulders. Although he still couldn't see the color of her eyes, he was certain they were alight with wonder right now.

As his gaze wandered down her body, he noticed the lower cut bodice that showed a hint of her ample bosom. The dress fit snug against her chest and thin waist. Long sleeves hung loose on her arms, gathering at the wrists. His mouth dried and he forced his gaze back to her eyes, but it was extremely difficult.

"I was thinking about checking the other room." She motioned her head to the north of them.

"Oh, yes. Let me help you." He held out his hand.

"Oh, don't be silly. I'm sure I can find the way by myself."

He reached for the candle, and at the same time, she jerked it away. The quick motion tilted the candle off the holder. As it fell to the ground, the flame blew out. Darkness surrounded them.

"Oh, dear." Her voice rose in panic.

"Don't worry," he answered. "I'll find it."

Cameron's eyes adjusted slowly. He knelt to the floor, searching for the candle. Unintentionally, he brushed by her booted feet, bumping his hand against her ankle. She hitched a breath and dropped to her knees—probably to assist him so he wouldn't touch her feet again. Instead, their fingers met.

On instinct, he took her hand into his. Slowly, the small amount of light from the other room crept their way, and through the shadows, she lifted her head to look at him. He couldn't quite see her eyes, but she was so close, her warm breath blew against his face. She smelled like she'd been eating berries...and honey. It was all he could do not to lean a few inches forward and cover her mouth with his. But he resisted, as difficult as it was.

She didn't move, and neither did he. By the way her breath fanned his face, he knew she was breathing heavily. Remarkably, so was he. He grinned. Was she as interested in him as he was in her?

Falling victim to temptation, he lifted his other hand and grasped a lock of her hair. Slowly, he rubbed it between his finger and thumb. Indeed, it was as soft as it had looked. The urge grew, and he wanted to rub her hair against his cheek. She gulped loudly, and he copied the action.

"Cam-Cameron? I...I...think—"

His vision began to adjust, and her face became a little clearer. He was certain she could see him just as well because her gaze dropped to his mouth. His heart flipped with anticipation. Kissing her now would be the perfect time. They were alone and so close...and he'd never felt the urge stronger than at this moment.

Leaning closer, she sucked in a quick breath of air, yet she hadn't moved away. He smiled and closed the space between them. Just as his lips touched hers, a creak from the floor echoed, breaking the stillness. A light moved slowly up the hall.

Madison jumped away, bumping her head against his. "Ouch!" As he placed a hand on the floor to steady himself, his fingers brushed against the candle. "I found it."

He and Madison stood together, and he stepped away from her. He aimed his focus on the light floating up the hall.

"Master Cameron? Is that you?"

He frowned and nodded. "Yes, Mrs. Trumble. What are you doing up here?"

"Mistress Alice bade me to come find Miss Haywood. She was worried about her guest."

"We are both here. Your timing couldn't have been better. Miss Haywood's candle dropped and we lost light for a few moments." He reached over and lit his candle against hers. "We're on our way down now."

"Oh, of course, sir." The woman turned and hurried back into the main room.

Sadly, the hypnotic spell that had been between him and Madison was gone. More than anything, he wanted it back.

"Well, shall we leave the attic or did you want to keep looking?"

"N-no. I think I'm done here."

He hesitated to return downstairs, but when she made no attempt to come any closer, he knew the sensual mood had been ruined. As he headed toward the trap door, he realized that today had just begun. There was more time to bring back the sparks between them.

Smiling, he nodded. Today looked much brighter already.

* * * *

Madison had never felt so embarrassed...and confused at the same time. Cameron had caught her with spider webs in her hair and dust on her gown, and yet he still tried to kiss her. Oh heavens!

When they finally made it back to the sitting room where Alice waited, Madison was able to get a better look at him, mainly because she'd been too frazzled to meet his gaze before now. His green eyes were lighter than normal as he peered her way. The soft lift of his mouth was even different, and she could stare dreamily at them for the rest of the day, if necessary.

Dressed in black trousers, a vest, and brown jacket with white shirt and cravat, he looked so handsome. His slightly damp waves were slicked back on his head. From where she stood, a whiff of his spice cologne nearly attacked her senses and made her weak in the knees.

"Well? What did you find in the attic?" Alice asked in a rush, aiming her question to Madison.

Frowning, she shook her head. "I didn't find anything. I received no visions at all."

A loud sigh escaped Alice's mouth. "Thank you for trying, anyway." She switched her gaze to her brother. "I'm glad you're finally up."

"Forgive me for not rising sooner, but I returned home late."

Alice nodded. "I've been anxious to hear what you found last night."

The pleasant expression on his face fell slightly. "Actually, I found nothing at Miss Trent's. However, I did find something when I visited the police station and talked to the men who worked that night."

Madison gasped. "You didn't! Cameron, they could have arrested you."

He shook his head. "I overheard them talking about Mr. Bailey's murder, and they had no idea what Captain Orwood had planned."

"Uh, Cam?" Alice's voice wavered. "What does that have to do with Rosie?"

He inhaled slowly and turned toward his sister, keeping his focus mainly on her. "Forgive me for not telling you sooner, but the man who was killed at the station, Mr. Bailey, had a connection with our dear sister. In fact," he exhaled slowly, "Rosie had begged me to allow his courtship."

"But..." Alice shook her head as her eyes filled with tears, "didn't Miss Trent say differently?"

"Yes. However, I still need to find who killed Mr. Bailey. I feel responsible for putting him in the cell block, and of course, I don't want to be accused of something I didn't do."

Alice sucked in a quick breath. "Was Mr. Bailey...a criminal?"

"No, but I threw him in the cell when he wasn't giving me the answers I needed after asking him about Rosie."

Lowering her hand, Alice shook her head. "Do you think the two cases are related?"

"Possibly." He turned to Madison. "Madison? Would you enjoy an outing with me today?"

Startled by his question, Madison's mind went blank. Of course, his smile and warm eyes didn't help the matter. "Uh...an outing? Are you not supposed to be in hiding?"

"Of course, I am. You will be traveling with Uncle Henry, if that meets your approval." He chuckled. "But I thought about taking you to the station and to Mr. Bailey's cell to see if you can get a vision there."

Eagerness snapped her out of the stupor. Of course, knowing they'd be alone heightened the excitement shooting through her, as well. "Certainly, Mr. Westland. I would love to go with you this morning."

After she'd said it, she could have slapped herself. Why had she answered in those words? She didn't want him thinking she looked forward to their time alone...even though she was.

He glanced at Alice. "Is that all right with you?"

A mischievous grin stretched across Alice's face, making her green eyes twinkle. "But of course, dear brother. With Miss Haywood with you, I won't have to worry about your getting arrested."

"Exactly." He nodded.

"Brother, dear? Do you want me to ask Mrs. Trumble to make you a lunch basket, too?"

Madison's cheeks grew hot, and she hoped her face didn't reflect her embarrassment. Why was Alice trying to pair them together—and so openly? The young woman should have been a little more discreet.

Cameron nodded. "That's a splendid idea."

Alice clapped her hands excitedly. "I shall inform her right now."

As the other woman spun out of the room, Madison silently groaned. Alice was making a bigger deal of Madison's morning ride with Cameron than it really should be, and it was quite distressing. And yet, the twinkle in his eyes as he chuckled made her question his motives. He couldn't possibly entertain the idea of a relationship with her. She had ushered that notion out of her head several years ago after realizing men would never understand her visions, or tolerate how she wanted to help others because of her gift.

She prayed Cameron wouldn't toy with her feelings.