A Summit in Shadow (Ducal Detective Mysteries Book 4) by Burr Sarah E

Author:Burr, Sarah E. [Burr, Sarah E.]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Published: 2017-12-16T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nine

George joined them a moment later, shirking away from the swooning clutches of Duchess Tandora’s lady-in-waiting. “Lady Gwendolyn was quite attentive this evening,” he said with a beet-red glower as Jax and Perry chuckled at the woman’s acid expression as she headed back to her room alone.

“Is she new to the post? I don’t remember seeing her at the Duchess’s side before,” Jax asked once her giggles subsided.

George nodded. “She’s only been in her service for a few months. The previous lady-in-waiting married a Tandorian Earl and moved to his estate. Lady Gwen’s father is a close family friend of the Duchess. I guess she’d been preparing for the position for quite some time.”

Jax regarded the woman’s retreating figure. “Well, she’s not half bad looking, George. I’d excuse you for the night if you’re interested.”

George rolled his eyes as Jax and Perry dissolved into fits of laughter once more. “Come on, you two. Let’s find a guard to take us to the library.” He didn’t even deem their joke worthy of a response.

After encountering a guard who protested that guests should return to their rooms, Captain Solomon was able to persuade him that the Duchess simply wanted some reading material and hadn’t packed any. A few moments later, the group arrived at two huge metal doors, illuminated by enormous torches.

“Would you like me to wait to escort you back to your rooms?” The guard must have noticed their designated courtier was not present.

“No need,” George said without further explanation.

Giving them another inquisitive glance, the guard took his leave and disappeared down the hall.

“I hope he’s not running right to Lysandeir to tell him where we are,” Jax said, looking apprehensive as the guardsman retreated. “He’ll know something is up if we’re reported skirting around the archives, and I don’t want Roust being found out. He’s in a dangerous position.”

“Well, let’s hope the information he has is worth the trouble.” With a grunt, Perry pushed open the heavy doors to the library, George jumping into help.

Despite the late hour, the cavernous room glowed with warmth, several fireplaces lining the walls. The endless rows of shelves seemed to reach the ceiling, ladders perched against the hardwood to allow patrons access to the high-placed volumes. The smell of books filled their noses as they entered the vault of knowledge.

Jax saw a few scholars still scribbling away furiously, the candles at their worktables nearly melted down to stubs. “Let’s find Roust.”

The rotund, bleary-eyed courtier was tucked away in a section labeled Prose. “Thank the Virtues you made it. I was beginning to worry you might not come.” He ushered them to a small table, away from prying eyes. “Don’t worry, no one will ever suspect me of hiding out among works of fiction.” He tittered at his own joke.

“Enough small talk. Is there a threat to the Duchess’s life that you know about?” George demanded, his patience for the evening at its end.

Roust wiped a bead of sweat off his balding head. “No, no, I suspect nothing of that.

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