Love, Untruths, and the Smuggler's Ruse by Anne Shaw

Author:Anne Shaw
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: romance, regency romance, regency, historical, historical romance, romantic suspence, action and adventure, regency romantic suspense
Publisher: Anne Shaw
Published: 2022-03-04T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twenty-One

Langdon followed the butler down the hallway to Stanton’s office. The last time he had been at the residence was the morning he had met Elizabeth. A grin formed at the thought of the lady and the way she’d melted into his arms. In a fortnight, he would be in the country and back in her company. He had promised her cousin that he had no designs on her. A laugh considering he couldn’t keep his mind on any task save the memory of her on his lap in the carriage.

The butler opened the door to reveal Idle in conversation with a stocky man in rough garb, a gape in his front tooth.

“Lord Langdon,” the butler said, backing out of the room.

“Good morning, Lord Langdon.” Idle turned to the other man. “I believe our business is done, Mr. Jocko. Please come back if you learn anything else. Lord Stanton will be most grateful.”

“I will.” The gap-toothed man nodded, shifting his sharp black gaze to Langdon. His hard exterior matched the coolness in his black eyes. Distrust rested in his stark regard. Langdon merely cocked an eyebrow at the man. Stanton often paid informants and thugs like Jocko for information. They were tough men with nothing to lose, which made them more dangerous.

Jocko left the room with heavily booted feet. Idle resumed his seat and flipped open a leather-bound journal. “I am sorry, my lord. What can I help you with today?”

“I am here to see Stanton.” He waited for Idle to stand but the man frowned and said nothing. Awkwardness rested in the air, the heaviness adding to Langdon’s unease over the upcoming interview with Stanton.

“Aw, you’re seeking an appointment. I am afraid he is not in his office but has removed himself to his studio. Would you like me to pencil you in for tomorrow?”

Langdon shook his head at the odd turn of the conversation. “I am afraid you’re mistaken. I have an appointment with Stanton.”

Idle skimmed his finger down the neatly written page and shook his head. “I am sorry, but I don’t have you listed for an appointment. Are you certain it was for today?”

“I am very certain. He sent a note to my residence requesting I call upon him today.” A very curt note that would set the tone for the upcoming interview. He had a bracing sense that the conversation wouldn’t be pleasant. There was no doubt in Langdon’s mind that Stanton was aware of his investigation and would most likely order him to cease and desist. He had no intention of doing so. Mrs. Adare was on the track of something that merited further inquiry.

“Oh dear.” Idle stood and pressed his thin lips together, worry furrowing his brow. “I am afraid Lord Stanton has been rather absent-minded of late. He, um, well... he forgets things.”

“Is he ill?” Langdon leaned his hip against the desk, concern overriding his earlier irritation at his mentor. Stanton was in his early forties and had been a fearless leader in battle.

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