Ravishing in Red by Madeline Hunter

Author:Madeline Hunter
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Penguin USA, Inc.

“My apologies, sir. A serious matter of safety interfered with seeing you at once. I hope that you understand that the nature of our stores can create such eventualities.” Mr. Singleton offered the excuse in a rush. His flushed face said he truly hoped Sebastian would not take offense.

That was a good sign, and Sebastian was happy to reassure him. “I am curious why you requested this meeting at all, Mr. Singleton. I have sought one in vain for almost a year.”

Singleton’s nod acknowledged the truth of that. “My apologies on that too, sir. I am, as I hope you know, a servant of the state.”

It was not clear if that was a slip or a warning. In either case, he had all but said that he acted under orders, in this as in all else.

“I hope the marquess is well, sir.”

“My brother is fine, thank you.”

“Please give him my greetings. And your new wife? My sincere felicitations to both of you.”

“Thank you.”

“Splendid.” Singleton gathered his attention and thoughts. “If I may speak frankly, sir, and please believe that I intend no disrespect—”

“Of course.”

“Considering your zeal in a certain matter, the identity of your intended caused some interest here.”

“You mean because of her father. Well, Mr. Singleton, both my bride and I would be the first to agree that fate can be capricious.”

“Quite so, quite so. Capricious. However—we are wondering if your continued interest in that matter will now be relinquished.”

It was not clear which answer he wanted, which was curious considering their prior unhelpfulness. “Tell me, Singleton, do you have an opinion on whether it should be relinquished? Do you consider the current assumptions about Horatio Kelmsleigh both a complete explanation, and a just one?”

A pursing smile tightened Singleton’s face. “We maintain that nothing happened within these walls or under our jurisdiction to give me cause for any opinion.”

“And yet I sense that you have one.”

“Privately. Confidentially. I can only say that it is my feeling that if you pursue this matter, you will not exonerate your wife’s father, if marital bliss has inclined you to try.”

They knew something. Of course they did. Ordnance did not move without careful monitoring and records.

Sebastian took his leave soon after. The peculiarity of Singleton’s confidence occupied his mind while he rode down Tower hill. Singleton had spoken as if the investigation had reached a crossroad, not a wall. Which meant that the Board of Ordnance anticipated new information coming out that would stoke one MP’s interest again.

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