The Duke Who Knew Too Much by Callaway Grace

Author:Callaway, Grace [Callaway, Grace]
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub, azw3
Publisher: Grace Callaway
Published: 2015-01-28T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twenty-One

“Good afternoon, Miss Kent,” Jarvis said as he ushered her into the foyer.

“Hello, Jarvis. How are your knees today?” Emma said.

Beneath his beetled brows, his eyes twinkled. “Much better, thank ye kindly. Your salve is nothing short of a miracle.”

“I’ll bring more the next visit,” she promised. “Is the duke at home?”

“Indeed, miss. But his grace has a meeting at the moment—”

“I’ll wait. I have an important matter to discuss with him,” she said with determination.

“Of course. Right this way.”

Jarvis put her in the drawing room, leaving to fetch refreshments. Alone, she paced over the Aubusson, impatient to see Alaric so that she could take him to task. Ever since she’d agreed to spy on the ton on his behalf, an unending stream of so-called supplies had arrived on her doorstep. His extravagance had been staggering: evening gowns, frippery, every kind of accoutrement—all of it in the latest fashion and every item fitting her perfectly.

Rosie and her sisters had oohed and aahed over each lavish gift, and even Marianne’s brows had risen at the item currently residing in Emma’s reticule. Emma, however, was not impressed. As she faced the prospect of her debut reconnaissance mission at the Blackwoods’ tomorrow night, she had to wonder if Alaric had something other than investigation on his mind.

An ulterior motive that had little to do with her helping to track down a villain—and everything to do with getting his way.

When she heard his deep, distinctive tones in the distance, she could wait no longer. She headed in the direction of the voices … and stopped short. Not because of Alaric—who appeared, as usual, effortlessly virile in a burgundy waistcoat and buff trousers—but the familiar pair of men standing with him.

“We are grateful for your patronage, your grace,” the senior gentleman said.

“As ever, we are at your service,” his younger replica added.

Alaric wasn’t looking at them, however. His eyes had locked on her. His guests followed the direction of his gaze.

“Ah, Miss Kent. What a surprise.” The speculative glance that the elder banker threw in Alaric’s direction confirmed her sudden, blazing suspicion. “Good afternoon.”

“Mr. and Mr. Hilliard,” she said. “What a coincidence it is to see you here.”

“Er, yes. Coincidence, of course.” The younger Mr. Hilliard cast an uncertain look at Alaric. “’Tis a pleasure to see you, but Father and I must be getting along. Appointments, you know.”

“Don’t let me keep you,” she said.

After they left, she turned to Alaric, who emanated tension. Her intuition told her the cause of his unease. Yet if her hunch was correct, why would he want to hide such a thing?

He rubbed the back of his neck, scowling at her. “What are you thinking, coming here unchaperoned? There’s a murderer on the loose, not to mention proprieties—”

“You arranged the loan for Kent and Associates, didn’t you?”

She saw him flinch; he recovered instantly. “My business affairs do not concern you.”

If he thought hauteur would shield him, he was wrong.

It was too late for that; she’d seen him for what he was.

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