The Inevitable Fall of Christopher Cynster by Stephanie Laurens

Author:Stephanie Laurens
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Ellen spoke over her shoulder. “Hardcastle was foolish to get involved, but for all that, he seems to have a certain sense of honor. He didn’t want anyone else to be blamed for things they didn’t know about.”

Head down, his hands sunk in his pockets, entirely sober, Toby said, “He’s a perfect example of just how clever the mastermind has been—he’s had his agents hunt and search to find just the right sort of people to run his scheme for him.”

Christopher nodded. “Capable people who have a weakness—in Hardcastle’s case, a desire for more money, possibly to help keep the inn afloat.”

Ellen sighed. “I just hope his family can manage without him.”

Christopher grimaced. “Eventually, we’ll have to tell them where he’s gone and why, but for now, given he’s been in the habit of going off for days every now and then—”

“And,” Toby broke in, “he told his son there was something he had to see to.”

Christopher nodded. “Given that, let’s leave his family to manage for now. For them, any bad news can wait.”

They emerged into the front hall to discover an arrival in progress. Several trunks and hatboxes along with two suitcases stood in a clump in the middle of the floor. Mrs. Marsh was directing two footmen over which rooms to cart everything to, while Pendleby was bowing and attempting to usher the not-entirely-unexpected guests into the drawing room.

Christopher and Toby spotted Drake’s dark head and strode forward with considerable relief, even while their gazes settled on the second dark-haired guest—Louisa, Drake’s wife.

Toby and Christopher had met the couple at Somersham Place only a few weeks before; Louisa was expecting the couple’s first child, albeit with some months yet to go, but not even the skills of London’s best modistes could conceal her burgeoning figure.

Louisa’s green eyes locked on the three of them. “There you are, Christopher. And Toby, too.” Louisa smiled delightedly at Ellen. “And who’s this?”

Christopher shot Drake a look, along with a thank-God-you’re-here-and-about-time nod. He was a trifle surprised Drake had allowed Louisa to accompany him into the country on a critical mission which might yet prove dangerous, but then again, this was Louisa; Christopher had never known anyone able to rein her in—except, sometimes, Drake. Clearly, her husband had elected to choose his battles.

After welcoming Louisa with a suitably cynical “What a lovely surprise!” and bending and bussing her cheek, Christopher stepped back and allowed Toby to greet her.

Ellen had halted a few paces from the group.

Smiling encouragingly, Christopher captured her hand and drew her forward as Louisa, her expression alight with curiosity, stepped past Toby. Christopher glanced at Louisa. “Allow me to present Miss Ellen Martingale of Bigfield House, which is just across the lane. Ellen—this is a cousin of sorts, Louisa, Marchioness of Winchelsea.”

Ellen’s eyes widened, and she dropped into a curtsy. “My lady.” As she rose, she glanced sharply at Christopher, then, her own habitual curiosity surfacing, regarded Louisa. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, ma’am.”

Louisa hadn’t missed the swift look Ellen had cast him.

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