Ravaging the Duke by Salisbury JR

Author:Salisbury, JR
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Oliver Heber Books
Published: 2021-02-12T00:00:00+00:00

* * *

The Duke of Evermont reined in his stallion in front of the Earl of Norwood's home the following day. Norwood had sent him a letter suggesting they meet and talk about what, if any, progress was being made in the search for Jacob Douglas. He dismounted and handed his horse over to a waiting footman.

"Thanks for agreeing to meet me here," Evermont said as Norwood met him in the grand hall.

"No problem. I understand the duchess is most interested in anything pertaining to her brother and his bride."

Evermont chuckled. "That is an understatement."

"Come, let's go to my study. We'll be more comfortable there."

He nodded and followed Norwood. "I take it your journey was successful?"

"Yes. The ladies are all settled in, and I was able to get some business taken care of while I was there."

"Then it was worthwhile."

Entering Norwood's study, Norwood gestured to a small grouping of chairs near the fire.

"Whiskey?"

"Thank you."

Evermont watched as Norwood poured them each a healthy splash of spirits.

"My men believe they have found Jacob Douglas," Evermont announced. He accepted the heavy crystal glass from Norwood and took a swallow.

"But? Have they spoken to him?"

"No. They don't wish to scare him off."

Norwood took a long swallow of whiskey. "Is there any doubt it is him?"

Evermont shook his head. "No; however, where they found him is what's interesting."

"Where would that be?"

"At one of the gossip rags."

Norwood looked at him, confused. "You're saying he's working. Out in the open?"

"That's exactly what I'm saying. From what my men have found out, Douglas is working on the press."

Norwood nodded. "Makes sense since his father has a press."

"Yes it does."

"Anything else?"

Evermont smiled. "Evidently he's living in a back room of the establishment."

"That would make him inconspicuous. He could come and go as he wished."

"Exactly. I have men posted to follow him, see where he goes when he's not working."

"And where would that be?" Norwood asked. He swallowed the last of his whiskey.

"He walks. Nothing out of the ordinary yet."

Norwood sat back in his chair. He placed the glass on a table next to him. "I believe a trip to London is in order. I think it's time to meet Douglas and see what his plans are."

"I agree. I need to go to London anyway. I think two days would be sufficient, don't you?"

"Yes," Norwood replied with a smile. "I take it your duchess will only think you're going on business?"

Evermont nodded. "A quick business trip will keep her from wanting to go."

"When do you want to leave?"

"Day after tomorrow?"

"Excellent."

"I'm most interested in finding out why he's here. If he's biding his time, knowing his cousin is married, or if he's decided to stay."

Norwood rose and crossed the room. He picked up the decanter of whiskey and offered Evermont a refill.

"Do you think he's deliberately hiding?"

"If he is, who is he hiding from? His father or my men?"

"Maybe both." He poured himself another glass and set the decanter down.

Evermont swirled the amber liquid in his glass, watching it intently. "I guess we'll find out soon enough.

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