My Duke's Seduction (Wicked Lords of London 1)

Red-haired minx. That about summed it up. “And you find marriage to suit you?”

“It more than suits me. It’s the best thing I’ve ever done.”

“Thank you, Sussex.” Ryker nodded. “Provided Tricia is amenable, I will sign an agreement and, if you agree, get a special license post haste. I am hoping we can work out some of the particulars in a few days’ time, I have another matter that is rather pressing.”

“Your thief,” Sussex said.

“Yes.” Ryker had nearly forgotten that some of the details had woven into Tricia’s accounting of her time by the docks.

“That is the primary reason for my visit, actually.”

“Primary,” Ryker had to admit that surprised him.

Luke chuckled. “A man does not hold a woman’s hand in front of her family unless he intends to wed her.”

Ryker had to admit, he liked Sussex. There was a jovial easiness about him that he himself sometimes lacked. Tricia also had a warmth about her that made him feel less…stoic. “Fair point. What do you know about my thief?”

“I know almost nothing about your thief. But tomorrow night we are to attend a masquerade ball. I wouldn’t normally socialize at such a time, except for a very dear friend requested my presence. It seems the Marquess of Highwater uses such events to hold private auctions for goods he wishes to sell.”

Ryker stood and Luke started in surprise. “My apologies for frightening you. Would you mind if I brought my detective back in. I think we could help each other.”

“Of course,” Luke nodded. “Your man is discreet?”

“Yes, of course, but let me ask the need for discretion before I invite him into the conversation.”

“My friend is the Earl of Coventry. We are in a sort of guild together. The very one that will help Fenton. At any rate, there is another earl who appears to be caught up in dealings with Highwater. Coventry has sussed this out so that we might help our brother.”

“Understood, thank you for confiding in me. Mr. Hart need not know any of those details. But perhaps I could attend with you? If it is a masquerade, I need not announce myself. Very few in society know who I am.”

Luke nodded. “Excellent idea. Tricia will be thrilled, I am sure.”

Tricia, of course he would also be attending with Tricia. He didn’t like the thought, actually. Not that he minded being with her. She made the thought of a ball considerably less painful. But he didn’t want her mixed up in this business any more than she already had been.

Bloody hell, he was getting protective of her and they weren’t even married. Actually, now that he considered it, he’d been protective of her from the very first moment he’d seen her standing there, bravely trying to show a man a miniature as he leered salaciously. She had been innocent and brave and he’d stopped pursuing his query in order to protect her. “Will your countess be there as well?”

“Of course, Tabbie will have to chaperone her while you and I conduct our other affairs.” Luke grimaced for the first time and Ryker got a glimpse of the man who wasn’t so carefree. “We’ll have to find a dress that hides the baby.”

Ryker nodded, relaxing slightly. Tabbie, as Tricia and Sussex called her, was a woman who could handle herself. He was sure of it.

“If you wouldn’t mind, I’d like to speak with Tricia about our marriage before you tell her of my intentions.” He hesitated, wondering how Luke might react to the next tidbit. “She fancies that she will dedicate herself to charitable causes rather than wedlock. I thought I might assure her that I will fund any projects she may wish to undertake as part of our marriage. It seems rather important to her.”

Luke gave him a broad grin. “Marvelous idea. I did the same with Tabbie, as you are aware. They are women of high intellect and ambition to match. It suits them to have pursuits outside of marriage but that isn’t something every man would understand.”

Ryker gave a curt nod. “Her wanting to help society is the least of my concerns.” He couldn’t explain that his growing attachment was far more alarming. His own parents hadn’t experienced anything close to love and they viewed him with the same detachment. He was used to it, comfortable even. These feelings were unexpected and not entirely welcome.

Sussex eyes twinkled with merriment as he leaned forward in his chair. “You’ll grow to absolutely love her mischievous tendencies.”

That was exactly what he was afraid of. Ryker crossed the room to call Mr. Hart back in.

Chapter Six

Tricia looked at her sister and brother-in-law, blinking several times. They’d gone mad. “A ball?”

“Masquerade ball, actually,” Luke gave her that carefree grin he always seemed to have on hand as he sat across from her in their townhome’s front parlor. He’d come to her parent’s home to fetch her on the way back from some meeting to visit with her sister. At least that was what he had claimed. But clearly it had been a ruse to discuss this ball.

“Our father is dying. And you’re with child. Mother actually agreed to this?” Tricia’s voice was growing shrill, she could hear it. Now that Fenton had been found, there was nothing to distract her from the possibility that her father might perish. She didn’t want to go to balls and pretend like nothing was wrong. Taking a calming breath, she cleared her throat and folded her hands.

“She did agree despite the poor timing. She wants to see you settled. If father passes, you will have to go into mourning and miss the coming season…” Tabbie reached for her sister’s hands, placing one over hers. “And Luke needs to help a friend who is in trouble. I know you will understand that.”