Sin With a Scoundrel (The Husband Hunters Club 4)

Sir Henry grinned wolfishly. “Jolly fun wasn’t it? If they but knew the truth, eh? But, seriously, I hope you receive proper recognition for your work one day, Richard.”

“I don’t need recognition, sir, just let me have Anthony’s killer.”

Sir Henry fiddled with his papers. “There have been whispers—not loud ones mind, Sir Thomas keeps things close to his chest—but there have been whispers that he is in a hole, financially. Lost Lady Carol’s fortune. But that might explain why the girl is so eager to marry Gilfoyle.”

Richard had suspected this was so; it made sense. Now he wondered if Tina was a willing participant or whether this was an example of her being the dutiful daughter. After last night he was beginning to favor the latter.

“Isabelle is keen for a weekend country house party.” While Richard was cogitating, Sir Henry had moved on. “She’s younger than I, gets bored with nothing to do. Got to keep her busy. We’ll be sending you an invitation, Richard. Don’t worry, there’ll be plenty for you to do. I’m asking Gilfoyle and Little, too. And the Smythes and their friends.” He rubbed his hands together in anticipation. “Throw the whole lot of them together, eh, and see what happens? I wouldn’t be surprised if something major crops up.”

Richard tried not to shudder at the wasps’ nest his commander was putting together. But Sir Henry’s plans usually did work out, and if it meant they could flush out the Captain, then well and good. He just hoped there weren’t repercussions.

“I still want you to go to Kent and take a reccy,” Sir Henry went on, “but wait until after the weekend party, just in case we learn something more.”

“Very well, sir: a reconnaissance to Kent.”

“Nice girl.”

“Pardon?”

Sir Henry looked up with assumed surprise. “Miss Smythe. Nice girl. Don’t you think? Delightful.”

“Yes.”

Richard left it at that, but he could see his superior smirking to himself. Well, let him! Richard wasn’t about to discuss with Sir Henry his feelings for Tina and the personal doubts that were beginning to afflict him. Once all he’d cared about was finding Anthony’s killer, with no thought of what might happen next.

But Tina Smythe was forcing him to ask himself those questions. Uncomfortable questions. And with the questions came a tentative hope for the future.

It was early afternoon and Lady Carol and Sir Thomas had left the house for an appointment at the bank. Tina, who was waiting impatiently to fulfill her own appointment, changed quickly into her favorite blue dress with the matching bonnet. She’d been planning to go to Jasmine Square on her own, but now Maria knew about Mr. Eversham and was seeing Archie, it seemed prudent to take her, too. Then, if questions were asked, she could always say she was shopping with Maria.

They set off on foot. Lady Carol and Sir Thomas had taken the coach, but it was such a lovely day Tina was happy to walk. She noticed that Maria had taken some pains with her appearance and smiled to herself. She could not remember Maria’s ever having a gentleman caller. Was that through choice, or was there some secret in Maria’s past that stopped her from trusting men? Whatever the reason, Tina decided she would encourage this romance. At Maria’s age this might be her last chance for happiness.

The door of Number Five opened so quickly, Tina was sure Archie had been lurking about inside, awaiting their arrival. “Miss Smythe,” he said formally, and then his smile broadened. “And Miss Baez.”

“Good morning, Archie,” said Tina pleasantly. “Would you mind keeping Maria company while I have my chat with Mr. Eversham?”

“Mr. Jones must be busy,” interrupted an agitated Maria. “I’m quite able to occupy myself, miss.”

“Actually, Miss Baez, I was about to go on a message for Mr. Eversham. It shouldn’t take long, and we could walk. Would you care to join me?”

Maria glanced uncertainly at Tina. “Miss? Should I wait for you here?”

“Not at all, Maria. I am perfectly safe with Mr. Eversham. Go and enjoy your walk.”

Archie stepped forward. “I’ll just see you up first, Miss—”

“Nonsense,” Tina interrupted Archie. “I’m quite capable of walking up a few steps on my own. Mr. Eversham is expecting me, is he not?”

“Yes, miss.”

“Then you may go.”

“Thank you, miss.” He smiled at Maria, his eyes twinkling more than ever, and Tina couldn’t help but smile herself at their obvious attraction to each other.

When they’d gone, Tina made her way up the narrow staircase. She felt curiously agitated and told herself it was because she knew that her mother would be horrified at her behavior. But that wasn’t the real truth. She’d slept badly. Nothing seemed to be going as she’d expected and planned. And she found herself thinking more and more about Richard Eversham and less and less about Horace.

Richard opened the door to her gentle knock. “Tina,” he said, holding out his hand.

Her heart gave a bump. She took his hand, as always aware of his hard body radiating warmth close to her, and he drew her into the cozy room. The shades were drawn against the afternoon sunshine, making the light muted, and yet it felt bright and welcoming.