Sin With a Scoundrel (The Husband Hunters Club 4)

Poor Horace was being kept prisoner at a house not far from Whitehall, and although it was a nice house and certainly not a prison cell, he was still being prevented from leaving.

“It is John Little,” he said as soon as Charles explained about the highwayman.

“But the eyes—”

“No, you fool, not the highwayman. The fellow in charge. I’ve told them, but they won’t listen. I remember seeing him at that inn on the way to Kent. I was going to see that pretty ladybird I was fond of at the time. Her husband was out of the country, and it was the only chance we had. And now the doxy refuses to admit I was with her!”

Horace pulled at his hair in such a way Charles feared he might make himself bald.

“Now, now,” he soothed, “you know we’re all on your side, old chap. Just stay calm, and we’ll get you out of here.”

Horace’s face darkened. “It’s that swine Eversham. He wants Tina, and he thinks with me locked up his way is clear.”

Charles frowned. “Steady on, Horace. Eversham seemed genuinely concerned about Tina, and even Sir Henry believes she is in real danger.”

Horace muttered something his friend chose not to hear. For a time they sat in silence while a clock ticked on the mantel.

“I’ve asked Anne to marry me,” he said at last, a little shyly. “Haven’t told anyone else yet. I’m going to see her father when this business is all over, and I hope he’ll give me his permission.”

Horace eyed him sourly. “Well good luck with that. Maybe I’ll be out of this gaol by the time you have your fortieth wedding anniversary.”

Horace wasn’t himself these days, Charles decided, but he wouldn’t hold it against him. Besides, Charles was far too happy at the moment to spend any time being miserable. He was in love, and if luck was on his side, then soon he would be married to the most beautiful woman in the world.

Sir Henry was mulling over the information Charles Smythe had brought to him. It sounded very strange, and yet his instincts told him there was a connection. Sutton the highwayman had been hanging about the Hall for a reason, and that could well be a meeting with the Captain. Branson had admitted as much although he still insisted the Captain was Lord Horace Gilfoyle. Lord Montague—suddenly Lord Horace’s best friend—was furious and threatening all sorts of action, but so far Sir Henry had managed to keep the reins in his own hands.

Not for long, though. Lord Horace knew some powerful people, and they were all lobbying on his behalf.

He sat down and picked up a pen, dipping it into a pot of ink. He would write at once to Richard in Kent, warning him of the latest developments. Sir Henry just hoped everything down there was going to plan. And from now on, he was going to keep a very close eye on John Little.

Chapter 36

Evelyn Eversham popped her head into Tina’s room after knocking and being asked to enter. “I hope everything is all right, Miss Smythe?”

“Yes, thank you. I am very tired so I will retire now.”

Maria was turning back the covers on the bed, and Tina longed to climb in and close her eyes. Her head was aching, and she wanted nothing more than to forget all her troubles in deep and untroubled sleep.

“You may borrow my personal maid, if you have need of her,” Evelyn went on.

Tina glanced at Maria, aware of her maid’s stiffened back and stony silence. “Thank you, Mrs. Eversham, but Maria has been my maid for many years now.”

“Oh.” Evelyn’s gaze lingered on Tina, as if judging her and finding her wanting. “Well, if you change your mind, my maid always relishes a challenge.”

“Thank you.” Tina didn’t even have the energy to be insulted.

“I will see you in the morning then, Miss Smythe. Oh, by the way, you were asking about Anthony, my husband . . . I should have mentioned that before I married Anthony, I was engaged to Richard, in case he forgets to do so. He has always loved me, but, of course, when Anthony and I were together, there was no question of Richard’s interfering. It is only now that Anthony is dead that Richard has felt able to declare his love for me once more.”

And she was gone, the door closing gently behind her.

“She’s utterly poisonous,” Maria muttered.

Tina was still too stunned to say anything. A bubble of laughter welled up in her throat, but when it came out it was actually a sob. She covered her mouth to stop it, swallowing hard.

“Miss Tina, please don’t listen to her. Archie says she is a terrible woman, and Mr. Eversham is always having trouble with her. He does not love her. It is quite clear to anyone with eyes that he loves you!”

“Maria, I really don’t care. Mr. Eversham and I are nothing to each other. Now I am going to bed.”

And she climbed between the covers and shut her eyes.