Enticing the Earl

“That sounds wonderful.” Mia hooked her arm with Caroline and they set off down the hall.

“Thank you again for the peppermint tea. I felt much better this morning.”

Mia was happy that some of her knowledge had been of use. “You are very welcome.”

By the following evening, Simon noted that Mia was becoming far more comfortable than the previous days. He would have to thank his sister for that. Caroline included Mia in everything from some dress fittings to a picnic luncheon today. Richard’s sister, Susan, also seemed to enjoy Mia’s company.

It was mostly his mother who still seemed to have an issue with her.

Tonight at dinner, he watched as Mia held a conversation with Richard’s brother, Thomas. He smiled as Thomas nodded in agreement with something Mia had said to him. Simon relaxed and took a bite of salmon.

A footman walked into the room and hurriedly whispered something to Richard.

“Hart, there is a man to see you. A Mr. Tanner. He said it is of the upmost importance. Would you like me to send him away?”

Tanner! “No. I’m sorry, but I must speak with him. Please excuse me.”

“He is in the receiving salon. If you need more privacy, please use my study,” Richard said as Simon walked past.

“Thank you.” He glanced back at Mia who stared at him as if hoping he would ask her to join them. He shook his head slightly.

She gave a quick nod of understanding.

He walked into the receiving room and closed the door behind him. “Mr. Tanner, what brings you here?”

“We found Lambert, my lord.”

Waves of relief swept through him. “Thank God.”

The usually blunt Tanner went silent for a long moment. He reached for his tea and slowly sipped it.

“What is wrong, Tanner?”

Tanner sighed. “One of my men found him in London. He admitted to being Davies after some coercion from my man.”

And yet, Tanner didn’t seem terribly happy about that news. “I assume there is more to this story. What else did he confess to?”

“All he said was someone paid him to do it.”

“But why?”

“He didn’t say why the person paid him to play the part of Davies and seduce Miss Featherstone.”

“I want to speak with him.”

Tanner glanced down at his tea. “I’m afraid that is not possible, my lord.”

Simon fisted his hands as frustration grew. “And why not?” “Lambert is dead, my lord.”

Simon cursed. “What happened?”

“He shot himself in the head, my lord. My man had a witness.”

“Who was this witness?” Anyone could be bought to blur the truth.

“Lambert’s current mistress. My man found them in bed together in a hovel in Whitechapel. Lambert killed himself while in bed with her.”

“Bloody hell,” Simon muttered. “So we have nothing else to go on, do we?”