An exclamation lodged itself in Daisy’s throat, but she did not allow herself to say a single thing. It did not matter to her whether or not Lord Watt had married, she told herself. The only thing she needed to concentrate on was speaking to Lord Templeton and discovering the truth about
her father’s death. To allow her mind to become caught up with an old beau was nothing more than a distraction.
And yet, he was almost your betrothed.
“I do not think I wish to see him again,” Daisy said carefully, making sure she chose her words with great deliberation. “You know of my intentions this Season. They are the same as before.”
Susanna said nothing but eyed Daisy with a look of suspicion that had Daisy’s eagerness to defend herself growing steadily. She opened her mouth to say something more, only to close it again. There was no need to express herself further. Lord Watt was nothing more than a distant memory, even if he had once almost become her betrothed, even if she had once held a deep affection for him.
“He might think the rumors about you are true,” Susanna said softly, breaking through the silence with a sharpness to her words that tore at Daisy’s heart. “What then?”
Daisy shook her head. “It does not matter what he thinks,” she answered, firmly. “There is nothing between us any longer. He did not once write to me after the news of my father’s death became known. I did not see him nor hear from him. Therefore, I can only conclude that anything that was once between us is now at an end.” She could, of course, tell her sister that she believed Lord Watt had been waiting to hear from her, wondering if there was still to be that courtship between them, but instead, she chose to remain silent on the matter. Forgetting about Lord Watt, as she had done before, was the best thing for her to do.
“I wish you would find some happiness,” Susanna sighed, leaning forward to pour the tea. “I know you are singularly determined to find the truth about our father’s death, but in doing so, you are missing so much, Daisy. You might be courting if not betrothed by now!”
“And our father’s death remaining as nothing more than a heavy question that sits on our minds for the rest of our days?” Daisy retorted, a spike of anger burying into her heart. “I do not think I can do such a thing, Susanna.”
Her sister gave her a small yet sympathetic smile. “I have accepted what my husband believes,” she answered, pushing the teacup and saucer towards Daisy. “Our father was killed by someone who broke into the house.”
Daisy wanted to shake her head fervently and to remind her sister that nothing had been stolen, nothing had been taken to suggest that the murderer had been seeking to steal from Lord Harrogate, but instead she forced herself to keep her mouth closed and to pick up her teacup instead.
“But I can see that even the mention of Lord Watt is not about to change your mind,” Susanna finished, with a sadness to her voice that nipped at Daisy’s conscience. “Very well, Daisy. Do what you must. I only hope it will bring you relief in the end.”
“I am sure it will,” Daisy answered, firmly. “For no matter what happens, I am determined to get to the truth.”
Susanna looked at her. “Even if it demands a great deal from you?” she queried, sounding a little alarmed.
“Even if it demands everything from me,” Daisy answered, without hesitation. “I shall go on and push forward, until I finally have the answers I seek.”
Chapter Two
Matthew groaned inwardly as Lord Trentworth ambled towards him, a large brandy in his hand. He had only been back in London for a short while and already some of his less-than-favored acquaintances were seeking him out.
Most likely to try and encourage Matthew to be a little generous with his vast wealth that almost every member of the ton knew he had. Whilst only a viscount, Matthew had been left a vast fortune, which was much more than he ever really required, and with it came the knowledge that many of his friends and acquaintances only sought him out because of his money and not for himself. It was a rather unfortunate consequence of having so much.
His wealth was also the reason he had been brought into The King’s League. There were a good many who looked up to him, admired him, and wanted to be close to him, and thus, he was an excellent candidate for a spy for the Crown. Having been introduced to it some years ago, Matthew had accepted the position and, over the last few years, had slowly increased his standing within the group. Now he was one of the leaders of the League, which involved organizing, planning, and discussing what would happen and when.
Unfortunately, it had not distracted him from his own grief.
“Lord Watt!” Lord Trentworth exclaimed, weaving this way and that as he grinned at him. “You have returned to London!”
“I have,” Matthew muttered wearily. “And Whites is just the same as ever.”
Lord Trentworth laughed and shook his head, his brandy sloshing violently in the glass. “You are quite mistaken!” he exclaimed, staggering slightly. “Much has changed. There are new debutantes, new diamonds of the first water and a few new widows who are looking for warm company.” He waggled his eyebrows and leaned closer to Matthew, who forced himself not to recoil. “And of course, there are all the usual pastimes, such as cards and the like.”
“A pastime which I fear I cannot enjoy at the present,” Matthew said firmly, seeing the disappointment jump into Lord Trentworth’s eyes. “I have made it my intention not to gamble at all this Season in fact!” He could not help but smile to himself as Lord Trentworth, clearly disappointed, sighed heavily and muttered something under his breath before turning around and wandering away, leaving Matthew to watch him go with a growing sense of satisfaction. Lord Trentworth was clearly hoping that Matthew might play a few hands of cards, where he might have an opportunity to defeat him entirely. Given Lord Trentworth’s current state, he did not think that the man would have done anything other than fail, but still, it was a little amusing.
“Lord Watt.”
The grave voice behind him had him spinning around, only to see Lord Templeton, one of the most senior members of The King’s League, standing waiting for him.
“Templeton,” he breathed, hurrying forward and shaking the man’s hand firmly. “It is very good to see you.”
Lord Templeton nodded but did not smile. “And you,” he answered. “Come, let us sit down. A quieter corner, perhaps.” He sent a sharp glance towards Lord Trentworth, rolling his eyes in Matthew’s direction.
“Indeed,” Matthew agreed quickly, snapping his fingers at the nearby footman and asking for a drink to be brought for them both. “Tell me, what have you discovered?”
Lord Templeton hesitated, folding himself carefully into a chair and eyeing Matthew carefully. He had a full head of white hair, sharp blue eyes that felt as though they could cut through glass, and a spark within his soul that spoke of youthfulness and vigor despite his years.