A Secret Love (Cynster 5)

"But if you didn't come to discuss our impending paternity, what brings you here?" Vane, too, settled his shoulders against the wall.

"A swindle." Briefly, Gabriel outlined Crowley's scheme, avoiding all mention of the countess.

"Crowley." Devil cocked a brow at Gabriel. "Wasn't he the one with the investment in some diamond mine?"

Gabriel nodded.

"You exposed that one, too, didn't you?" Vane asked.

Again Gabriel nodded. "Which is why I need help this time, and not from you or the others." He looked at Vane. "I need someone not obviously connected."

Vane looked puzzled; Gabriel quickly explained the necessity of learning the precise details of the offer made to investors.

"And…?" Vane prompted.

"What do you think about using Gerrard Debbington?"

Vane blinked. "As your sheep?"

"I haven't been seen about with him, and if he gives Minnie's address rather than yours, then there's no reason anyone will immediately connect him with any Cynsters. I know Crowley's not au fait with the ton-he uses Archie Douglas as his source in that arena, and Archie wouldn't know Gerrard from Adam."

"True."

"And even if Archie did ask around, checking Gerrard's background, all he'd hear is that Gerrard is reasonably wealthy and owns a nice manor in Derbyshire. He wouldn't think to ask after Gerrard's connections, or Gerrard's sister."

"Or Gerrard's guardians."

"Precisely. Gerrard appears distinctly older than he is."

Vane considered. "I can't see any reason why Gerrard couldn't develop an interest in gold mining." He looked at Gabriel. "Provided, of course, that we don't tell Patience."

"I hadn't imagined doing so."

"Well, then." Vane straightened away from the wall as the attendant slipped back into the alley. "I'll explain the matter to Gerrard, if you like, and see what he thinks. If he's agreeable, I'll send him to see you."

Gabriel nodded. "Do." Picking up the extra pistol the attendant had brought, he hefted it. "So what's the score?"

They fired ten rounds. Gabriel beat the others easily, a fact that made him frown. "Marriage," he observed, "has dulled your edges."

Vane shrugged. "It's just a game-hardly important. Marriage has a way of rescripting your priorities."

Gabriel stared at him, then looked at Devil, who merely looked back, making no attempt to correct Vane's strange thinking.

Reading his thoughts in his eyes, Devil grinned. "Start thinking about it, for as sure as August follows July, your time will come."

The words froze Gabriel, just as they had at Demon's wedding; again, a tingle of presentiment glissaded down his spine. He managed to suppress his reactive shiver. Adopting an easy expression and his usual debonair manner, he accompanied the other two outside.

At five o'clock, Gabriel was idly scanning the Gentleman's Magazine when someone knocked on his door. Listening, he heard Chance's footsteps all but dance up the hall; smiling, he returned to the magazine.

A minute later, the parlor door opened. Chance stood in the doorway. "A Mr. Debbington to see you, m'lord."

Gabriel inwardly sighed. "Thank you, Chance, but I'm not a lord."

Chance's brow furrowed. "I thought as how all the Quality was lords."

"No."

"Oh." Catching a glimpse of Gerrard, waiting at his elbow to get past, Chance stepped aside, and all but shooed Gerrard over the threshold. "Well, here you are. Do you want me to pour you some brandy?'