Merely the Groom (Free Fellows League 2)

“About Colin Fox?” Wickham queried.

“About the man you are hunting,” Colin corrected.

“We know enough,” Lord Davies interrupted. “My daughter told me that the man she married was attached to the War Office and was acting as a clandestine agent for our government against Bonaparte and the French.”

“Miss Davies claimed her husband was a government agent?” That was news to Colin. Unpleasant news. Dangerous news. Jarrod wasn’t going to be happy about it at all.

“Yes,” Lord Davies answered. “And now the War Office has sent you to keep us from bringing one of your spies to justice.”

“One of my spies?” Colin managed to sound incredulous. “I’m afraid you overestimate my importance to the War Office.” He looked first at the baron and then at the runner. “I have no spies.”

“You are attached to the War Office,” Wickham reminded him. “And while the nature of your involvement is shrouded in secrecy, those of us at Bow Street are aware of Colonel Grant’s role in recruiting and training covert agents to act on behalf of His Majesty’s government.”

Colin didn’t attempt to dispute Wickham’s word. When he replied, his answer was truthful. “I was unaware that the man you are seeking claimed to be an agent of His Majesty’s government.”

“Every trail I followed led to the War Office,” Wickham said.

“Only because you’ve been following the wrong trail,” Colin insisted.

“Then how is it that you are involved, Lord Grantham? How did you know we were hunting anyone?” The baron finally asked the most obvious questions. “Especially, a man who shares your Christian name? Unless you are the man we seek? Unless you and Colin Fox are one and the same?”

Chapter Nine

“The devil can cite Scripture for his purpose.”

—William Shakespeare, 1564-1616

The Merchant of Venice

“I am not the man you seek,” Colin denied calmly.

“But you are Colin Fox,” Wickham stated,

pinning Colin with a knowing look as understanding finally dawned.

Colin met his gaze. “Colin Fox is a name I’ve had occasion to use.”

“Did you use it when you eloped with my daughter to Gretna Green?” Lord Davies accused.

“I’ve never been to Gretna Green,” Colin said.

“I suppose you’re going to deny an acquaintance with my daughter as well,” Lord Davies sneered.

“Not at all,” Colin retorted. “I met your daughter for the first time last night at Lady Harralson’s soiree. I partnered her in a dance. I didn’t elope with her.”

“But Colin Fox did,” Wickham said. “And shortly thereafter, Lord Davies hired me to find him.”

“Exactly,” Colin said. “And every trail you investigated led to the wrong Colin Fox.”

“My investigation has made the War Office uncomfortable,” Wickham surmised.

Colin nodded once again. “The work I do is vital,” he said. “We cannot afford to have anyone inquiring about Colin Fox.”

“Especially when the Colin Fox I’ve been seeking has no connection with the War Office,” Wickham added.

“Now you understand my dilemma,” Colin told him.

“I don’t care about your dilemma.” Lord Davies crossed his arms over his chest and glared at Colin and at Wickham. “I care about my daughter’s disgrace.”