Scandalous Deception (Russian Connection 1)

“Which is precisely why I am here.”

“What does that mean?”

“Edmond returned to Meadowland for a short visit and demanded that I travel to London and take in the pleasures while he attended to the estate duties. He was quite insistent that I was becoming too dull to bear, and when Edmond has set his mind on a course, there is no budging him.”

“I can bloody well imagine. That brother of yours is a menace. Damnation, last time we crossed paths, he attacked me. Russia is the proper place for that one—his heart is as cold as Siberia. Of course, now that I think on the matter, your brother was quite right to send you to the city, Huntley. I have always said that you work far too hard. A bit of enjoyment is what you need. I’ve told Mrs. Summerville that on a dozen occasions.”

“Have you?”

“Yes, indeed.” Howard stretched his lips in a ghastly smile. “And now that you are here, I realize that it is quite a stroke of fortune. Almost uncanny.”

Edmond folded his arms over his chest, already knowing what was coming next.

“And what is this stroke of fortune?”

“Well, I did attempt to call upon you at Meadowland. On several occasions, as a matter of fact, although that bastard of a butler would not so much as allow me to step across the threshold.”

“Indeed.”

“Yes.” He gave an awkward pause at Edmond’s distinctly unenthusiastic tone. “I…it seems that I have had a bit of trouble with those nasty creditors of late.”

“Has there ever been a time when you did not have trouble with creditors?”

“Trifling matters.” Howard tugged at his drooping cravat. “On this occasion, however, I fear that I am quite undone. Indeed, I have been contemplating a flight to the Continent if my situation does not improve.”

Edmond’s expression remained coolly indifferent even as his muscles coiled with tension. That Howard was in dun territory was as predictable as the sun rising. Clearly this time, however, he was desperate.

“And yet, here you are squandering your nonexistent funds on cards and whores,” Edmond accused, knowing it was what his brother would say.

“I had hoped to recoup some of my losses at the table.”

“Ah, of course. That is always a sound notion.”

Ignoring the mocking words, Howard plunged onward. “If you could just see your way to lending me a bit of assistance…”

“Let me make certain that I am not misunderstanding you, cousin. Are you asking for money?”

“Just enough to cover my most pressing expenses.”

“Tell me, Howard, just how deep are your debts?”

Hope flared through the dark eyes before it was abruptly replaced by a wary suspicion. Not even the kindhearted Stefan was willing to fund this worthless gentleman, knowing he would simply toss the money away in the nearest gambling den.

“Why do you wish to know?”

Realizing that he had very nearly overplayed his hand, Edmond cast a bored glance around the room.

“It is nothing more than idle curiosity.”

Howard heaved a disgusted sigh, his suspicions easily dismissed. “I should have known it would be a waste of effort to request your assistance. Your family has always taken pleasure in the misery of my own.”

“And you have always held us to blame for your own failures,” Edmond said, his voice edged with ice.

“It wasn’t failures. I have simply had a string of bad luck. Could happen to anyone…” Howard’s whining came to a startled halt as his gaze shifted to someone approaching from behind Edmond. “Hello, what have we here?”

Aggravated by the interruption, Edmond did not bother to turn, hoping whoever dared to intrude on his private conversation would realize that their presence was unwelcome.

“Your Grace, I must speak with you,” a low, startlingly cultured female voice demanded as Edmond felt a small tug on his sleeve.