The Duke shrugged. “Why not? No one was interested in King Arthur, so no one asked me questions. You left me alone, which I like.”
“But you told Lady Blessingame,” Aidan pointed out.
“Yes,” his brother admitted. He leaned forward, entwining his fingers together on his desk. “I knew telling her would circle back to others in the family. Better than me suddenly confessing, was my thought. Also, might make everyone feel guilty that they never asked what I’m doing.”
Aidan’s brow furrowed. “Do you know Gwinnie is involved in charity work, and she does it under another name?”
The Duke sat straighter at his desk. “As Sarah Knolls? Yes, I do.”
“Why wasn’t I told?” Aidan asked. “I would have liked to watch out for her safety.”
The Duke shrugged. “There was no need. I discussed her safety with the Earl of Soothcoor, and he assured me he would discretely arrange for someone to watch over her.”
Aidan didn’t know how he felt about his brother’s revelation that he had done something without consulting him or asking him to do it. In one way, he was glad he hadn’t known it. That would have been one more responsibility for him to navigate for his family, and lately he’d been feeling the mounting burden. In another, he admitted to feeling piqued that they left him out. Confounding.
Bella laughed. “I’d wager the gentlemen the Earl asked are Mr. Hargate and Mr. Martin. He assigned them the task of watching over the welfare of a Miss Sarah Knolls without telling them who she was!” she exclaimed. “That is how they both recognized her.”
The Duke nodded. “He mentioned a Hargate and a Martin. I don’t know Mr. Hargate— however, I assume Mr. Martin is the Bow Street Runner my mother sent for?”
“Yes, he is,” said Aidan.
“Mr. Hargate is a solicitor,” Bella supplied. “Of Hargate, Owen, and Hargate.”
“The solicitors you met with two days ago, the ones who gave you the letters?” Aidan asked.
“Yes. Mr. Hargate senior was Harry’s solicitor. Do you think Mr. Martin is done interviewing Gwinnie?” Bella asked. “Lake should be ready and waiting.”
“Where are Mr. Martin and Lake to meet?”
“I told Lord Lakehurst that your old study would work.”
The Duke nodded. “Think I’ll go up and join them,” he said, rising.
CHAPTER10
OSCAR
As they all left the Duke’s study, they heard music.
“Gwinnie’s ensemble is here,” said the Duke.
Aidan nodded. “She said they would come today to practice. We thought that fortuitous, as Mr. Martin could interview them while they’re here.”
“Oh, yes, they were in attendance as well. Of course! Maybe I am at times an absent-minded academic,” the Duke joked.
“I hear a pianoforte. I thought her keyboardist was not available because of an injury,” Aidan mused.
“That is what she told me as well,” said Bella.
“I wonder who is playing?” the Duke said. “I’m curious. I think I will come with you, instead.”
From the door of the music room, they saw the Spaniard playing the flute and Mr. Martin playing the pianoforte! It sounded like they were having a music duel. Enchanted by their music, Bella clasped her hands to her chest, her eyes bright.
It appeared neither man felt enchanted with the other. Their expressions were solemn as they played fiercely on their instruments. Gwinnie stood next to the pianoforte, bouncing excitedly on her toes. The other musicians were bobbing in their chairs or toe-tapping.
Bella, Aidan, and the Duke came further into the room. Bella sat down on the edge of a chair to listen. How does a Bow Street agent learn to play the pianoforte so well?
Aidan leaned over to whisper in Bella’s ear. “Another surprise,” he whispered.
