Jack sat back down as Moreau and the other guests decided what they wanted from the buffet. His orders were to keep an eye on Moreau and with whom he associated, but so far it looked as though Moreau only seemed interested in flirting with the ladies. A rake in the first degree, no doubt. Jack observed him chatting with Lady Granger, whose husband was not present this morning. The palpable chemistry between the two made Jack wonder if they were lovers. Although common among the ton’s arranged marriages, it surprised him to see the infidelity flaunted so carelessly.
The other three gentlemen under suspicion were all here with their wives. Including Lord Granger, there were four possible suspects for Moreau’s contact. Each man dealt with his share of financial difficulties, which made them ripe for selling government secrets, except for Granger, who was a very wealthy earl. Winters suspected him because Lord Granger led the committee in the House of Lords which oversaw the Foreign Office. Despite this, Jack didn’t peg Granger as a traitor.
Last night, Jack disappeared upstairs after dinner while everyone engaged in conversation over port. He went to learn who had been assigned to which rooms. Jones had been more than happy to accommodate his curiosity. That’s when he realized Vivian’s room lay only three doors down from his own in the family wing. After spending the night thinking about her proximity, he had come up with the idea to take her riding.
Now he needed to find a time when everyone was guaranteed to be kept busy, so he could poke around his suspects’ rooms and hopefully learn something useful about his alleged traitors.
He turned to his mother. “I am going to go change. What time am I required to be present for all the frivolity?”
“Games at eleven, then luncheon at three. We will eat alfresco this afternoon.” His sister entered the room. “Caroline, there you are. Let’s talk about the seating for today. Ladies and gentlemen, I will see you all at eleven out on the terrace.”
She put an arm through Caroline’s and swept out the door amid his sister’s protest. “But mother, what about my breakfast?”
Jack chuckled to himself and took the opportunity to exit the room before he anyone pulled him into conversation.
Chapter Twenty-One
Vivian and Gabrielle joined the others on the terrace at eleven. Vivian observed the thirty or so guests milling around. Many were here visiting for the day from the neighboring estates, and a dozen or so were up from London staying the week. Captain Aston and Lord Gilchrest lurked along the edge of the gathering by the French doors that led from the study. They did not look happy to be part of the festivities.
“Look at those two sulking,” Vivian whispered to Gabi. “You’d think they had entirely forgotten how to have fun.” Gabi giggled.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” Lady Gilcrest called out. “Let the games begin. I have split up the crowd into two groups. One will start with the scavenger hunt. The other will stay here on the lawn to play in a pall mall tournament. Please come see me to find out which group you are in.”
Caroline walked up from behind Vivian and Gabrielle. “Lud, I will never do another scavenger hunt after last year. Don’t worry. I have us all playing pall mall. Mother said Jack specifically wanted to play with you, Vivi.” She gave her a mischievous smile. “Ha! Admit it; your handsome sea captain has finally come for you.” She placed her hand on her heart and pretended to swoon dramatically. Gabrielle continued to giggle like mad. Vivian was not amused.
“Shush, you ninny! Here come your brothers.”
“Ladies, it appears we are on a team together for pall mall,” Jack said.
“Gentleman, I hope you will take pity on me. I am hopeless at the game.” She bit her lower lip.
“I am fabulous at this game,” Caroline proclaimed without an ounce of humility. “I learned the hard way to get good to keep up with these two.” She jerked a thumb toward her brothers.
“Aw, Caro, you could never keep up with us.” Gilchrest teased her, and Caroline retaliated by punching him savagely in the arm. “Ow! Since when can you punch like that?”
“Since I met Vivian.” Caroline gave her a wink. “She has been showing me ways to defend myself against rogues, rakes…and mean brothers.”
Lord Gilchrest glanced at her with a skeptical expression on his face. Jack shook with laughter.
“Why are you laughing, Captain Aston? I am very adept in the art of self-defense.” Vivian said hotly.
“Oh, I have no doubt, but Andrew’s expression of confusion when he looked over at you was priceless.”
“Say, shouldn’t we have one more?” Gabi interrupted.
“Yes, I believe that’s me.” Lord Davenport came striding up.
“Davenport, how nice to see you. I’m glad you could make it.” Lord Gilchrest greeted him warmly. He gestured to his brother. “You’ve met my brother Jack.”
“Captain.” Davenport nodded politely.
“Davenport.”
“Lady Gilchrest, Miss Jamieson, Miss Beaumont, it’s lovely to see you all again so soon.” Lord Davenport bowed smartly.
“Lord Davenport, I didn’t know you were going to be here. What a nice surprise.” Vivian hadn’t seen him since their walk in the park a few weeks ago, because he had been out of town at his estate. She returned his warm smile, feeling a little guilty she hadn’t thought about him even once since that day.
“Shall we play?” Jack inquired. She raised an eyebrow at his grumpy tone.
