But William was quickly proving himself to be very unlike his family. While Lucas could attribute some of Elowen’s seriousness to her father, he didn’t think Lady Trenton was nearly as carefree as her son was.
“On the other hand,” William went on, “it seems she has taken quite a liking to your cousin.”
“Does she?” Lucas found himself glancing toward the window. Catherine’s lips hadn’t stopped moving, and Elowen nodded occasionally, composed as ever.
“She would have excused herself long ago if she hadn’t,” William said, chuckling. “I think it is best that you give up, Your Grace.”
“One would assume you would be encouraging me, if that were truly my intention.”
“Encourage you?” William’s grin widened. “I am trying to spare you the injury to your pride, Your Grace. No one delivers a sharper blow than my dear sister—and I say that with the utmost affection. Besides,” he added more quietly, “I should wish her to marry for happiness, not obligation.”
“Many ladies in her position do not have much of a choice.”
“I fear she may not either. Everyone in my family seems to think so. But one of us must keep our head in the clouds, and I am happy to volunteer.”
He drained the last of his whiskey, then turned to Lucas with renewed energy. “Here I am, burdening you with all my family’s woes—and this is our first real conversation. Yet somehow, it feels as though I’ve known you longer than an evening.”
Lucas nodded. “Lord Trenton, I take it.”
“Precisely, Your Grace. He spoke of you yesterday when I returned home, and has not stopped since. You are held in the highest esteem.”
“No higher than he holds you, I’m sure,” Lucas said. “In fact, that is the reason I wished to speak with you alone.”
William’s easy smile faltered. “Was thisnotabout my sister?”
“Believe it or not, I do not intend to court Miss Tremaine—lovely as she may be.”
“Oh, good!” William laughed. “No harm then. So, what is this about?”
Lucas shrugged off the uncomfortable feeling that he was lying, focusing on the matter at hand. “It is a rather delicate topic, I’m afraid. I do not wish to get into it here, but I wanted to bring it to your attention.”
“I’m all ears, Your Grace.”
“It concerns what happened to your father—and to mine. I have reason to believe the accusations against Lord Trenton, and the circumstances of my father’s death, are connected.”
William straightened, all trace of levity gone. “You believe the accusations to be false?”
“Entirely. Your father is an honourable man. He would never have done what they claim.”
“You are in the minority, Your Grace. You would be surprised how many of his friends and colleagues turned their backs on him once the scandal broke.”
“Likely men who were told to do so. By whomever is pulling the strings in the background.”
“My thoughts exactly,” William agreed. “There was certainly corruption afoot—of that I am certain—but not by my father’s hand. I only wish I knew why they chose him as their scapegoat.”
“Whoever it is, they were willing to kill someone over it.” Lucas lowered his voice even further, even though he was certain that he couldn’t be overheard. “It would be best if Lord Trenton was not aware of our investigation. I do not wish to trouble him further.”
“Father has launched his own investigation, Your Grace. He is as determined to uncover the truth as we are.”
“Despite his waning health?”
William crossed his arms, fingers digging into his skin. “And against my counsel.”
“We should keep this between ourselves all the same.”
“As you wish, Your Grace. I am sure you would be able to uncover far more with your connections than I ever could.”
Lucas let out a breath of relief he hadn’t realised he had been holding. “Thank you.”
