“With nothing else to identify him, I am afraid it would be like picking out a stranger and accusing him of something dreadful. I guess, for now, we note him and what he looks like. If we see him again, I will feel more justified in approaching.”
“I agree,” Latham added.
“What did you think when you saw Graham?” Slade asked, wanting his friend’s opinion, yet dreading it at the same time. He did not want to hear anything suggesting his brother might not make it through this.
“He looked weak, but I noticed a glint in his eyes—a fire that had not existed the last time I saw him. I think Graham has a chance of pulling through this. I hope he takes his time before making his self known to others. I agree with him. This could work and flush out the guilty party.” Latham reached down and patted his horse. “The horses have been most accommodating in this slow traffic, especially when they are more used to a hard gallop.”
“I had hoped to ask Lady Bella to ride through Hyde Park with me. She is an excellent horsewoman. But with the weather, I fear it reduces us to a buggy,” Slade said in a tone that sounded more like he was speaking to himself.
Twenty minutes later saw both men walking from the mews to the front of the Hertford townhouse.
“What do you say to a game of billiards, Latham? I think my father’s game room is stocked. After the day we have had, I would welcome some respite.”Especially since I masquerade as duke while my brother pretends to have died. Slade had felt the type of pressure he had felt as a lad when he had lied. It was hard to maintain the falsehood. At least his mother knew of it, so there was no guilt there. He had hoped that Lady Evers would abscond to Brighton, but knowing she was in London added no small amount of stress.
“A game of pool and a whiskey would hit the spot, friend,” Latham agreed. “After dinner, of course. We promised your mother.”
The door to his townhouse opened and Jeffers stepped out. “A footman from Lord Rothmore’s house left an urgent message, Your Grace,” Jeffers said, extending a salver.
Slade took the message and opened it.
Your Grace,
I would like to see you and Lord Latham
as soon as possible. Urgent.
Regards,
Lord Rothmore
“LetMother know we will be home in an hour and will join her for dinner, once we have changed,” Slade said, motioning to Latham to come with him. His heart sunk. Was Lord Rothmore objecting to his court of Lady Bella? No. He also asked for Latham—and showed it was urgent. His mind spun. Had something happened to her?
They traversed the blocks between the two townhomes quickly and took the steps to Bella’s family townhouse two at a time, both struggling to catch their breath when the door opened.
“Good afternoon, Your Grace. Lord Rothmore is expecting the two of you in his study. This way,” the tall, graying man said in pinched tones.
The earl met them at the door. “Thank you for coming. I am most upset and felt that with all that has gone on, this could have some bearing.”
“You have me all interested,” Slade said, taking one of the burnished leather chairs in front of the desk.
“Would you care for a drink?” Rothmore asked.
“Yes, we both would. We may need it,” Slade said, giving a quick nod to his friend to draw his attention to the earl’s trembling hands.
The earl sloshed some brandy in two waiting glasses and passed them to each man. “You must wonder why I asked you here.”
“We are . . .” Latham started.
“My daughter has been threatened,” the earl said, “and it has to do with you, Your Grace.” He locked gazes with Slade.
“By whom?” Slade asked, setting down his drink on the side table.
“I do not know, exactly. A woman covering much of her face and body with large shawls approached her maid, Mary, this morning in the market. She bumped into Mary and handed her this note,” he said, shakily retrieving the crumpled note from his waistcoat pocket.
Slade held the note to allow Latham access, as well. “I hope you will keep this to yourself,” Slade started.
“I can,” the man acknowledged.
“My father was targeted. I do not believe my brother was meant to be hurt but was nearly killed in a carriage accident that we both believe was planned. We could not ascertain the motive . . . until now,” he said, looking at the note. “If this is who I believe it to be, we must pay special attention to Lady Bella without raising undue attention. I do not want many to know because I do not want the perpetrator to hide and come out later. We need to catch them. This note makes sense with the theory I have had.”
