“Any man who takes a plunge and still comes back for more… well.” His Grace’s mouth curved. “You have my vote. What about you, Kent?”
The investigator appeared pensive, tension bracketing his mouth. “I will be frank, Carlisle. My middle sister is a unique young woman, not of the usual mold—in fact, she breaks any mold that tries to contain her. Whereas my impression is that you are a traditional sort of man. In a nutshell, my lord, I’m not confident you’ll suit.”
“I will not lie. I have shared those same concerns,” Richard said baldly. “But the fact of the matter is, I am learning that where there’s a will, there’s a means to compromise. And I am very willing, sir, to work toward bridging any differences that may impede my future happiness with Miss Kent.” He decided to lay all his cards down. “I am committed to a future with her; if I had my way, I would be asking for her hand and not merely your permission to woo her. But she wanted more time to further our acquaintance before making any permanent decisions, and I would not gainsay her wishes. So I must satisfy myself today by informing you that my intentions are honorable.”
“Pretty words,” Strathaven murmured. “Come, Kent, take pity. Look at the poor fellow—I don’t think he’s spoken so many words at once in his entire life. I can’t recall the last time I encountered such earnestness… oh wait, I can. When I first met you.”
Kent scowled. “Don’t make me regret accepting your suit, Your Grace.”
“As if you could have stopped Emma from doing what she wanted.”
Impatient with the back and forth, Richard said, “So do I have your permission, Kent?”
After a moment, the investigator muttered, “Aye. If only because you can’t be worse than the brother-in-law I already have.”
“He means Tremont, of course,” Strathaven said, clearly enjoying himself.
Kent scowled. “Now that that is settled, may we recommence with the business at hand?”
“Gladly.” With relief, Richard added, “Thank you both.”
The three of them identified Wormleigh, and, as they approached him, Richard couldn’t help but question the wisdom of interviewing a suspect holding a loaded shotgun. Dressed in hunting tweeds, his belly straining his waistcoat, Wormleigh had his weapon aimed toward the wooded area fifty yards in front of him. A footman stood at the ready with a tall wicker basket of fresh shotguns, a bored-looking tan retriever lounging beside him.
“Lord Wormleigh, may I have a word?” Kent said.
“Quiet, sirrah.” Wormleigh didn’t turn, kept his focus on the copse up ahead. “The beaters are on the move again.”
Richard saw glimpses of the men moving through the dense brush, driving the game out with their sticks and flags. An instant later, a flock of pheasants exploded into flight, their distinctive cries ofkok-kok-kokmuted by the boom of gunfire.
Wormleigh shot. Swore. Grabbed another gun from the footman and shot again.
The birds sailed smoothly on into the horizon.
“Damn and blast.” Wormleigh was red-faced. “I could have sworn I hit one.”
“Better luck next time,” Strathaven drawled.
“We need to speak to you, my lord,” Kent said. “Alone, if you please.”
Wormleigh waved away the servant, who’d been busily reloading the used guns. Resting its chin on its paws, the retriever yawned and settled down for a nap.
Removing a silver flask from his pocket, Wormleigh said, “Well, what is it?”
“It concerns Madame Monique,” Kent said. “I’ve been tasked with investigating her death, and I’d like to ask you a few questions, if I may.”
“I thought Billings said it was an accident. Lord knows I don’t have anything to add.” Wormleigh took a swig. “I hardly knew the woman.”
“Actually, my lord, I’m given to understand that you and the deceased had an argument on the night she died,” Kent said.
Wormleigh coughed, spewing droplets of brandy. “Where’d you hear that?”
“Various sources.” Kent’s expression and tone remained neutral. “One of whom noted that you were also seen later that night by the library. Where the deceased woman was found.”
“Are you suggesting thatIhad something to do with…?” The veins on Wormleigh’s jowls stood out against his florid complexion. “Sirrah, I ought to call you out.”
“It’d be simpler to answer his question.” Strathaven cocked a dark eyebrow. “Unless you have something to hide, my lord?”
“I have nothing to hide!”
