“It was investigated?”
“I’m damn sure of that,” Julian glanced at his father. “This is the Air Brigade, Papa. They have their finances straight down to the last farthing.”
“And no answer was ever found?”
“Not to my knowledge, no. There was a rumour, if I recall correctly...someone said they thought it might be more than one person, since the locations varied. But apparently nothing came of that. And then it stopped, the Comptrollers heaved a sigh of relief, and returned to counting their sovereigns.”
“That is interesting,” murmured Alastair, storing up every word his son had spoken.
“But long past now,” offered Julian. “And far too long ago to be happening again.” He sighed. “Besides, we have a few other things to worry about.”
Alastair blinked. “Is all well, Julian?”
“Of course. Well, maybe. At least I think so.” He reached for his wine and finished the glass. “Damn it, Papa. Something is making the back of my neck itch.”
“Like what?”
“Shifts in readiness drills. Odd silence where there should be conversation. It’s as if everyone’s listening for something, but nobody knows what.”
“Your Brigade has been idle for a while, yes?”
“Yes. And I think you put your finger on it, Papa. It’s probably nothing at all, but these things can feel damned ominous if you stare at them too long.”
Alastair, glancing at the papers he’d been working on all morning, had to agree. Some patterns only revealed themselves when they were already in motion.
*~~*~~*
Verity stood in front of the tall glass in her bedroom, fastening her corset.
“Need any help?”
Lucas’s voice sounded cheerful, and she could hear the laugh beneath as he came up behind her. Which, given that it was Lucas, the prince of pithy and abrupt conversation, was sheer delight.
“No, but thanks anyway. I’ve been doing this myself for so long, I could fasten it in my sleep.”
“Why on earth do you women encase yourselves in those things? Worse than a suit of armour, I’ll wager.”
She turned around as he looped his cravat around his neck. “Silly question. We wear them for you gentlemen. Here, let me do that...” Reaching up to his neck, she swiftly looped and tucked the silk into an elegant style. “There. The Afternoon Gentleman, I think? Or maybe the Sunset Fold. I never understood those names.”
“I’ll forgive you the names, if you’ll promise to take that corset off again for me. Soon...”
“Lucas,” Verity sighed. “How do I say this? Don’t think...please don’t think...that I’m one of those women who immediately assume...”
She got no further as he put his finger on her lips to silence her. “Verity. I’m not assuming anything of the sort. I am assuming, however, that this is just the beginning for us.”
She sighed and leaned into him, resting her head for a moment or two just beneath his cravat. “You can’t know how those words have made me feel. I’ve been an independent widow for so long, that I got used to being alone. You’ve changed that, Lucas.” She eased back and met his gaze. “I don’t want to be alone anymore.”
“You won’t be. Ever.” His arms went around her, pulling her close. “That’s a promise.”. He sealed the vow with a kiss.
For a few moments the only sounds in the room came from the birds outside in Verity’s garden. Then Lucas drew back. “I must go.”
“I know.” Verity nodded. “Lucas,” she began. “I feel we should probably try and keep all this to ourselves for a while? At least until you’ve discovered what’s going on...”
“Untilwe’ve discovered, Verity. You are as much a part of this as anyone.”
She gulped down the lump in her throat, at a loss for words. He was saying something she’d never imagined she’d ever hear. “Thank you,” she managed.
“Besides,” he continued. “We’re going to have to look at all the possibilities, and we know one of your charities is involved. Your knowledge of everyone who has...”
