“Er, yes, well,” the prime minister murmured. He cleared his throat. “We now believe Welton was killed over refusing to make good on a gambling debt. But new information has since come to light and suspect the action went much deeper.”
“Like what?”
“Dealing in stolen horses was one of the possibilities tossed about.” Liverpool shrugged. “We're not sure.”
Disbelief erupted from James in his own sharp burst of laughter. “Welton was a bumbling fool. Everyone knew that. It is also extremely difficult to pull off stealing horses. Certainly, Welton didn’t possess the wherewithal for such ambition. So far, nothing you’ve said indicates Fulton shouldn’t be present.”
A fleeting smile curved Liverpool’s lips. “Hear me out, Huntley. As I said, it was only one of the possibilities tossed about.”
“Then what is the real purpose behind this impromptu meeting?” James said, impatience coloring his tone.
Liverpool lifted the decanter and poured out another two glasses of the liquid gold whiskey and pushed one in front of James.
The hair at his neck rose, but he didn’t touch the glass.
“We have reason to believe Lady Huntley is deeply mired in the disappearance of several more young ladies.”
Momentarily stunned speechless, James took up the glass but didn’t drink. “That is the most preposterous notion I've ever heard.” Gabriella loved fashion and all the tasks that went along with shopping. Still, her stealth in returning to their box within the past hour refused to vacate his mind.
“Is it? How well do you really know your wife? I would venture to say you know her as well as any other newlywed groom. Knowing one’s spouse well is not a requirement of marriage.”
James’s blood roared with fury. He hurled the glass across the room. It shattered against the mantel. Whiskey dripped down the wall like raindrops on a windowpane. “I would remind you, Liverpool, you are not only speaking of my countess, but also of the Duke of Ryleigh’s youngest sister. I expect he will have much to say should he learn of your inane insinuations.”
“Calm down, Huntley. There’s no need to involve Ryleigh.”
“Then you’d best explain, and quickly.”
“We believe Lady Huntley does not precisely realize the depths of her predicament. That is where you come in and precisely why I did not send for Fulton.” Liverpool sipped at his drink. “I didn’t think you would appreciate another hearing my suspicions regarding your wife.”
Wisely, he didn’t bother offering James another drink. James would have thrown it at the man’s head given the slightest opportunity. It felt as if he was still chained to the wall in that tiny room of that deserted warehouse and couldn’t breathe without choking on the river’s stench. “What exactly are you getting at?” he gritted out.
“Just note with whom Lady Huntley visits. You’ll have to attend more Season events with her, but that should come as no hardship as you’re so recently wed.”
“So, I’m to spy on my wife.”
Liverpool tsked. “‘Spy’ is such an ugly word.”
“Is it?” James shot back, striding for the door. “Who exactly is this missing girl?”
“Her name is unimportant.”
“I disagree,” James said. “If you want my help, I’ll have her name.”
The prime minister’s tongue clicked against his teeth. His eyes flashed with irritation. “Miss Dinah Darby,” he finally bit out. “One last thing, Huntley.”
James stopped, his hand on the latch. “You can’t possibly want more,” he said in a dangerous growl.
“It would be best if Lady Huntley remain unaware of our interest.”
James slammed out of the private dining chamber, the image of Gabriella coming from that darkened hall slithering unease through him.
~~~
“You mustn’t let Rose get to you, Gabriella. You aren’t the only one she is jealous of.” Claire was smoothing her gloved hands over her russet, silk skirts.
“Rose is jealous of me?”
“And me. I’m married to a viscount. Your married to an earl.” She shrugged.
