A silvery mist hung over London, obscuring most of the rooftops. A few lamps still glowed, not yet extinguished. Down below the gardens and mews showed as little more than blotches of grays. While he watched, however, the sun’s slow rise began defining the forms more, etching trees and houses. The mist slowly thinned.
He gazed to the northeast. The broad swath of Oxford Street ran nearby. A few streets beyond it an opening in the buildings’ rooftops showed Portman Square’s location. A little to the southeast the much larger opening of Grosvenor Square loomed, and beyond it Berkeley Square.
“What in hell are you doing here?”
He turned his head to see Nicholas squinting at him while he tied a banyan around his body.
“I am thinking about Uncle Frederick.”
Nicholas came over and looked out while he yawned. “Town looks peaceful at this hour. Almost beautiful.”
Chase opened the window. “It is coming alive, but the sounds are still distinct. At night there are moments of silence. He liked that silence. He liked the world at night.”
“It might have been better if he had not.”
Chase was not thinking about the duke’s death now, but about his life. “He walked at night here. Did you know that? Just as he walked along that parapet at Melton Park. His valet made a comment about it, and he had mentioned those walks to me himself.”
“I can see him haunting the shadows.”
“At night, if lamps are lit inside houses, you can see inside when you pass. Even those with drapes drawn, often you can see. One wonders what he saw, or if he even noticed.”
Nicholas raked his hair. “Listen, I said nothing last night because it was not the time, but since you are waxing nostalgic about Uncle now—I am concerned about Kevin.”
“As am I. It might be best if he left England for a few months. A man has a better chance at justice here than anywhere else, but this is a duke’s death and if it is called other than an accident, there will be those looking for a resolution.” It soured his mood to think about that development, and how if it occurred it would be on his conscience that it had. He wrestled every hour with the weight of duty versus family. Versus love.
“If it becomes necessary, he can hop a packet.”
Nicholas crossed his arms. “Do you think there is any chance that he—I refuse to believe that.”
“Someday I will tell you about the dangers of refusing to believe that which the facts support. You asked if I think there is any chance. I do. However, I don’tbelievethere is any chance. Kevin will be at the mercy of what others believe and think, however.”
“This is a damnable business. I hope that you don’t hold it against me that I dragged you into it.”
“You did not drag me in. I was already there.”
Nicholas walked away, as if from the topic itself. “Miss Hepplewhite looked quite lovely last night. Very spirited.”
“I believe she had an enjoyable time.”
“Lord Jennings commented on her healthy appetite.”
“She paid dearly for the self-indulgence. It would embarrass her to learn others noticed.”
“Jennings was impressed, not critical. As for me, it was a compliment to the new chef. He just started a few days ago. Mrs. Fowler said all her old friends were gone, and she didn’t want to continue because it was not the same.” He wandered aimlessly around the sitting room before landing in an armchair. “Kevin asked about Miss Hepplewhite. Twice. I could not put him off the second time. I think he sees her as an eligible inappropriate woman.”
“What did you tell him?”
“You had warned me off when she was called Mrs. Rupert, but I did not know if you still guarded her. I would say protected, but I don’t want to imply anything.”
“Tell Kevin to turn his attention to the viscountess. She would love to devour him one bite at a time.”
Nicholas raised his eyebrows. “You are easily vexed when it comes to Miss Hepplewhite. I will assume that means that whatever had her fleeing Melton Park has been resolved. You appeared good friends last night.”
“I am not keeping her, if that is what you are trying to ask.”
“I am not asking that, although that dinner dress was far nicer than what the woman who visited Melton Park might wear and I don’t think she as yet has access to her new fortune. I am asking if I should directly warn Kevin off if he inquires about her a third time.”
“Tell him to stay away from her. Hell, tell him to go to the devil.”
