Unhappy, Brody shoved his hands in his pockets and strode away, his posture hunched. The early morning air was cool and slightly damp with fog. He’d failed her. If he’d only had the sense to reveal his identity, he could have forced Mr. Hudson’s hand.
He stopped and glanced back in the direction of the publishing office. Maybe he ought to return and do precisely that.
No. Blackmail was not the honorable way to handle matters.
Certainly not when dealing with someone like Mr. Hudson. The man was only doing what he needed for the sake of his business. Threatening him would be wrong.
Expelling a weary breath, Brody resumed walking. He reached the next corner and prepared to cross when he heard Anthony calling to him.
“You’re out early,” Anthony said as he drew his horse close to where Brody stood.
“As are you.”
Anthony grinned. “I often go for a ride before breaking my fast. It’s a marvelous way to start the day.”
“As is a brawl, I’d imagine.” When Anthony gave him a puzzled look, Brody told him, “I’ve a good mind to pull you off that horse and give you a sound thrashing.”
Anthony’s grin faded. “Whatever for?”
“Don’t pretend you don’t know.” When Anthony merely stared at him, Brody threw his arms up in exasperation. “You knew she wasn’t a man and you bloody well should have told me as much.”
“Ah.”
“Exactly so,” Brody muttered. He crossed his arms and glared at his friend. “What a laugh you and your wife must have had at my expense.”
“You’re wrong there, Brody.” Anthony’s voice was soft but grave. “Harriet’s secret was not ours to tell, but I must confess I hoped you’d find out if you spent additional time with her. It was clear to me that the two of you got along – that you cared for her and that—”
“We arenotgetting into what all of this led to.”
“Hold on.” Anthony’s eyes brightened. “You’re not suggesting you… Good lord, did you make a move on her while you still thought she was Harry?”
“As I said, we arenot—”
Anthony howled with laughter. “Oh lord. You’ve given me an excellent idea for our next novel.”
“I’ll kill you.” Brody grabbed hold of Anthony’s leg. With one quick yank, he’d hauled him to the ground.
Anthony landed in a heap, still sputtering with mirth as he pulled himself upright. “A roguish duke persuaded to give up the fairer sex in favor of—”
Brody’s fist connected with Anthony’s jaw, sending him back into a sprawl. He frowned and rubbed at the spot where he’d taken the hit. “I suppose I deserved that. Help me up, will you?”
“I made an arse of myself. The fact that Harriet’s being a woman makes everything so much simpler is completely beside the point.”
“I can’t believe you never suspected.” Anthony stood, holding the reins while his horse pushed its muzzle against his shoulder.
“No one did.” Brody snorted. “Her disguise was very effective.”
“Only because you allowed it to be. Admit it, now that you know, it’s obvious she’s not male.”
Brody had to agree this was true. If one took the time to truly study Harriet’s features, there was no denying that her facial structure was most assuredly feminine. His only comfort was knowing he wasn’t the only one she’d fooled. None of her colleagues had any idea.
He nodded, then added, “I’ve got to get going. Finn will be back from his duel soon, and I want to check on Harriet too. She’s staying with me and—”
“At your house?” Anthony’s eyes looked ready to pop from his head.
“She’s sick with the same thing her sister had. I’m caring for her.”
“As Harry?”
