Lord Kendal’s lips twitched at Caleb’s attempt at humor, but he quickly regained his stern expression. “I am looking for my brother. Have either of you seen him?”
“I have not,” Roswell replied.
Caleb shook his head. “I’m sorry. I haven’t seen Lord William in some time now.”
Lord Kendal heaved a sigh. “Sometimes I feel like a nursemaid as I tend to my brother’s wayward ways,” he admitted.
“Do you often seek him out?” Roswell asked.
“Only when the situation warrants it,” Lord Kendal replied. “You would think he would have changed when his mistress was brought up on murder charges.”
Caleb interjected, “Not everyone is willing to make the necessary changes in their lives.”
“Quite right,” Lord Kendal muttered.
“If I see your brother, I will inform him that you are looking for him,” Roswell said.
Lord Kendal looked as if he wanted to say more on the matter, but instead, he forced a smile to his lips. “Thank you. Good day.”
And with those few departing words, Lord Kendal turned and headed towards the main door.
Rising, Caleb said, “I feel bad for Lord Kendal. His brother is a rakehell, and his reputation does precede him.”
Roswell rose and pushed in his chair. “Sadly, Lord William is no different from many of the gentlemen in theton.”
As they walked out the main door, Caleb approached a black coach. “I thought it would save time if I brought a coach with me.”
“That it would,” Roswell agreed as he followed Caleb into the coach.
They had just gotten situated when the coach started forward, merging into traffic.
Roswell watched Caleb, noticing the furrowed brow as he stared out the window in deep thought. He couldn’t imagine what his friend was feeling right now.
In an attempt to comfort him, he said, “We don’t know for certain that your father is involved. This could just be a right proper waste of time for all we know.”
Caleb brought his gaze back to meet Roswell’s. “I am aware, but the thought my father could be involved gives me pause.”
“Was your father close with Lord Chester?”
“He never mentioned the man.”
Roswell hoped he sounded encouraging as he said, “Do not give too much thought to this. There could have been a myriad of reasons why your father was burning papers.”
“I think we both know that isn’t true,” Caleb stated.
They both retreated to their own thoughts as they traveled the short distance to Mayfair.
It wasn’t long before they were both standing on the pavement, looking up at Caleb’s townhouse.
Roswell had no desire to rush his friend. Caleb would tell him when he was ready.
After a long moment, Caleb turned towards him and said, “Let’s get this over with.”
He followed Caleb inside and they headed for the study. Once they arrived, Caleb closed the door and approached the desk.
Roswell walked over to the fireplace and saw the edges of the burned pages. But nothing was salvageable.
Caleb began opening the top drawers of the desk and revealed, “There is nothing in here.”
