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“He specifically said south?”

“Yes, my lord. He even mentioned Kent.”

He frowned in concentration. “London would be the obvious choice for urgent business dealings, unless they concern his country home or smuggling.”

Elizabeth nodded and forced herself to continue. “There is one more thing, my lord.” She had his full attention once again. “I fear that he harbors some suspicions about you and the earl. After your discussion, I saw his face when he looked upon you across the garden. He does not feel warmly toward you.”

The viscount shrugged. “I would be surprised if it were any different. It seems to me that to be well liked by Lord Forwood would be a poor commentary on one’s character.” He grinned. “Indeed, I am quite content to stay firmly outside those ranks.”

When he grinned like that, he was her smuggler friend again. “I daresay Reynard would have nothing to do with the man,” she said.

Lord Langton chuckled. “Now, there’s a fellow whose opinion truly carries some weight.”

Despite her anxiety, Elizabeth smiled.

“Lord Langton, you have neglected us far too long.” A female voice reached them moments before the lady appeared at his side.

The viscount stiffened.

“I’d best return to Lady Langton,” Elizabeth said. “She has been waiting all this time.”

He inclined his head politely. “Then I shall not delay you any further, Miss Doyle. I am very grateful to you; your assistance with my mother has been invaluable.”

The intimate moment they’d shared was gone. He was Lord Langton again, and the ninny in the pink gown had reclaimed him.

Fighting down her feelings of loss, Elizabeth bobbed a curtsy. “Thank you, my lord.”

Chapter 22

“Jonas, for goodness sake, you will wear a hole through the soles of your shoes or the threads of my rug—or both. Stop your pacing.”

Lord Langton halted beside the mantelpiece and leaned his arm against it. “My apologies, Rosalind,” he said.

The Duchess of Kelbrook gave him a sympathetic look. “You are forgiven. Especially if you catch that vile Lord Forwood.”

Jonas ran his fingers through his hair. Although he’d called this gathering immediately after the last of the garden party guests had left Finley Park, he had already dispensed with his wig and noticed that Alexander had done the same. He looked around his sister’s drawing room. Rosalind was seated beside her husband on the sofa, and across from them, Alexander sat contemplating the empty fireplace. Unaware that Jonas had organized an impromptu meeting, Lady Langton had declared herself exhausted after the afternoon’s festivities and had taken to her bedchamber. One look at his mother’s drawn features had prevented Jonas from suggesting otherwise. Miss Doyle, although wise enough to know what was at hand, had volunteered to assist Lady Langton to her rooms.

“That’s just it, isn’t it?” Jonas said. “How do we trap the Midnight Master?”

“I shall leave here as soon as this gathering is adjourned,” Alexander said. “By the time I reach London, the offices will be closed on Bow Street, but leaving tonight will enable me to be on the doorstep when they open in the morning. I can report our findings and ask for assistance in arresting the baron.”

“And if he’s gone from his townhouse?” Jonas asked.

“Which is likely, if Lord Forwood was telling his wife the truth,” the duchess said.

“Then the Bow Street runners will have a longer journey before they make the arrest,” Alexander said. “It makes no difference. The man will be taken in for questioning no matter where he is found.”

“As long as we can locate him,” Jonas said grimly. “Who knows how many hiding places he’s accumulated over so many years of smuggling. He may even have secret rooms at his house in Kent.”

“Surely, if you act quickly, he will not be prepared for you,” the duke said. “He cannot know that you have identified him from a couple of conversations at the garden party. Indeed, you would not have done so if it weren’t for Miss Doyle’s intelligence.”

Jonas shifted his weight against the mantelpiece to prevent himself from restarting his back-and-forth march across the room. “I promised Miss Doyle I would personally deliver her to the Earl of Bloxley’s London residence tomorrow. I cannot renege on my word, especially after all she has done.”

“Then bring her,” Alexander said. “I will go to Bow Street first thing and shall be back at the townhouse in time to greet you and introduce Miss Doyle to my housekeeper. We can then leave Miss Doyle in Mrs. Turley’s capable hands and set off for Forwood’s place together.”

“With Bow Street runners to assist you,” the duchess said firmly. “You are not to do this without them.”

“We can take care of this, Roz,” Jonas said.