Page 47 of The Duke's Sinful Bride

“Well, well,” Lachlan said with a grin, “ye look like someone’s just told ye yer favorite horse has been sold off. What’s the matter, my friend? Yer duchess giving ye trouble?”

He winked with a mischievous gleam in his eyes.

Killian scowled but couldn’t suppress the slight smirk that tugged at the corner of his lips.

“Don’t start with me, Lachlan,” he muttered, though the irritation was not entirely genuine. “What do ye want?”

Lachlan leaned back, drumming his fingers on the arm of his chair. “Aye, you’ve got a face like someone who’s been dragged through a hedge backward. What’s got ye so twisted? I’ve seen ye smile at a good hunt more than that.”

Killian shot him a sharp look, but Lachlan only chuckled.

“Come now, Your Grace. If it’s the duchess, I’ll lend an ear. Do ye need help sorting out matters at home? I’ve got experience, ye know.” Lachlan raised his brows suggestively, but the joking tone in his voice betrayed his lightheartedness.

“Enough of that,” Killian growled, waving a hand dismissively. “Let’s get down to business. I have enough on my plate without yer nonsense.”

Lachlan’s grin widened, sensing that Killian was more irritated than he let on, but he sobered quickly as the conversation turned serious.

“Right, right. Ye did ask me to look into matters. I’ve been digging, but it’s proving more difficult than I expected. Whoever is behind this is covering their tracks well. Nothing’s come through so far.”

“Damn it,” Killian muttered under his breath. He rubbed his temples in frustration, “I knew it’d be difficult. Whoever startedthese rumors has a plan, and they’re playing it carefully. But we can’t let them get away with it.”

Lachlan leaned forward, his expression becoming more serious.

“I can see that. I’ll keep looking, but I’m telling ye, whoever’s behind this is a slippery one. I have checked all the usual sources, but it’s all coming up clean.”

“Then dig deeper,” Killian said sharply, his voice steely. “The rumors started at Lady Berwick’s ball, so trace everyone who attended that event. Someone there has to know something. A little whisper, a slip of the tongue—they’ll have a clue, I’m sure of it.”

Lachlan nodded, his tone taking on a more resolute edge. “Right then, I’ll head to London. I’ll dig deeper, ask questions, and see what I can turn up. But I can’t promise it’ll be easy.”

“I don’t care about easy. Just find something,” Killian replied firmly. “I need this resolved. Quickly.”

Lachlan raised his hands in mock surrender. “Aye, I’ll do my best. But I warn ye, it’s not gonna be pretty. Ye’ll owe me a drink for this, mark my words.”

Killian couldn’t help but chuckle despite his mood.

“You always know how to make light of a bloody serious situation, Lachlan.”

“Ah, ye know me,” Lachlan replied with a wink. “Now, I’ll leave ye to yer brooding. Don’t be expecting any miracles from me.”

“Do not come back empty-handed, Sharp,” Killian said with a smirk, leaning back in his chair as Lachlan stood to leave.

“Are you certain you don’t want to wear the blue gown tonight, Your Grace? It would bring out the color in your eyes.” Daisy hummed as she worked, glancing at Yvette with a playful smile.

Yvette adjusted the pins in her hair, letting out a small sigh as Daisy fastened the final clasp of her gown.

The evening was settling in quietly, and Yvette had taken longer than usual to get ready for dinner, her thoughts swirling erratically.

Yvette shook her head, her lips curling slightly as she gazed at her reflection.

“No, I think the green will do just fine tonight. It is more subdued. I don’t want to be the center of attention at dinner, Daisy.”

“You are never simply the center of attention, Your Grace,” Daisy quipped, turning away for a moment to retrieve the slippers by the vanity, “you are a picture of grace, always. It’s impossible not to notice.”

Yvette couldn’t help but laugh softly.

“You do know how to flatter, Daisy. But let’s not get carried away. I’ve had enough attention for one day.”

Before Daisy could reply, there was a knock at the door. Yvette turned toward it, her brow furrowing slightly.

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