Page 56 of Seven Nights with the Wicked Duke
Theo's own mask was to hide the darkness his insecurities had him dabbling in. He couldn't help but wonder what darkness the man was hiding.
That was the only excuse he thought a more reasonable answer than the dark swirl of envy in the pit of his stomach when he had seen them together in the park.
"Your Grace," Mr. Silver greeted with a bow.
While he looked small and unassuming, Richard Silver was a man Theo kept close because of how dangerous he was. They had met while they had been in the army but due to an injury that had the man returning early, he had pursued studies in law while owning a private investigation firm.
Theo had not had use for those services in the past but he needed to ensure neither Cecilia nor Magnus were in danger from this Hector.
"Silver," he answered. "What do you have for me?"
"Questions before offering a drink, Your Grace," Silver said with a sly smile. "He must have ruffled your feathers."
"Nothing more than necessary," Theo answered, rising to pour the man a drink. "Port?"
"Don't hide the good stuff from me, Emerton," he answered. "I see a good whisky over there."
He shook his head and chuckled, pouring the man a healthy serving. When he handed him the glass, he slid back into his seat.
"What do you know about him, Silver?" Theo asked impatiently. "I do not have time for games."
If anyone could find out secrets that someone would prefer hidden, it was Silver. Sly as a fox and stealthy like a panther. His grin was wide but he brought out a folder and handed it to him.
"This is a detailed report of the man's day-to-day life but it has only been three days since you asked me to follow him," he added. "I am still surprised you decided to stoop so low. You used to be so confident on your high horse."
"I see you're still one to kick a man when he is down," Theo mused reading through the report with a frown.
"That is why we are such good friends, is it not?" he asked.
"Sarcasm doesn't become you, Silver," he chided. "Beyond the written report, what do you think of the man?"
The only notable thing in the report had been the man's daily visits to the Devil's Den, a gaming hell in the lower east end of London but while not alarm worthy, he couldn't help but recognize the place.
His Uncle Cuthbert had frequented the establishment before he had ultimately quit gambling and it was a place famous for wringing men dry of their fortunes.
The fact that the man had a gambling habit was a concern for Theo considering Cecilia could be married to the man. If he gambled away her dowry, she would be left penniless. Thethought of her not enjoying the fine things she had enjoyed in her brother's home irked him.
Surely that would be enough to have Magnus cancel a possible match between them.
"I think you may be in the right to worry, Your Grace," Silver answered with a serious tone. "He does seem the perfect gentleman but I cannot help but feel cautious. Not much is known about him and even without being from a major titled family, he has friends in the upper echelons of society. No scandals and he doesn't even have debt with any of the banks or creditors. The only word about him is that he is in search of a wife but there is no information on whether he cares for a large dowry. What surprised me even more was my man's report. He doesn't even gamble in the den."
Theo's brow quirked.
"But it is reported he frequents the den?"
"Yes. I found it odd too. My man reported they see him meeting someone but he didn't see who."
"Who goes to a gaming den for meetings?"
"Someone who doesn't want to be discovered, that is who," Silver answered. "I do not know why this man interests you so but I advise you to tread with caution, Your Grace. The brightest colors always mean deadlier poison."
Theo frowned but nodded.
He had wished for more solid proof to present to Magnus as a reason to call off the match but considering how it had only been three days, this would have to suffice. Besides, the quicker he dismissed the man, the more information he could garner.
He still didn't know the reason the man had approached him those weeks ago. Him being present at such an establishment sparked concern even if Theo shouldn't judge.
"I thank you for your warning," he told Mr. Silver. "Your payment is with my butler already but I expect regular reports."
