Page 67 of Never a Duke
That was not a sentiment Papa would approve of. This was not aconversationPapa would approve of. “Ned, you must not air these thoughts before my father or brothers. Your theories approach sedition.”
He held back a branch so Rosalind’s mare could pass before his gelding. “When common sense approaches sedition, the nation has reached a sorry pass, but fear not. I will keep my financial theories to myself when I call upon your father. I brought you something.”
“You brought me something?”
Ned unbuckled a saddlebag and passed over a bound book. “Your own copy of Mr. Smith’s treatise. My copy is full of scribbling and marginalia, else I’d give you that.”
“You are giving me a copy of…” She brought her mare to a halt.The Wealth of Nationswas beautifully bound in red Morocco leather, the title embossed in gold. “You cut the pages for me. Is this why you were up so late last night, Ned?”
He gazed down the bridle path wending its way beneath the leafy oaks. “I needed something to occupy my hands while my mind eased away from the day’s business.”
“This was very thoughtful of you. I shall treasure it always.” She would also read it, every word, probably many times. “I haven’t any saddlebags. Could you bring it by the next time you call on me?”
“Of course.” He accepted the book and returned it to his saddlebag. “Might we walk for a few moments?”
“I would enjoy a stroll,” Rosalind said, signaling to the groom. Ned helped her to dismount, his assistance damnably correct.
“We won’t be long,” she said to the groom. “No need to loosen girths.”
The fellow nodded and gave Ned a look that suggested her ladyship had best not come to any harm.
“We are in Hyde Park,” Rosalind muttered when she and Ned had strolled a good ten yards down the path. “It’s not as if you’d abduct…”
“Somebody is abducting young ladies, though so far, no women of your exalted station have gone missing. I want to kiss you so badly my lips ache, and yet I also have information to impart, and yonder groom will not give us much privacy.”
“Your lips ache?” The idea should have been humorous, and it was, mostly.
“My lips and a few other parts. I’ve had news.”
“Tell me.”
“An old connection who makes his living down near the wharves met with me this morning, which is another part of why I was so unforgivably late. He’s had word of some doings that give me hope we might find your maids in one piece, and only slightly the worse for their ordeal.”
The groom, damn him, was following on his cob at a discreet distance, leading the two riderless horses by the reins.
“You’ve found the women?”
“I can’t say that. The fellow had few details, but this development is worth exploring. A doss house has abruptly ceased doing business as a doss house, with no explanation, and yet, somebody is using the place for something.”
That did not sound to Rosalind like much of a development. London was awash in rickety overnight lodgings for rackety people. “Is your informant reliable?”
If Ned was aware of the groom, he gave no sign of it. “Yes, at least as regards this.”
“But not in other regards?”
“Billy would not be received in even middling company, Rosalind, but I’ve known him since boyhood. I trust the accuracy of his information.”
Ned Wentworth is received, but he’s notgood ton.Drat George and his clumsy meddling. “How do you know him?”
Ned’s smile was a bit pained. “I just do. He has no reason to lie to me.”
“Unless he’s setting a trap. Whoever has taken these women is doubtless doing so for financial gain. This Billy person might be in league with them.”
Ned sauntered along for another few yards, to all appearances a gentleman enjoying a pleasant morning with a lady.
“I will not march up to the front door of this establishment and demand entrance, Rosalind. Present company, among many other factors, gives me sound motivation to remain among the living. I will use caution and call upon a few of my more arcane skills to effect reconnaissance. I must first find the place, though. Billy’s description was less than exact.”
Ask Wentworth if he’s a former criminal, ask him if Walden put a pickpocket in charge of keeping other people’s money safe.
