Page 71 of A Duke for Adela
Adela’s eyes rounded in surprise and she cast Ambrose a knowing grin, for had she not accused him of being this very thing? Of course, not evil. He may have done a little manipulation of his own, but it was never intended to hurt anyone.
“I expect the magistrate will find Mr. Runyon at his home. My men have been on the bounder’s tail for days now and will be more than happy to turn him over to the constables.”
“Will you send word to His Grace once Mr. Runyon is taken into custody?” Adela asked. “He is such a slippery fellow.”
“Yes, Miss Swift. I shall keep him abreast of affairs until every loose end is neatly tied in a bow.” He asked for Ambrose’s permission to leave.
“Good night, Mr. Barrow. Thank you for all your good work. Come by my home tomorrow afternoon at four o’clock and we shall talk further.”
“I will, Your Grace.” He rose, bowed to the ladies, and strode out.
Adela was eager to look through the contents of the pouch, but Ambrose merely withdrew the book and handed it to her for her inspection. “I’ll take the book but give you the pouch to take home with you. Search through it to your heart’s content tonight. Let me know if anything of yours is missing and I will convey the information to Mr. Barrow when I see him tomorrow.”
She shook her head. “I’m sure it is all here. Your man is incredibly efficient, isn’t he?”
“Yes, quite methodical. After all his years on the job, I’m sure he knows everyone in London. There is not a mouse that passes through here without his hearing of it.”
Adela now turned to her friend, Syd. “I wonder, do you think we could retain Mr. Barrow to look into your situation?”
Ambrose was immediately drawn into the conversation. “What is wrong? Why do you wish to retain a Bow Street runner?”
Syd blushed. “It isn’t important. I could not afford his services anyway.”
Octavian frowned. “Are you in any danger?”
“No,” she said.
But Adela and Gory each responded with a yes.
“I am not,” she insisted.
Ambrose did not pursue the matter further since Syd appeared to be getting overset.
“Perhaps you ought to come live with me now rather than wait until next Season,” Phoebe mentioned.
“It isn’t necessary. Truly, I would tell you if anything was amiss.” Syd raised her glass and offered another toast, but her hand was shaking. “To the return of Jovian of Tarantino’s tome and Adela’s notes.”
They all joined in the toast and dropped further conversation about Syd’s circumstances. However, Ambrose had no intention of letting the matter drop altogether. He would discuss her situation with his brothers and Adela tomorrow. If Adela thought her friend was in need of Mr. Barrow’s services, he would arrange for it and bear the cost. After all, she and Gory were the closest thing Adela had to sisters, and would he not be expected to help out a sister of hers?
Supper was now over and it was time for him and his brothers to escort the ladies home. Octavian took responsibility for escorting Phoebe, Gory, and Syd to their homes while Ambrose and Julius accompanied Eloise and Adela.
As they were about to walk out of the hotel’s restaurant, Lady Victoria sent one of the stewards after him. “Your Grace, my apologies, but one of the patrons wishes a word with you.”
Ambrose spared a glance at Victoria who was now coming toward him.
“Very well.” He excused himself a moment, allowing Julius to assist Eloise and Adela into the carriage.
As he strode back inside, it did not escape his notice that Felicity Rose and her toadies were watching him. He saw a malicious smile upon that girl’s lips.
Ambrose sighed.
This girl exuded envy.
She was going to cause trouble, likely more lies to feed to the gossip rags. But he was going to have Mr. Barrow keep a man on Adela until they were married on the chance her vindictiveness went further.
What was it that compelled twisted people like Runyon and this diamond to take pleasure in harming others?
He shook out of the thought and greeted Victoria with marked impatience. “What is it you have to say to me?”
