Page 31 of A Duchess to Fight For
“I’m going to put her up north on my estate. I don’t want her anywhere near those hens. I will be her only lifeline to London.”
Something was said that Percy couldn’t hear.
“She’ll be my property. He wouldn’t dare,” Barton said.
“Well, congratulations, Barton. She’s a real beauty.”
“Thank you, thank you. She is that. I look forward to getting her in my bed.”
Percy swallowed. The picture of Barton and Louisa in bed together was making him ill. He needed to get to Frederick. Now.
Percy surreptitiously looked around for an exit he could use that would keep him from Barton’s sight. He didn’t think Barton would recognize him, but he wasn’t sure.
Near him, there were stairs heading for the third floor and the private rooms. Percy knew there were stairs down to the street from the other side of the third floor so he stood slowly, kept straight ahead, and walked up the stairs. As he climbed the stairs, he could still hear them whispering. He was in the clear.
Mendon opened the door for Percy, but from the look on Mendon’s face, Percy knew the news had been delivered.
“I must see the Duke immediately. I would prefer to avoid the ladies until after I have spoken with him.”
Mendon nodded. Percy saw him walk down the hall and shut the parlour door softly then continue to Frederick’s office. He returned soon after talking with Frederick.
“Please follow me, Your Grace.”
Drinks in hand, sitting next to each other, the Duke opened his mouth to speak.
“Your Grace, if you could indulge me, I would like to tell you of a conversation I just overheard between Barton and someone I don’t know, or at least I don’t recognize his voice. I am concerned about Louisa and would like to hear from you about her well-being, but I think I have to tell you of this conversation first.
When Percy was done telling Frederick about what he overheard at White’s, Frederick got up and pulled the bell.
Mendon entered.
“Find a fast footman and have him go to Hobart’s warehouse. I need Hobart here now.”
Mendon bowed, “Your Grace.”
Frederick turned to Percy. “Hobart has been having Barton followed. We need leverage on the man. This horse-trading information will be relevant for him.”
“So, I hesitate to ask, but—”
“They are a mess. He told them he was called back to his estate. He told them there had been several cases of arson in the village as well as on his property, and he couldn’t possibly stay in London.”
“Should I visit with them when we’re through, or should I wait until tomorrow?” Percy asked.
“No, you need to visit today.”
“I heard Barton’s companion tell him to let Jack leave town without ruining his reputation, but Barton was non-committal.”
“Of course he was. He’ll do it one day when he’s in a bad mood for stubbing his toe or some such nonsense,” Frederick said, shaking his head in disgust.
Hobart came, and after Frederick filled him in on what Percy heard at White’s, he nodded.
“I knew it,” Hobart said.
“He is doing something at Tattersall’s. We’re not sure what yet, but he spends a lot of his time talking about the value of a horse than necessary. Why would he hang around there all day pontificating on the horses? It doesn’t make sense. But it will before my men are done. Horse trading.”
Hobart looked over at Percy. “You wouldn’t recognize him?”
Percy shook his head no. “I would recognize his voice again. It was a little raspy.”
