Page 43 of Distracting the Heir

“It feels very personal.”

Gilbert’s smile was almost condescending, and it put Florent’s teeth on edge. But they had known each other since they were children, so Flor tried very hard not to plant the man a facer.

“I know this can’t be enjoyable for you, and I’m sorry that it’s happening. But would you rather we had never found out?”

“No, of course not.”

“So, it’s just uncomfortable right now. That will pass. And you’ll be relieved when it is over.”

“I would rather it had never happened,” Florent burst out and immediately regretted the impulse as heat crept up his neck. He didn’t sound the least bit reasonable. After a deep breath, his face transformed to a rueful smile as Gilbert just stared at him, not really reacting in any way to his outburst.

“Of course, I do realize that’s a futile wish. And I’m trying to appreciate your involvement. I suppose I would be entirely ineffective on my own if I ever would have even found out about this criminal venture in these parts. Which I might not have if you and your brother hadn’t gotten involved and my sister hadn’t stuck her nose into it.” Florent scratched his head and headed toward the entrance of the cave, leaving the agents to their investigation. He wouldn’t really have anything to add despite his seeming intelligence. “How did you get involved, by the way? You haven’t been home in weeks, as far as I know.”

Gilbert was keeping step just behind him, and Florent heard his low chuckle.

“For such an intelligent man, you don’t take note of certain details, do you Florent?”

Flor wanted to bristle over the statement but since he had just been thinking nearly the same thing, there wasn’t much he could counter it with. So, he shrugged.

“I know everything about my land and animals and tenants. Although now I’m starting to question if I know my tenants as well as I’ve thought. So, you are probably correct on all counts. I ought to say IthoughtI knew everything about all there was to know in the region.” He shook his head as he stepped into the sunshine. “So, what are you saying I haven’t been paying attention to?”

Gilbert laughed. “I’m not a customs officer, but these gentlemen are my colleagues.”

Florent frowned. “That doesn’t make much sense. You either are or you aren’t. Don’t make me feel even more daft than I evidently am.”

Gilbert laughed again. “I do various things for the Home Office.”

Florent stared at the man that he thought he knew well. A man he’d known since childhood, since they played on these very beaches with their tutors and younger siblings in tow. And he felt like he was looking at a stranger.

“Is this a new development? Why didn’t you ever tell me?”

Gilbert shrugged. “I’m telling you now.”

“But probably only because Daisy involved us.”

Gilbert laughed lightly. “Perhaps. Florent, you’ve been tied up with straightening up your own family’s affairs. As your father’s heir, I couldn’t really ask you to be involved.”

“Why not? Is it that dangerous?”

“It can be.”

“So, Adelaide didn’t know?”

Gilbert side-stepped that question. “I told as few people as possible. I’m sorry that you feel betrayed now. But it wasn’t a personal affront. I couldn’t tell anyone. Until something like this happened, and even then, I am most often able to deal with matters without divulging my personal involvement. But this time, because we’ve been friends for so long, I’m trusting you with this detail.”

Florent frowned at his friend but then nodded and clapped him on the shoulder. “Well, I cannot say that I like anything about this situation, but I suppose I’m glad that you’re involved. It’s not likely Adelaide or I would have even noticed. And it could be a problem for many of us in the area. So, thank you.” He chuckled. “And I apologize if that sounded grudging. It wasn’t meant to be.”

With his childhood friend’s chuckle propelling him out of the cave, Florent allowed his mind to wander back to the ugly conversation he’d had with Constance before they’d parted earlier that day. It had been brief, but it still unsettled him that he could be so suspicious of a gently bred young woman.

“How do you come to be acquainted with Lady Adelaide?” he had asked her that morning at the breakfast table while he was finishing his coffee and she had just begun her meal.

Her fork had stopped halfway to her mouth and for the briefest moment the elegant and graceful young woman appeared awkward, as though unsure whether or not to put her fork down or continue with taking the bite she had intended. Her gaze flickered around the table as if to determine if anyone was paying attention to their conversation or perhaps even if someone were going to rescue her from the uncomfortable situation he had thrust upon her. Guilt assailed him but he felt righteous in his indignation toward her.

After a brief blink that seemed to wipe away her awkwardness with her long eyelashes, Lady Constance finished putting the food in her mouth and lowered her fork. Taking a moment to wipe her lips delicately with the napkin she had in her lap, after chewing briefly, the lady swallowed and sat back in her chair, never relaxing her very proper posture. Her gaze remained challengingly enmeshed with his but the expression on her face returned to one of pleasant conversation.

“We met during my debut, Mr. Alcott, thank you for asking. She has been kind enough to remain in touch with me by letter even during my travels. I cannot express to you how delightful I have found her missives to be wherever they find me.”

A sliver of doubt threatened to crack his determination, but Florent was undeterred.

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