Page 34 of Noble Scoundrel

Or was it Katherine’s hyperawareness that had her feeling like every glance and every smirk held some hidden meaning?

“I hope you and Claire are finding your accommodations to be satisfactory?”

His tawny brows arched. “Quite.”

She refused to blush at the way his relaxed manner highlighted her strained formality. She wasn’t typically so stiff. Of course, she was well-versed in the manners and graces expected of a duke’s daughter. There had just been so few occurrences to put such teachings into practice while in Lincolnshire and even fewer since coming to London.

Yet whenever she was in the same room with Hale, she simply didn’t know how else to behave. It was beyond frustrating to feel herself acting in a way so atypical to her natural inclinations.

“I realized after leaving your home earlier today that I should’ve taken a bit more time discussing what will be expected of you in this position.”

“Someone’s after the lad. Considering your obvious wealth,” he noted with a pointed glance about the room, “I’d guess their motive is money. My job is to make sure no one gets near enough to harm him. What’s to discuss?”

She frowned. “You don’t have any questions about what we’re up against? No concerns with the fact that you’d be putting yourself at risk? No inquiries on the daily movements of the household?”

The corner of his mouth lifted. “If you feel such things are important, by all means, go ahead.”

“The truth of the matter is that we don’t yet know who is behind these abduction attempts. We suspect ransom is one possible motive, but...we cannot discount a more violent intention.”

As she hinted at their fear that someone might be trying to truly harm or even kill Frederick, Hale’s eyes flashed with a dangerous light.

“Who’d have such cause?” His question was uttered with somber tension, making her suspect his previous flippancy had been nothing but an act.

“The person who’d most benefit if something were to happen to Frederick would be his heir, our great-uncle the Marquess of Warfield. But he is on the Continent and has been for many years.”

Hale frowned. “There’s no one else?”

“Not that we’ve been able to determine. If the kidnapper’s goal is to demand a ransom, the culprit could be anybody.”

Hale said nothing for a long moment before he spoke again. “It’s obvious the two of you’ve got the blunt to hire an army of guards. You could have the Bow Street Runners at your beck and call, I’d wager.”

Katherine met his challenging gaze with an answering one of her own. “Are you trying to convince me I made a mistake in hiring you, Mr. Hale?”

“I didn’t say that at all,” he noted with a slow shake of his tawny head. “I’d just like to know why you did.”

Katherine considered her answer carefully and decided to provide the easiest honest response. “Because Frederick trusts you.”

It was clear he’d noticed how she’d left herself out of the answer when amusement flickered once again in his gaze. “You put a lot of stock in the boy’s opinion.”

She lifted her chin. “Of course I do. Frederick is not a typical child. His genius started to show at a very young age and has continued to mature and progress. His cleverness is matched only by his compassion. My brother is destined for great things. It is generally best not to underestimate him.”

Hale eyed her with a slightly dubious expression. “How much can the boy understand of a world he rarely sees?”

Katherine stiffened at the subtle censure in his words. “Our lives have been rather unconventional, I’ll admit. For various reasons, such an existence suited us quite well. But it has become obvious since coming to London that a broader wealth of experience would be of great value to my brother.” She pinned him with a poignant stare. “Which brings us back to your purpose. Keep him safe until we can eliminate the threat against him. All I want is for him to have every opportunity to reach his greatest potential.”

The corner of his mouth twisted upward. “And I’ve a feeling you tend to get what you want.”

She narrowed her gaze, wondering if he was criticizing again. “I don’t see why I shouldn’t. Within reason.”

He chuckled. “Of course. Cannot abandon reason.”

Feeling uncomfortable with the turn the conversation had taken, she shifted back to her brother. “Frederick has the ability to retain everything he reads, sees, or hears, down to the most specific detail. If you wish to know more about either of the previous attacks in order to better guard against future attempts, I’m sure he could provide you with a wealth of helpful information. You’re welcome to take your meals with the senior staff or have them brought to you room, whichever you prefer, just notify our housekeeper Mrs. Wallace of your choice. Frederick can apprise you of his personal routine. For now, I doubt we’ll be leaving the house much unless it becomes absolutely necessary.”

“Voluntary captivity?”

“Until I know more about the threat, it’s the best way to keep him safe.”

His response to that was a short grunt, suggesting he didn’t agree.

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