Page 39 of Tender Blackguard

“Then I understand an explanation is forthcoming? In particular, the reason the two of you were at Lowndes’s party.”

Portia Turner leaned back and pressed her hands to her tightly corseted middle. “I already told you. Our mutual friend, Mason Hale.”

Alastair was about to retort that that told him nothing when Turner succinctly clarified, “Hale hired us to follow up on the recent activities perpetrated against his betrothed and her young brother. Your cousins, I understand.”

“Hired you to do what exactly?”

“Investigate.”

“Castrate,” Portia added with another charming grin.

Alastair frowned. “Why Lowndes?”

Though Turner’s brow quirked at Alastair’s blunt query, he replied in an easy tone. “He was at the house party from which Shelbourne abducted Lady Blackwell. To determine if he was more deeply involved, I secured a position in his household in order to gain more intimate access to his life.”

“And?”

There was a long pause as Turner simply stared back at him in response to his one-word question. Then, the man slowly shifted his posture and crossed one ankle over the opposite knee. “Allow me to make something clear, my lord. I work for Mr. Hale and, by extension, Lady Blackwell. If Lady Blackwell hadn’t specifically requested that we include you in our investigations should such an opportunity arise, we wouldn’t be here now. You would never’ve known the true reasons for our presence at that party,” Turner noted in a level tone.

Alastair considered the other man very carefully. He could acknowledge the Turners’ effectiveness in infiltrating Lowndes’s household, but he couldn’t risk their interference causing trouble now that he was finally getting somewhere. “Although I appreciate Hale’s desire to keep my cousins safe, his—and your—interference in this matter could very well do just the opposite.”

Portia Turner leaned forward, not without some difficulty in her costume, and offered a winning smile. “Perhaps if we shared information, we could all be better prepared for what we’re up against, my lord.”

Alastair was reluctant to trust them. Even if their purpose was similar, he was wary of risking his own tenuous position with the brotherhood.

“I understand your reluctance,” Turner said calmly. “But I assure you, we share the same goal.”

Alastair lifted a brow. “Do we?”

Turner was unphased by Alastair’s curt tone. “I’ve been doing this sort of work for many years, my lord, and I’ve never failed to see a job to its desired end.”

“I suppose you cannot offer any references to support such a claim?”

Turner smiled. An emotionless expression. “Due to the often sensitive nature of the work I do, the identities of my clients are obviously protected. That you haven’t heard of my past assignments is all the proof I can offer that they’ve been done. Well and discreetly.”

Alastair said nothing for a while.

There was not much being offered to inspire the trust required to bring an utter stranger in on such a personal and vital issue. But he had to appreciate the man’s devotion to discretion. Despite his caginess, Turner projected an undeniable air of competence in his quiet focus.

He met the other man’s hard gaze. “I apologize for my distrustful manner, Mr. Turner. The issue at hand is of personal importance to me.”

“We understand, of course,” Portia interjected softly. “Every job becomes quite personal to us, as well.”

Alastair wasn’t quite sure Turner shared that same sentiment, but he could see Portia was being utterly honest.

He sighed. He was going to trust these strangers after all.

“I imagine Hale explained the connection between Shelbourne and the prior marquess.”

Turner nodded. “We’ve confirmed that Lowndes was also involved with Shelbourne in a manner beyond what might have been readily apparent. I’m sure a few follow-up inquiries will confirm that the other gentlemen present tonight are also members of the secret society you described to Hale.”

“I’ve no doubt of that, Mr. Turner.” Alastair leaned forward to set his snifter back on the table, untouched. “But that brings the total to nine when you count Shelbourne and my father. There were once twelve. What of the others?”

“It’s possible they’re no longer involved. Or they may have died in the years since. I’m still looking into the histories and connections associated with all of these men, so if I uncover any additional names, I’ll certainly share them.”

Though it wasn’t the answer he’d hoped for, Alastair nodded.

“I did discover something of interest this evening,” Turner noted as he shifted a glance toward his wife. “Before the others arrived, Lord Lowndes and Viscount Marlowe were discussing a rather important event scheduled to take place soon. While tonight was a more informal gathering, this event was clearly expected to be something else. They didn’t go into much detail, but I understand it will not be taking place in Mayfair, and it will include guests beyond the brotherhood themselves.”

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