Page 30 of Tempting the Earl

“I already told you I’d keep you informed,” he added in an even tone, “and I will. Just remember, you promised not to take any action on the issue without my express agreement.”

Slashing black brows furrowed briefly before Bentley gave a nod. Then his lips twisted into a familiar smirk. “It looks like we’re in this together, Wright. Whether you like it or not,” he added before sauntering off to join his wife at the door.

Colin didn’t bother reminding the man just who had initiated the damned togetherness in the first place.

Chapter Ten

Only two days later, Colin received the much-awaited update from Nightshade—hand delivered by a boy wearing a jaunty red cap. Though he’d have liked to go a few more days before having to follow up with Roderick, that brief annoyance didn’t linger long as he read through the detailed report.

After going through it a second time, he lowered the pages and muttered an uncharacteristic oath.

He was due to escort his sister and Miss Morgan to Hyde Park in less than an hour. He’d have to arrange for a groom to go in his stead. The news he’d received was best shared with Roderick right away so they could discuss and decide on a course of action.

He’d made it clear the other night he wouldn’t want Roderick to do anything on his own, which meant Colin would have to afford his brother the same courtesy.

Almost fifteen minutes later, Colin stood outside Roderick’s club located just off St. James. It was named simply Bentley’s.

Colin had visited a couple times over the last months. Always during the day, before the club opened for business. He suspected it was for that reason only he wasn’t immediately turned away when the front door was opened to his knock by one of his brother’s most trusted employees.

The insolent young man, known only as Bishop, gave Colin a bold look as he leaned his shoulder against the doorframe. “Is the boss expecting you?” he asked in a subtle cockney cadence.

“No, but he’ll wish to see me,” Colin answered stiffly, annoyed at being kept on the stoop when there was such an urgent matter at hand.

Bishop lifted his brows and narrowed his gaze. “How can I be sure?”

Colin gave the younger man a flat stare and waited.

After a moment, Bishop chuckled and stepped aside. “Just playin’, m’lord. He’s in his office.” Then he turned and walked away with a careless stride, leaving Colin to make his way through the dim-lit club on his own.

As expected, the double doors of Roderick’s office were both open since he insisted on being available to his staff unless some private matter was being discussed. Roderick sat behind a very large and imposing desk. His coat had been removed and was tossed over the back of his chair to reveal the full glory of his shimmering green waistcoat. His brother had a subtle but consistent flare for the dramatic.

Colin paused at the threshold and cleared his throat.

When Roderick glanced up, surprise flashed across his features for just a moment before it was replaced with sharp concern. Rising swiftly to his feet, he gestured for Colin to enter. “Come in, Wright. Shut the door behind you if you please.” As he walked around his desk to gesture toward a pair of chairs, he gave Colin an intent look. “You’ve gotten some news.”

Of course, the infallibly astute club owner would know exactly what brought Colin to his door.

“I really wish I knew how you could see so much in a glance,” he muttered as he joined Roderick to take a seat in one of the two leather captain’s chairs turned toward each other.

His brother grinned as he claimed the other chair. “I just saw you two nights ago, so I know you’re not here because you missed my sparkling company. You don’t gamble and you rarely enjoy a drink before five o’clock. That leaves one reasonable probability.”

Colin arched a brow. “I could’ve been in the mood for a pleasant brotherly conversation about the weather or the races.”

The two men stared at each other for a moment before Roderick snorted a laugh and Colin allowed a brief smile before he cleared his throat. “You’re correct, of course.”

Roderick leaned forward. “What is it? Did Nightshade locate Owen? Or did Thomas finally change his tune?”

Deciding to get right to the point, Colin replied, “Mr. Beynon Thomas left his residence in Wales six days ago to arrive in London late last night.”

“He’s here?” Roderick rose to his feet. “Where?”

“Sit down, Bentley.” Colin’s voice was calm but firm. “I won’t be telling you where he’s taken a room until we’ve discussed and agreed upon how to respond to this information.”

It was clear the other man would greatly prefer to rush right out to confront the brother who’d replied to Colin’s letter of introduction with anger and insults only to suddenly cross the country. But he did resume his seat, albeit with a dark scowl.

“What sort of game is he playing?”

“Not everything is a game, Bentley.”

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