Page 60 of A Kiss Of Lies

Christian shifted uncomfortably in his chair. He’d looked forward to socializing when he thought Sarah—Serena—would be on his arm. He’d show the world that not all women thought him hideous. But now his confidence had gone. Was the story she’d spun him about her marital abuse true? Was the relationship they’d shared a convenient fuck on the voyage home or just her way of managing him? No wonder she’d turned him down so easily. She was not a lowly governess thankful for a deformed earl’s attentions, but the daughter of a duke. With her beauty and breeding she could have any man she wanted.

Serena obviously did not wanthim, or not anymore. Well, he didn’t need her either. It was time to put his troubles first and find the person responsible for this litany of lies.

“Carla’s death is the piece of the puzzle that could tell us more. Did Grayson discover any leads?”

Hadley shook his head. “No. He still has Bow Street Runners investigating.”

“I must admit I’m surprised Grayson isn’t here. Where is he? I thought he was going to sound out Harriet—delicately, obviously. If anyone can handle a lady, it’s Grayson.”

“As a matter of fact, I’m not exactly sure. I received a cryptic message from him about aiding Lady Portia Flagstaff and I haven’t seen or heard from him since. Most unlike him, I must say.”

Christian tried to shrug off his concern. “Portia has been the bane of Grayson’s life since he promised her brother he’d look out for her. When a man dies in your arms begging a favor, only a cur would refuse. How could Grayson know she was more spirited, and far more trouble, than her brother ever was?” He took a long drink. “I’m sure he’ll turn up eventually—once he’s extracted Portia from whatever trouble she’s got herself into this time.” He refilled his glass. “Did Grayson speak with Harriet?” The catch in his voice was a clue as to how important what Grayson might have learned could be.

Hadley shook his head. “Not good news, I’m afraid. She swears it was you. She says the man had a scarred face, and the voice was refined.” He stretched. “Unfortunately, she hates you and would be happy to see you dead, as would her father.”

“What the hell do I do now?”

Hadley leaned forward. “I’d start my talking with the Runners. Ask them what they have found. Then I’d continue as if nothing were amiss. Resume your foray in society. Having Lady Serena Castleton on your arm would certainly aid your cause. Helping a damsel stranded on the other side of the world would be a perfect tale of heroism. Not that you need any more tales of your heroics—your sacrifice at Waterloo is still talked about.”

“You mentioned her husband, Dennett. What was he like?”

Hadley raised his thick black eyebrows and then laughed at him, shaking his head. “Why didn’t you ask Sebastian? He and Dennett knew each other very well. They hated each other. Dennett was too good-looking for Sebastian’s taste. He was too much competition for the ladies Sebastian wanted.” He sobered. “I’m being facetious. Sebastian hated him because Dennett was a sadist. He liked to abuse women. Dennett beat one of Sebastian’s regular ladies at the Honey Pot and almost killed her. I thought Sebastian was going to choke the life out of Dennett by the time he’d finished with him, but Maitland pulled him off. Sebastian had Dennett banned from most of London’s high-class brothels, and some lower ones, in retribution.”

Christian’s cold hardness toward Serena thawed a fraction. In all likelihood she hadn’t lied about her husband’s violence.

“Yet, the Duke married his only daughter to Dennett?”

“Money.” Hadley’s expression was undisguised distaste. “Serena’s marriage happened indecently quickly. They left as husband and wife for America before thetonhad even heard of the match.”

Christian kept his tone neutral. “Did Sebastian know Serena Castleton?”

“I’m sure he’d been presented to her, as we all were.” He nodded “That is, except you and Grayson. Both of you were in France when she was presented. The Duke shopped her on the marriage market like a prize mare. He wanted payment for the honor of marrying his daughter. He needed the money.” He took a swig from his brandy balloon. “She is damn beautiful. There were many who were tempted, but not Sebastian.”

Bloody hell! Sebastian had been aware of who she was when they were in the Caribbean. That’s why he’d been down on the beach with her. Christian knew his friend had been hiding something. He believed Sebastian when he said he’d not seduced her, so it must have been her identity he was keeping secret. But why did Sebastian protect her? Why hadn’t Sebastian confided in him? He would have—unless Serena had sworn him to secrecy.

He needed to talk with Serena.

“I wonder what happened to Dennett and why she remarried so quickly.”

Hadley’s words were an echo of the thoughts churning in his brain. Who was Mr. Cooper? Was there even a Mr. Cooper? For some reason his gut clenched, and for the first time he considered the fact that Serena might be in some kind of trouble. This was the only reason he could think of as to why Sebastian had not confided in him. Was Sebastian helping her? If Sebastian had given Serena his word, he’d not break it, not even for Christian.

“I’d like to know the answer to that myself.” He rose. “Thank you, Hadley. Let me know if there is anything I can do to help Sebastian. I’ll seek out the Bow Street Runners first thing in the morning, but a part of me desperately wants to confront Harriet.”

Hadley rose and slapped him on the shoulder. “It’s good to have you home. By the way, a word of warning. I know you’re going to confront Serena. Be aware that losing your temper is unlikely to get you anywhere. She’s used to a bully. You’re more likely to attract bears with honey, if you get my meaning.”

Irritation flittered over him. Hadley never shrank from speaking his mind, the privilege of being a younger son and not having to care about politics within society. But this matter was between Serena and himself.

“I know,” he admitted under his breath.

“If she’s in trouble, she’s liable to run away. And I suspect she is, given she’s not using her father’s influence to take her rightful place in society.”

“Agreed. There is certainly more to her story, and I intend to find out what it is as soon as you take your leave.”

Hadley moved to the door. “I’m gone. Let me know how it turns out.”

Christian smiled wryly, and Hadley took his leave.

His mind whirled with fears and doubts as he slowly walked up the stairs toward Serena’s room.

---