Page 8 of The Hero

Admittedly, it was known that the Duke of Oxford did not fraternize with Society ladies beyond being polite. Nor did he single any of them out for his particular attention.

This evening, he had spent fifteen enjoyable minutes or more alone in Harry’s company. He had even laughed aloud at one of her comments. Some might see that unusual behavior on his part tantamount to a declaration of intent.

With that in mind, Gideon spent the majority of dinner talking to the lady seated on his right side. She was the wife of the local squire. Her conversation was parochial at best, and she tended to gush with enthusiasm over the accomplishments of her unmarried daughter, one of the single young ladies seated farther down the table. But at least it ensured he and Harry had ceased being the speculative focus of the other diners.

Which was not to say he did not mentally mull over the fact of Robert Granger having known all the members of the Church family for several years.

When previously questioned, Granger had denied any involvement in his cousin’s murder. But this new information, of Granger’s friendship with the family of one of the officers under suspicion, must at least open up the possibility that the younger man could have either paid Henry Church to carry out the deed or possibly used some other form of inducement to persuade the older man.

As far as Gideon was aware, Henry Church was not in financial difficulties. Nor, despite his eccentricity, was there any indication he had ever done anything for which he might be blackmailed.

But could the same be said for his son, the Viscount Henlow?

Edward Church was part of the same circle of reckless young gentlemen as Granger. Which put Granger in a position to know the viscount’s secrets, and so leave him open to blackmail. It was an avenue of investigation which would require looking into further.

Neither those thoughts, nor the conversation with the squire’s wife, prevented Gideon from being completely aware of every movement and remark made by the young woman seated on his other side.

Harry was both beautiful and vivacious, a combination which easily succeeded in attracting the attention of the young and single gentlemen seated on her other side. She also continued to exchange banter across the table with Robert Granger.

Dunhill’s absence this evening was irritating, removing at least one opportunity where Gideon might have questioned the other man without alerting anyone else to the fact he was doing so.

Although he knew there was every possibility Harry wouldn’t want to talk to him again after he had spoken to her father on the subject of the previous Duke of Plymouth’s murder.

If innocent, Dunhill would no doubt forbid any further acquaintance between his daughter and the man who had accused him of such a heinous deed.

If Dunhill was guilty, chances were he would hang for his crime. Having heard the warm indulgence and affection with which Harry spoke of her father earlier, Gideon doubted she would ever forgive him for his part in sending her father to the gallows, if it should occur.

Neither prospect was particularly palatable.

* * *

“Where are you going?”

Harry was surprised to realize Oxford had followed her from the dining room. She came to a halt in the cavernous hallway to turn and face him. “The ladies have withdrawn after dinner to enjoy tea and gossip in my aunt’s blue salon until the gentlemen join them for the entertainments.”

He nodded. “And when the ladies left the dining room, you turned left as they turned right.”

Her top lip curled. “I do not care for tea or gossip. And why were you watching me rather than enjoying brandy and cigars with the other gentlemen?”

He shrugged broad shoulders. “I have already drunk sufficient wine with dinner. Nor do I feel like smoking a cigar,” the duke dismissed. “I also predicted you would not enjoy the inane chatter of the ladies.” A slight smile curved his lips.

Harry frowned at him. “I am no longer surprised at your unmarried state when you obviously hold females in such contempt.”

“On the contrary,” he drawled. “I have a great respect for women.”

“Name one.”

“You.”

Her cheeks warmed at the unexpected compliment. “Any others?”

He gave the question thought for several seconds before answering. “Four of my friends have recently married, and I do not find the company of their wives overly tedious.”

Harry was completely unable to repress the laughter that burst from her throat. “I do not find the company of their wives overly tedious.” She deepened her voice to echo.

Oxford looked alarmed. “I trust that was not an attempt to impersonate me? If so, you have made my voice several octaves higher than I believe it to be.”

She considered him for several long seconds. “You are not quite what you appear to be, are you?”

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