“Convenience rather than passion,” he murmured to the empty room, testing the concept as one might test the edge of a blade.
The following evening found Leo striding purposefully through the gaslit streets of London, his greatcoat collar turned up against the damp chill that permeated the air.
The directions he had obtained regardingthe Gilded Lionled him toward a section of the city where respectability began to fray at its edges. Not quite the rookeries, but certainly distant from the manicured squares of Mayfair.
“Leo! By Jupiter, is that you skulking about like a common footpad?”
The familiar voice halted Leo mid-stride. He turned to find Adrian approaching, elegant despite the lateness of the hour, his walking stick tapping a jaunty rhythm against the cobblestones.
“What remarkable timing,” he remarked drily, his expression suggesting he found the coincidence anything but fortuitous. “One might almost suspect you of following me.”
“Following you? Preposterous notion,” Adrian declared, falling into step beside him with practiced ease. “Though I admit I wasintrigued when your butler mentioned you had departed on foot rather than by carriage. Most unusual for a man of your station and general disinclination toward pedestrian exertion.”
“Your interest in my habits is noted,” Leo replied curtly. “And unwelcome. I have private business to attend to.”
Adrian’s eyebrows rose in exaggerated surprise. “Private business? In this particular quarter of the city? My dear friend, you wound me with your secrecy. Especially when the said business clearly promises to be far more entertaining than Lady Melbourne’s interminable whist party.”
“This is not a social excursion,” Leo insisted, quickening his pace in the vain hope of discouraging his persistent companion. “I am seeking information regarding Philip’s disappearance.”
“Even more intriguing!” Adrian exclaimed, matching his stride with irritating ease. “A mystery, a missing marquess, and a midnight expedition. I insist on accompanying you. My observational skills and general charm have proven invaluable in similar circumstances.”
Leo halted abruptly, fixing his friend with a glacial look that had intimidated far more formidable men. “This is a family matter, Adrian. Not entertainment for your amusement.”
“Family matter or not, you’re venturing into areas where an additional pair of eyes might prove useful,” Adrian countered, his tone shifting from frivolity to genuine concern. “Besides, I’mintimately familiar with every gaming hell of consequence in London. My knowledge could prove invaluable.”
“I require no assistance,” Leo maintained, though with marginally less conviction.
“Come now,” Adrian persisted, his expression settling into lines of uncharacteristic seriousness. “You forget I’ve known Philip since he was in short-coats. If he’s in trouble, I would consider it a personal failing not to offer my assistance.”
The sincerity in his voice gave Leo pause.
Beneath the cultivated facade of careless indolence, Adrian possessed both intelligence and loyalty in measures often underestimated by casual acquaintances. And there was merit in his argument; the areas they would need to search presented risks that a solitary gentleman, even one of Leo’s imposing stature, might be ill-advised to confront alone.
“Very well,” Leo conceded with evident reluctance. “But this is not one of your light-hearted adventures, Adrian. There may be genuine danger involved.”
“Danger! How thrilling,” Adrian replied, his solemnity immediately giving way to renewed enthusiasm. “I shall endeavor to comport myself with appropriate gravity, I assure you.”
Leo sighed, already questioning the wisdom of his capitulation. “See that you do. The establishment we seek is calledthe Gilded Lion. According to my informant, it lies two streets hence.”
“The Gilded Lion?” Adrian’s expression brightened with recognition. “I’m familiar with the establishment. Not among the more fashionable hells, but respectable enough by certain standards. The faro tables are said to be moderately fair, and the brandy occasionally drinkable.”
“Your comprehensive knowledge of London’s less reputable establishments continues to astound me,” Leo drawled, resuming his purposeful stride.
“One must pursue some form of education,” Adrian replied cheerfully. “Oxford provided little practical instruction regarding the more entertaining aspects of metropolitan life.”
The Gilded Lionproved to be a surprisingly genteel establishment, its exterior disguising the true nature of the activities within behind a facade of respectability. A discreet brass plaque beside the door provided the only identification, the windows shuttered against prying eyes.
“Curiouser and curiouser,” Adrian murmured as they were admitted by a doorman whose imposing physique suggested purposes beyond mere hospitality. “As I expected, though.”
The interior maintained this deceptive propriety. It was well-appointed but not ostentatious, the gaming tables were arranged with careful consideration for privacy, and the clientele was a curious mix of merchants, minor gentry, and the occasional aristocrat seeking diversions away from the scrutiny of their usual circles.
“Good evening, gentlemen.” A sleek, well-dressed man approached, his smile practiced but his eyes wary as he assessed the newcomers. “Welcome tothe Gilded Lion. I am Mr. Reynolds, the manager. Might I inquire as to your particular interests this evening? We offervingt-et-un, hazard, and faro in the main salon, with private rooms available for those seeking more… exclusive entertainments.”
“Information,” Leo replied curtly, “regarding a former employee of yours. Anna Finley.”
The change in the manager’s demeanor was subtle but unmistakable. A momentary tensing of his shoulders, a slight narrowing of his eyes, before his professional mask reasserted itself.
“I regret that Miss Finley is no longer in our employ, My Lord. Perhaps one of our employees might provide the… services you seek?”
