“It’s been some time since I thought that,” he replied softly. His expression turned rather inscrutable before he went on. “I must admit that I have come to the same conclusion—unless, of course, the stone was meant for you.”
She started. “For me?”
“I’m not trying to frighten you, merely point out that if you continue to break into houses, purloin papers and the like, someone may take it amiss. As you said this afternoon, this investigation of yours could turn out to be very dangerous.”
“I am aware of the risks involved, milord. But I don’t frighten easily.”
“No, I don’t imagine you do.” There was a brief pause. “Now, let me exercise my own intuitive powers, if I may. Since the odds of our chance encounter being simple coincidence seems slim, I must assume that certain evidence has led both of us to suspect the same man.”
Augusta gave a slight nod. “Go on.”
“Well, as that is the case, perhaps it would be more efficient if one of us takes over from here, keeping the other person informed, of course, as to what information is discovered?—”
“That ‘someone’ being yourself?”
“Well, er, yes.” He shifted slightly. “However, you would have to tell me exactly what crime you suspect the gentleman we seek is guilty of, and why, so that I may know just what it is I am trying to help you prove.”
She thought for a moment. “What sort of crime do you think him guilty of?”
The earl sidestepped the question. “I am looking into his affairs at the behest of a …. friend.”
“Why?” she persisted.
He drew in a breath. “I am not at liberty to say right now.” He forbore to add it was because he did not know the full details himself. “You are not the only one who wishes to be careful in this matter.”
“So you are offering to take all the risks and share with me what you learn?”
“Yes, I suppose I am.”
“Once again, I must ask why.” The corners of her mouth crooked upward. “It is not as if we are even … friends, sir.”
“No, but as I have told you, Edwin and I were.”
At the mention of her brother’s name, Augusta’s throat suddenly became very tight. “I—” The crunch of gravel and the faint trill of laughter warned of the approach of another couple. “I must think on it.”
“Do.”
She got quickly to her feet. “We had best be getting back, lest people begin to get the wrong idea.“
He rose as well, a slight smile on his face. “Afraid your reputation shall end up shredded by the gossips?”
“Oh, it is notmyreputation I am worried about, milord. It’syours,” she said over her shoulder as she started up the path. “Imagine how much your consequence would suffer at yourclubs and other … establishments if word were to get out that you’d been keeping company with an aging antidote.”
Marianne scrunchedup her face in a scowl.
“Don’t do that,” murmured Augusta. “You’ll end up with wrinkles around your eyes, just like Mrs. Winslow.”
“Mrs. Winslow has been making that face for nearly sixty years, so I imagine I have a good way to go before I need fear such a dire consequence.” Marianne kept her gaze riveted on Augusta and closed the book in her lap. “You are keeping something from me, Gus. And don’t say you aren’t, for you know I can always tell.”
Augusta squirmed slightly under her sister’s scrutiny. “It’s not anything you need concern yourself with. Really.” She cleared her throat and tried to steer the conversation away from her recent behavior. “Did you enjoy last night? Viscount Andover seemed particularly attentive and?—”
Her sister let out a single word.
“I, er, wasn’t aware you were familiar with that expression.”
“You weren’t the only one to overhear Edwin when he was angry.” Marianne’s scowl deepened. “And don’t try to change the subject. I want you to tell me whatever it is that has you muttering under your breath more than usual. Maybe I can be of some help.”
Augusta gave a reluctant laugh that turned into a wry grimace. “The Earl of Dunham for one thing.”
