Marcus paused. “Gentlemen may not reveal certain things to their friends, but they tend to talk rather freely with their ladybirds, especially at the end of the evening’s activities.”
Augusta’s lips compressed. “Just as I thought. Men get to have all the fun?—”
He nearly choked on his champagne.
“What I meant was … investigating interesting things.”
His look of unholy amusement only increased.
She made a sound suspiciously like a snort. “Oh, do stop that, sir. This is no laughing matter.” Her fingers tightened around the stem of her glass. “It seems that if you are sure we may rule out Becton, then I will have to figure out how to proceed with the others.”
All traces of humor were quickly wiped from the earl’s face. “What others?”
Her jaw clamped shut.
“I trust that does not mean you are contemplating another late night burglary.”
“Well, since some other types of inquiry seem out of the question for me, it does seem the most effective way of discovering secrets.”
“It’s much too dangerous. Lady Augusta, have you any idea how close you came to being caught?
“It was only because you made such a racket when you tripped over the edge of the desk,” she said under her breath.
“I didn’t trip. If you care to remember correctly, I was pushed. Rather hard.” He took a step closer, forcing her to lookup at him. “In any case, a repeat of that evening’s adventure is out of the question. I absolutely forbid you to consider it.”
Augusta’s features scrunched into an expression unbecoming to a properly bred young lady. “You do? And just how do you presume to order me about, sir? You are not—” Her words cut off sharply.
“No, I am not your brother. But I’m damn sure Edwin would have locked you in your room—or worse—had he known what sort of trouble you were courting.”
Her chin came up a fraction. “Edwin would have understood that I would never abandon my friends, sir.”
He gave an exasperated sigh. “I am not expecting you to do so. I told you, I am quite willing to pursue this matter, and even you have to admit that so far, I have managed not to make a complete mull of it—despite being a pompous ass and indolent wastrel.”
Augusta had the grace to color.
“As I’ve also said, I could be a good deal more effective if you would see fit to explain to me what crime has been committed.”
There was an awkward hesitation before she replied. “I fear this is not the best of places in which to go into the whole thing, sir.”
“Quite right. I shall call on you tomorrow afternoon at three. My phaeton should afford us enough privacy for such a discussion. Does that meet with your approval?”
She nodded.
“Good.” He started to move away.
“What are you doing!” Augusta suddenly found herself on her feet, the glass carefully removed from her hand and placed aside.
“I am forcing you to dance, Lady Augusta.”
Before she could protest, the earl’s arm was firmly around her waist, and her feet were moving of their own accord inperfect harmony with his. For a short time they danced in silence. Marcus closed his eyes and found himself marveling at how light she felt in his grasp, and how utterly unique was her scent of lavender and lemon.
“Milord …”
He forced his lids open.
“I feel I must warn you once again.”
“Of what, Lady Augusta?”
