Page 75 of The Duke of Pain

“My favorite sandwich.” She bit into it, chewed, then swallowed. “Archie sent word from Essex. He has managed to take quite a few photographs of the people in and around Foxmont. He also reported there is an activity about the place as if someone is fixing to move out.”

“Well, that is good news,” Gideon stated.

“Would you like to see the photographs immediately?” Althea asked.

Gideon looked to Olivia, and she nodded. How fascinating that already they could communicate without words. Gideon was silently asking permission to mention her abduction. And she agreed.

In telling the tale, Gideon also mentioned his suspicion regarding his stepfather.

Althea’s eyes widened. “That is too awful to contemplate. We will recall Archie immediately so he can develop the film. I have another associate I can send in his stead to continue the surveillance on Whinstone.”

Althea turned her gaze to Olivia. “I am sorry that happened to you. Being pulled out of bed and abducted? You were not seriously harmed?”

Olivia pointed to her lip. “A few bruises and this. Thankfully, there was no physical violation, thanks to women coming to my aid.”

“I am relieved to hear that.” Althea took another bite of her bacon and cheese sandwich.

After she had eaten some of it, she continued. “Now to Whinstone’s past. Christian made immediate inquiries and found a virtual cone of silence around the man. He did hear whispers that the present financial circumstances had more to do with Whinstone’s father. Christian will get to the bottom of it. He has taken to investigating like a duck to water.”

Gideon smiled. “Besides his happy marriage, Christian has a purpose in his life.”

“Exactly,” Althea said as she sipped her tea. “Perhaps we can put you on the payroll as well, Gideon. Think of it, duke detectives!”

Olivia and Gideon laughed. Then Gideon sobered. “I understand about finding purpose in one’s life. I believe I have found mine.”

He explained about joining the group of progressives.

“That is indeed a worthy purpose,” Althea nodded. “It is too bad certain other peers didn’t pick up the progressive mantle.”

“You mean, Brookton? He is a scoundrel, to be certain, but like all of us in The Rakes of St. Regent’s Park, he is also a little lost. Lonely. Perhaps—damaged. I believe he will find his way, eventually. What you need to know about him is that he is more bluster, than anything.”

Althea frowned as if contemplating what Gideon had said, but she remained silent.

After finishing her sandwich, she dabbed the corner of her mouth with the napkin.

“I had best set the wheels in motion and recall Archie. I will have the photographs ready for you to inspect late tomorrow afternoon. Will you both be in?”

“We will make certain that we are. Whomever you send to replace Archie, have them take care and stay well out of the way of Whinstone’s bullies. They are capable of anything. I do not want anyone else harmed.”

“I will pass that on. What if we prove that Whinstone was behind this abduction? What recourse do you have?”

Gideon frowned as he stood to escort Althea to the door. “I don’t have much recourse at all. When has a duke ever been prosecuted for such a crime? All he has to do is deny it. His bullies may take the fall, but Whinstone? Practically impossible.”

“The justice system is not fair,” Althea fumed.

“That it is not.” He opened the door. “Did you come by carriage?”

“Hansom cab.”

“Hobson,” Gideon called to his butler. “See to it that Miss Galway is taken in my carriage, where ever she wishes to go. And have the carriage at her disposal for the rest of the day.”

“Right away, Your Grace,” Hobson replied.

“How generous. Thank you, Your Grace.” Althea smiled. “Goodbye, Miss Durham. How very nice to meet you.”

Olivia smiled. “And you. We will have a tea tray ready for your visit.”

“I look forward to it.”