Page 69 of The Viscount of Shadows

“We need to be up and moving about,” Oliver replied as he gingerly sat on the sofa. Claudia sat next to him but at a slight distance.

“We have some information regarding Shinwell and his father,” Damon said as he sat opposite. “The Earl of Darrington’s fortunes are not as robust as believed. He did sell the unentailed viscount residence recently, as you suspected. The very one your brother and the others are staying in. The earl worked out a reduced rent for his son.”

“As for the earl’s past, we discovered Darrington smuggled opium, at least before the law changed in ’68. But that money ran out long ago,” Christian interjected. “Rumor has it he has his fingers in numerous schemes, including smuggling other goods besides opium.”

“But why?” Oliver asked, puzzled. “Since free trade agreements were brought forth in the ‘40s and beyond, it all but eradicated illegal smuggling.”

“Not for some items. Like cheap French wine. That is the main product the earl traffics in,” Damon replied. “There are also rumors he deals in stolen goods and is involved with the criminal element. With whom and to what extent, we do not know.”

“Why am I not surprised,” Oliver scoffed.

“And Shinwell?” Claudia asked.

“Besides the fact he cheats at cards?” Christian replied. “Shinwell is an arrogant, indolent leech, spending his father’s money faster than the earl can make it. He also attends orgies. Shinwell attended the late Duke of Chellenham’s last sordid function. He’s been bragging about it openly.”

“Good Christ,” Damon shuddered. “Sorry, Miss Ellingford.”

“I’ve heard worse, Your Grace,” Claudia replied. “Your reaction is entirely appropriate.”

“I have further gossip to share about Shinwell,” Christian interjected. “The Countess of Darrington’s orphaned niece, Celia Gillingham, came to stay with them some years back. She is the daughter of the late Sir Anthony Gillingham, a baronet. He and his wife were lost at sea when the girl was ten. Anyway, the three-years-older Shinwell wouldn’t leave the girl alone. She had to be sent away to school before anything untoward transpired.”

“That deviant reprobate,” Damon snarled. “Where is the niece now?”

“My mother said Countess Darrington hasn’t mentioned her for some time. I can task my mother with finding out if it is important,” Christian replied.

“Wait,” Claudia interrupted. “In the conversation I overhead at the afternoon tea, the countess said her niece was married and had moved away. Because of that, the countess would probably holiday in Italy come winter.”

“Well done. I don’t believe we need further information on the niece. Thank you both for the data. I would say this portion of the investigation is ending,” Oliver stated. “Rett and I have a plan on what to do next.”

Claudia stood. “On that note, I will take my leave. Olivia is expecting me. No need to get up, gentlemen. I will collect my bag and see Dalton about the carriage. Good afternoon.”

Oliver watched Claudia depart.

“Oh, you have it bad,” Damon tsked after Claudia closed the door. “I am certain I showed that same yearning look on my face after spending time on my case with Althea. As did Christian, if memory serves.”

“She is going to Olivia and Gideon’s to ‘take time to think.’ We haven’t had a chance to explore the attraction between us, with recovering from our injuries—outside of a few heated kisses.”

“And how do you feel?” Christian asked. “Or tell us to shut it if it is none of our business.”

“I do not feel whole unless she is in my arms. My heart doesn’t beat. And—”

“Tell Claudia, at least do it soon,” Damon interrupted. “Althea asked for time, and now we are engaged. Be patient. I have a feeling it will all work out for everyone.”

Yes, he could wait. But it was more than beating hearts, yearning, and the like.

Oliver was falling in love. There was no mistake.