Page 34 of The Wedding-Crashing Duchess

“There is no need to exaggerate,” Ronan replied, still facing the window. “I asked you to come this morning, and the important part is that you showed up.”

Ronan turned from the window and placed the folded paper on the desk.

“I did, although that proves very little apart from the fact that I possess more loyalty than judgement,” Gregory replied, and then he glanced at the empty chair positioned near the desk. “You are expecting someone else?”

“A constable, yes.”

Gregory stopped before sitting, while the faint amusement on his face gave way to genuine curiosity.

“I admit that I find this development interesting.”

“There is nothing particularly interesting about it,” Ronan said, and then he moved behind the desk without sitting. “I want an update on the investigation.”

Gregory rested one ankle over the opposite knee and studied him, “The investigation into the woman Augusta saw on the night of your engagement party?”

“I was accused of murder in front of a church filled with people,” Ronan replied, and although his voice remained controlled, his hand tightened slightly around the handle of his cane. “I think that gives me sufficient reason to know whether the actual murderer has been found.”

“It gives you reason, certainly, although you possessed that same reason days ago,” Gregory said. “What I am trying to understand is why the matter has become urgent now. Your name has already been cleared, at least among those capable of listening to evidence, and your marriage has taken place despite the scandal. From the outside, one might think you had every incentive to let the story disappear.”

Ronan looked towards the door, as though the constable might arrive before he was required to answer.

“The story will not disappear while the investigation remains unresolved,” he said.

Gregory watched him for another moment, and then he leaned back, “You have rehearsed that explanation,” he said. “All of these concerns existed before your wedding, yet they did not lead you to summon a constable. Then your wife began searching the papers for news, and suddenly the investigation deserved your personal attention.”

Ronan moved the paper farther across the desk.

“She witnessed the scene, and is part of my household now.”

Gregory’s mouth shifted, although he did not smile fully, “That is a very ducal way of saying that her worry has become difficult for you to ignore,” he said. “You could simply admit that you noticed.”

“I notice most things that occur in my house.”

“Do you?” Gregory asked. “That would be an impressive change, considering how long you have relied upon the servants to ensure that life continues around you without requiring your participation.”

Ronan’s expression hardened, although Gregory continued before he could interrupt.

“I am not criticizing you,” Gregory said, and his tone lost some of its lightness. “I am observing that Augusta has altered the rhythm of this place in a very short time. You may tell yourself that you want the truth on account of your name, yet your name was no longer in danger when you arranged this meeting.”

Ronan walked towards the fireplace, and the measured sound of his cane against the floor marked each step. “You seem determined to make this discussion about my marriage,” he said. “I think you’re fooling yourself. It is an investigation into a murder.”

“I am aware of that,” Gregory replied, turning his chair slightly so he could continue facing him. “But you did not spend the first days after the accusation requesting information, even though you were the one named publicly. You became interested after Augusta continued reading every mention of the case, and I find the timing difficult to overlook.”

“She believes the man may have seen her.”

Gregory’s expression changed, and the teasing faded from it. “She told you that?”

“She said he turned towards her before she ran,” Ronan replied. “She cannot know whether he saw her face, although she was close enough to see the cane, and that means the possibility exists.”

Gregory lowered his foot to the floor and sat forward.

“That is different from an unresolved question in the papers,” he said. “If she thinks the man saw her, then I understand why you want to speak to the constable.”

Ronan glanced at him. “You did not understand before?”

“I understood that you were concerned, although you seemed determined to describe the concern as a matter of reputation,” Gregory replied. “But really, it is a matter of something more delicate.”

“You take too much interest in things that do not concern you,” Ronan said.