Page 101 of Honor Requires

“I require information,” Darcy said. “On one Edward Gardiner of Gracechurch Street.”

Stone’s brows lifted almost imperceptibly. “A merchant, sir?”

“Yes.” Darcy paused only briefly. “He is a man I knew once.” That was all.

Stone inclined his head. “I will have what you need.”

“Discreetly.”

“Of course.”

Stone departed, and Darcy was left once more with his thoughts.

The days that followed were not idle.

Darcy applied himself with renewed focus, dividing his time between the demands of his assumed identity and the methodical work of uncovering what had been done in his absence. He received calls, returned them when necessary, attended to correspondence, and maintained the delicate balance required of a foreign nobleman newly established in London society. Beneath it all ran a current of anticipation.

He waited.

When Stone returned, it was in the early evening, just as the light began to fade from the windows of the study.

“Mr. Stone,” Darcy said, gesturing him in. “You have news.”

“I do, sir.”

Stone remained standing, though he was invited to sit. “Edward Gardiner of Gracechurch Street is indeed engaged in imports and exports. His business is well established, his reputation solid. He is known to be fair in his dealings and cautious in his ventures.”

Darcy listened without interruption.

“There is no suggestion of impropriety,” Stone went on. “On the contrary, he is considered a man of integrity. Those who deal with him trust him.”

Darcy’s mouth curved faintly. “As they should.”

Stone inclined his head, then added, “He has connections to several shipping concerns, though he does not own vessels himself. He arranges, facilitates, and oversees.”

“Just so.” Darcy turned away, his mind already moving ahead. A man of integrity who was known to be cautious. A man whose name would invite trust where others might provoke suspicion.

“Yes,” Darcy said. “He will serve.”

Stone watched him. “You intend to use him, sir?”

Darcy glanced back. “I intend to provide an opportunity.” There was a difference. He would do nothing to harm Elizabeth’s relations.

Stone did not question it. “There is more,” he said. “Regarding your cousin.”

Darcy’s attention sharpened at once. “Go on.”

“Colonel Fitzwilliam is presently attached to the Home Office,” Stone said. “He has been engaged in investigations relating to smuggling and the movement of illegal goods.”

Darcy stilled. “Are you certain?”

“Yes, sir.”

Darcy drew a slow, deliberate breath, struggling to quell the feeling rising in his chest. Richard. So, you have not been idle either. Darcy turned back toward the window, his expression thoughtful. “This is useful,” he said.

Stone did not miss the shift. “Very.”

Darcy inclined his head. “You will continue to observe. Report anything further regarding his activities—particularly where they intersect with Hargrave and Langford.”