Page 59 of The Duke of a Thousand Desires

Rhys gave Simon an evil grin. “No more trysts for you.”

“I suppose you’ll volunteer for double duty,” Simon retorted.

Heath laughed. “Carry on with your inquiry, Simon,” he said. “Stay on the alert. And don’t taunt Bruxton. I am gathering reports of his activities before and after Susannah’s death.”

“Taunt him?” Simon could not keep the contempt from his voice. “I should like to asphyxiate him with my bare hands.”

“Which you won’t,” Heath said. “Yet.”

“I know that he is low on funds,” Simon went on more dispassionately. “He lost most of Susannah’s dowry on the Stock Exchange early in their marriage.”

“What did he do with the rest of the money?”

“He made repairs on his estate,” Simon replied. “Draining the ponds, patching the ancestral Norman Chapel. Restoring walls to discourage intruders. And he bought political supporters.”

“An earldom requires funds,” Heath said. “I have not come across any evidence that he is a blatant philanderer or gambler, except for his horse races.” He backed away from the window. “You are acquainted with Mrs. Audrey Watson, the courtesan, aren’t you?”

“I’ve dined at her house,” Simon admitted. “I once reserved one of her rooms to entertain friends, but nothing else.”

“I propose we pay her a visit,” Heath said. “She’s a good friend and a woman well-acquainted with the sexual habits of the aristocracy. She might not be eager to reveal any secrets, but she does owe me a favor.”

Simon frowned. “I heard that Bruxton is in the market for a house suitable for a lady.”

“He’s in the market for a woman,” Heath said. “A mistress, I believe. Not a wife.”

“I heard the same,” Simon commented. “I suppose the fact does not make him a murderer. I saw no signs, however, that he went into deep mourning for Susannah.”

“Some men are unable to show grief,” Rhys said. “My brothers were outwardly unmoved when our father died. I did not shed a tear in public when Liam was killed, but I mourned him all the same.”

“The news of my brother’s death changed our family forever,” Heath said in a subdued voice. “For a while I thought it would tear us apart, but now we are closer. In any event, we need more information. None of what we’ve found proves one thing or another. Without a witness to Susannah’s death, we are forced to take Bruxton at his word. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a wife at home who is expecting me for tea with company. And your bride must be wondering where you’ve gone.”

Rhys lingered behind as Heath took his leave. “Have you told her yet about the proposal?”

Simon glanced back at the half-open door. He was anxious to return to Ravenna before she came downstairs. What manner of fool left his bride alone the day after the most meaningful night of their lives? Once she saw her brother, there was no predicting how long it would take to pry them apart.

“No,” he said, caught between affection and exasperation for Rhys. “I haven’t found the right moment to tell her much of anything yet. Not even the names of our dogs.”

“Forget I mentioned the subject,” Rhys said in an undertone. “Although I have to admit I understand why Liam refused you.”

“Do you? It’s the day after the wedding, Rhys. Rather late to voice your hesitation.”

“Don’t misunderstand me,” Rhys said. “I’m your ally. Liam didn’t always make the wisest decisions. I would have accepted your proposal.”

“I wasn’t asking for your hand,” he said. “It’s all done and past.”

“That brings me to another matter,” Rhys said after a cautious pause. “The one that Heath just brought to our attention. There’s no delicate way to ask -- do you frequent a brothel?”

Exasperation won out. “Didn’t I just explain a minute ago that I only dined there?”

“I am not judging your actions. We are both men of the world.”

“You will not be of this world if you cast aspersions on my character.”

“I’m not starting a quarrel, Simon. In fact, I’m confident that you, as the man married to my sister, will not have any desire to seek out a courtesan. I would have to duel you if you did.”

“Are you finished?”

“If Ravenna doesn’t kill you first.”