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“So, Kendal,” Heatherstone said between puffs, “have you decided to stay?”
With all the men staring at him, he shrugged. “Haven’t made up my mind yet.”
Why couldn’t he just admit he had decided to stay? Ellie and Lucy loved it here. The boys were settling in with their tutor, and even Michael seemed to like being here now.
“With all your visits to Parliament, I assumed you had made your decision,” Selby commented.
“Time will tell,” Will replied vaguely.
“Lord Somerton, milord,” a footman announced.
Somerton sauntered through the door and took a seat next to Will. “Sorry I’m late.”
“Somerton,” Lord Heatherstone said, shaking his head. “Excuse me, Selby. I find I must be leaving.”
Somerton smirked as Heatherstone ambled toward the door. “Interesting affect I have on some people,” Somerton muttered. He leaned closer to Will. “I have only a bit of news.”
“Where can we talk?”
“Selby’s study is upstairs and past the salon. But we need to wait a few minutes.”
“Very well.” Will listened to the various conversations but did not participate in any of them. After what felt like an eternity, Selby announced that they should return to the salon with the ladies.
While the rest of the men entered the salon, Will and Somerton continued on to Selby’s study. As soon as the door shut behind Somerton, Will turned and said, “Well? What information do you have for me?”
Somerton leaned against the closed door. “Your father spent most of his career on diplomatic missions for the king.”
“I know that.”
“What that means is I should be able to track his whereabouts during the time at issue.”
“How long will it take, Somerton?”
“I am searching as fast as I can. Your father’s general location should be documented. But I have papers to go through to discover his exact placement.”
“I fear rumors will soon spread.” Will turned away from Somerton. “It will kill her.”
“I know.”
Will turned around and Somerton was gone as silently as he’d appeared. Knowing his presence would soon be missed, Will walked to the salon.
Selby sauntered up to him with a grin. “So I hear Somerton met with you and left already. Is everything all right?”
“I asked him to do a little work for me. He had some pressing items to get back to,” Will replied.
Selby chuckled. “I know exactly what type of pressing items Somerton might have at this hour. Usually blond and rather buxom.”
“Some men have all the luck.”
“Hmm,” Selby muttered. “Seems to me an unmarried duke should have similar luck. Yet, the only time I see you with a woman, it is Lady Elizabeth.”
Will sent his new friend a glare.
Selby chuckled again and walked toward his wife.
“Is everything all right?” Elizabeth asked as she reached him. “You were positively glaring at Lord Selby.”
“Everything is all right. Go and enjoy yourself.” Will picked up a glass of port from a passing footman.
