Chapter 23 #3
Of course it was. They were speaking of Adrian’s wife and valet. The two people closest to him besides Edward. “Whatever you need, whatever I can do to help, please let me know.”
“Thank you, but I don’t see what you can do.
Bow Street has sent out Runners. I’ve put my own associates to the task of gathering any possible information they can.
I myself have walked the streets looking for clues, but there’s nothing to be found.
Finn O’Leary is no simple thug. He’s clever, and sly, and I’m certain this is his way of torturing me. ”
If that were the case it appeared to be working extremely well.
Edward dared not ask if Adrian thought this man might choose to avenge his father by killing Samantha. Instead he said, “I met Miss Roberts on my way here.”
Yes, he’d hang himself if need be, just to ensure his friend’s mind was distracted from all this unpleasantness. If only for a short while.
Adrian straightened in his seat. “She has returned?”
Edward inclined his head. “With Lady Heathbrooke, of course.”
“Right.” Adrian held his tongue briefly, then asked, “How was it?”
“Seeing Miss Roberts again?” When Adrian nodded, Edward informed him, “Rather delightful.”
“What does that mean?”
The frown and matching gravity in Adrian’s voice gave Edward pause.
Despite everything, it might be wise not to divulge what had happened between himself and Miss Roberts, or what his intentions now were.
After all, Adrian had made it clear once before that he did not support the match.
Since a similar disapproval on Lady Heathbrooke’s part had already come between himself and Miss Roberts, he was loath to give anyone a similar opportunity to ruin things for him.
There would be time for transparency later. After he and Miss Roberts had come to a mutual agreement. Once things were settled between them and no one else stood a chance of interfering in matters that did not concern them.
As such, Edward said, “It means that it was better than I had expected. The awkwardness I’d feared might exist between us was absent.”
“A relief, I’m sure.” Adrian reached for the pot of coffee and divided the remaining content between both cups.
“I know you were angry with me for not getting behind your decision to court her, but now that several months have elapsed, I’m sure you can see that such a path would have been untenable for you. ”
Even though the remark reignited the bitterness in his gut, Edward did his best to relax. Allowing his irritation to show would serve no purpose, besides potentially undermining his own plans.
So he refrained from reminding Adrian that he’d promised to back him in his pursuit of Miss Roberts, should Edward ask him to do so. Instead, Edward picked up his cup of coffee once more and sipped the brew which had now turned lukewarm. “Your insight has been invaluable.”
Though not in the way Adrian thought.
“Now that a new Season is underway, you’ve a chance at making a match deserving of your title.”
Damn their life-long friendship. Edward was tempted to strangle Adrian for suggesting Miss Roberts lacked the qualities required to make him a suitable wife.
He took another sip of coffee to mask the clenching of his jaw and prayed the cup would not explode between his hands.
“I hope you’re not suggesting I tie myself to Wrengate’s sister.” That would really be taking matters too far.
“Of course not. I’d not wish a family connection with that man on my worst enemy.”
“Well, he is a duke,” Edward reminded him.
“He’s a prick.”
The pure venom with which Adrian said this suggested there was more to be discovered regarding his past experiences with the man. “Did something happen between you?”
Adrian’s lips parted, only to close once more. He shook his head. “It’s nothing. I just don’t like him.”
They both had their secrets then, for if there was one thing Edward knew in that moment, it was that his friend was lying.
About what, exactly, he’d no idea. The murderous look in his eyes was cause for concern however.
Wrengate had clearly crossed him somehow.
As a duke, however, the man was almost untouchable.
If Adrian harmed him in any way, the consequences would be severe. It was most likely this that grated.
A knock at the door brought Elks into the room. “A missive just arrived for you, sir.”
The butler approached the desk and offered a silver salver to Adrian, who collected the letter that sat upon it. Elks departed and Adrian turned the letter over between his fingers, allowing Edward to catch a glimpse of the crimson wax seal.
Adrian stilled. A pensive look settled upon his face. He glanced at Edward. “There’s no indication of who this is from.”
Before Edward could comment, Adrian tore the seal and unfolded the paper. His sharp eyes scanned the writing so quickly it soon became clear that the message was brief. A breath escaped him, and when his attention turned toward Edward once more, his face was a tight mask of fury.
“Terms,” Adrian muttered, his voice feral. “From Finn O’Leary.”