Page 66 of A Devious Secret

“It is rather difficult to find a townhouse to rent after the Season has already started,” Stephen pointed out.

“I can only imagine, but that is not what I wish to speak to you about,” Hawthorne said. “I went back to the boarding house where Benjamin rented a room to speak to his wife, and I was informed that Mrs. Staley had left in the middle of the night, leaving no forwarding address.”

“That is awful news. How will we ever find Benjamin now?” Stephen asked.

Hawthorne smirked. “You didn’t let me finish.” He paused. “I found his wife.”

Now Hawthorne had his full attention. “Where?”

“She works near the docks, and she has agreed to speak to us, for the right price,” Hawthorne replied.

“Benjamin’s wife works near the docks?” Stephen asked.

“About that, she isn’t his wife,” Hawthorne shared. “She was only posing as his wife since the boarding house doesn’t rent to single people.”

Stephen furrowed his brow. “How did you discover that?”

“I told you that I have informants around town,” Hawthorne said. “It is only a matter of time before we track down Benjamin and you can speak to him.”

“Thank you,” Stephen said.

“Would you care to speak to her tomorrow?”

“I would, very much so.”

Hawthorne eyed him curiously. “Hugh told me about what happened at the museum. Are you all right?”

“This isn’t the first time I have been hit before,” Stephen grumbled.

Haddington grinned. “That is true, considering I had the pleasure of hitting you before.”

Stephen pushed his empty glass away from him. “I would have gladly engaged in a bout of fisticuffs if it wasn’t for Lady Haddington.”

At the mention of his wife’s name, Haddington’s face softened. “I may have overreacted.”

“May have?” Stephen asked.

“Well, you were trying to offer for my wife,” Haddington said.

“She wasn’t your wife at the time.”

Haddington conceded. “Fair point, but it was only a matter of time before she fell for my charms.”

Hawthorne interjected, “What charms?”

With a chuckle, Haddington replied, “I may have had to do some groveling to convince her to be my wife. But it was well worth it.”

Stephen watched as Hugh crossed the hall, skirting the tables, and came to a stop next to his brother.

As Hugh pulled out a chair, he met Stephen’s gaze and said, “Marielle wanted me to ask how you are faring after the museum.”

Stephen groaned. “Will everyone please stop asking about how I am faring?” he asked. “My jaw is sore, but I have been hit much harder before.”

Haddington puffed out his chest. “I do believe he means by me.”

“No,” Stephen said with a shake of his head. “You hit like a girl. It was akin to a feather hitting me across the face.”

“I doubt that,” Haddington muttered.