Page 29 of The Viscount of Shadows

Even so, she should wrap this case up right away.

* * *

Oliver awaited Claudia’s arrival for their Friday update. Bryan had shown up at ten that morning, looking as if he had just rolled out of bed. His clothes were wrinkled, and his appearance had deteriorated, with dark circles under his eyes and a decided pallor to his skin. He had answered Oliver’s questions in a monotone, staying only ten minutes.

Oliver was tempted to withhold his reckless brother’s allowance. Instead, he gave him half of the stipend. His brother had promised their father and grandmother that he would look into certain London law firms to find gainful employment. Bryan had done none of it. Next week, ultimatums would have to be made. That was something he was not looking forward to. Oliver had to remain cautious. If he demanded too much, his brother could effectively disappear into the bowels of London as his grandfather had done decades before. And London was far more significant population-wise than it had been in the 1840s.

Caramel, the cat he had adopted, was sleeping soundly on the cushion by the fireplace. Dalton initially had been horrified at the prospect. But after a bath and a feeding of sliced chicken, Caramel had captured the staff’s hearts, including his unflappable butler. In less than a week, Caramel was right at home, following Oliver about the large residence as if she were a dog.

“Who’s a pretty girl?” Oliver murmured.

Caramel raised her head and, through slitted eyes, blinked slowly at him. “Mur-reow?”

“Yes, you.”

Rett entered the room, rolling his eyes. “Carrying on a conversation with your cat, once again?”

“And she understands every word.”

Rett plopped down into a nearby chair. “Just don’t bring home every stray you come across.”

“As I have said many times, I cannot save everyone. I am aware of that fact, and my declaration also extends to animals. Besides, Caramel adopted me.”

“Right.” Rett glanced over at the cat, who was bathing before settling in to continue with her afternoon nap. “What is the update with Bryan? Is it worrisome?”

“Yes. Remember Shinwell and his private party at The Velvet Vine?” Rett nodded. “Well, Bryan attended.” He informed his cousin of what he had observed and what Claudia had reported. Then he told Rett about Mitchell Simpson.

“Jesus, Oliver! A detective knows your identity? Why did you allow that?” Rett exclaimed.

“What do you suggest, that I murder him for knowing too much? He recognized me. I made a snap decision. Having a local detective in my confidence may prove to be fruitful. Besides, he is Damon’s half-brother; I believe I can trust him.”

“Just how many illegitimate siblings does Chellenham have?” Rett asked.

“Too many to count. Four of them, aged five to thirteen, are coming to live with Damon once he and Althea are married.”

Rett whistled low in his throat. “It is certainly a strange group of men you have me involved with.”

“But at their core, decent men. Have you given any further thought to joining my cause?” Oliver asked.

“To a small extent. I am still considering your proposal and—”

His butler, Dalton, entered the study. “Miss Ellingford, Your Grace.”

The men stood and turned toward Claudia. She never failed to take his breath away. Her glorious red hair was swept up from her neck, and he yearned to see it tumbling down her shoulders. Oliver wanted to remove the pins himself and nuzzle her neck, kissing her soft skin as his hands tunneled through her silky hair. He willed away the sensual thoughts—for now.

“Miss Ellingford, may I introduce my cousin, Garrett Wollstonecraft. Rett, this is Miss Claudia Ellingford, an investigator with The Galway Agency.”

Rett stepped forward and took her gloved hand, bending over it. “My pleasure, Miss Ellingford. I am actually a third cousin, twice removed, or is it a second cousin? We have lost track, so tangled are our family branches.”

Claudia gave Rett a warm smile, and Oliver’s heart squeezed with envy, for she had never given him such.

“It is a third cousin, Rett, as well you know,” Oliver said through gritted teeth.

Rett released her hand. “True enough. My grandfather was half-brother to Oliver’s great-grandfather. As I said, there are many tangled limbs. And on that note, I will take my leave and allow you to converse in peace.”

“It was a pleasure to meet you,” Claudia smiled, causing Oliver’s envious annoyance to spike further.

His cousin bowed, then quit the room, closing the door behind him.