Page 76 of Tempting the Marquess

Traitor! You traitorous fucking bastard!

William laughed through his blinding rage. “Fret not, my lord. The would-be assassin was as incompetent as the rest of his countrymen, failed utterly in his mission, and was executed. The bullet wounds you speak of are actually just scratches, and the marquess will be back in London withindays.”

Claremont’s eyes flared with anger, and he slowly got to his feet. Stretching like a cat in front of a fireplace, he absently scratched his rotund stomach.

William froze. The whole thing had just shifted slightly to the right. Claremont’s obesity, his jowls and brandy flush, were as fake as David Underwood’s.

“You are staring, sir,” said Claremont softly.

“On the contrary, my lord. I’m merely deep in thought.”

“Oh? Do share.”

“It’s a funny thing, really,” William mused. “Went to the theater not long ago, and as I watched the actors, I couldn’t help noticing the belly padding and thick makeup they wore. Looked frightfully uncomfortable.”

Claremont stilled. “What an interesting topic to suddenly spring to mind. But I’m sure you realize the actors are only doing what is necessary to perform their roles. And there is a difference in those who are wholly dedicated to their craft and those who dabble. The serious actors have a long and illustrious career. The dabblers get shoved off the stage into oblivion. To protect the integrity of the troupe, you understand.”

“Even if the troupe has no integrity whatsoever?”

“So inflammatory! Such opinions are often learned at a father’s knee. Well, if the father and mother don’t come to an unfortunate bloody end, that is. Would be such a shame if history repeated itself. Déjà vu, as the Frenchsay.”

“It won’t,” William replied easily, wishing he had a weapon to kill this unspeakably evil bastard right now. “Instead, the troupe will be no more. Good evening, Claremont.”

“Good evening, my lo...excuse me, my dear Mr. Underwood. I’m sure we’ll be seeing each other again very soon. Sans masks?”

Baring his teeth in a travesty of a smile, William inclined his head as he opened the library door. “I look forward toit.”