Page 13 of A Scoundrel in the Making

Chapter Five

As Lady Elana closed the parlor door behind her, Reade felt that he’d stepped into one of the romantic novels currently popular amongst the ladies. He grimaced. All this dramatic tale needed was a hero to sweep in and save the heroine. Although, he doubted that Lady Buchman needed to be saved by anyone, much less him. If anything, he needed to be saved from her.

Still, her clear displeasure when Lady Elana had said, ‘Two lovers such as yourselves will be in want of privacy. No one will be surprised to discover the two of you in out-of-the-way places,” was such a contrast to her bold search of his person that he wondered which she was: succubus or angel.

After the door clicked shut, Lady Buchman said, “I cannot fathom why they need us to investigate Mr. Russell.”

She’d said ‘us,’ but Reade felt certain she referred to him.

He smiled. “Lady Elana made herself quite clear. They suspect him of stealing the Honors.”

“I understand that.” She gave an impatient wave of her hand. “But they must have agents better suited than us.”

There was that word ‘us’ again.

“You need not worry, my lady. I promise not to get in your way. Just tell me what you need me to do, and I will obey.”

That same sultry look reappeared, then vanished, and she said in a business-like tone, “Keep your eyes open.”

Was she making light of him? “I cannot tell you how relieved I am that you are in charge of this mission,” he drawled. “I would never have thought of that.”

Her brow furrowed, then she narrowed her eyes. “Sarcasm is unbecoming.”

He shrugged. “I am no more sarcastic than you are condescending.”

She opened her mouth, then closed it and released a breath. “I have no idea what instructions to give you. I have never before worked with a partner.”

He suspected the truth was more along the lines that she really had no idea what to do with him. Again, a stark contrast to her earlier, when she clearly knew exactly what to do with him. When she’d searched him for cards, he’d half expected her to slip a hand down his pants in search of hidden aces. He thanked God she hadn’t gone that far. He wouldn’t have been able to control the erection that fought to be freed the moment she slipped her finger into the front pocket of his waistcoat.

“Lady Elana gave us very little to go on,” she said. “But we will have the two weeks of the house party to search the castle.”

Reade frowned. “Surely, it would be too dangerous for him to hide the Honors in his own home?”

“I’ve seen stranger things,” she replied with a grimness that made him both want to know what she’d seen and not want to know.

He wasn’t made for espionage, but then, he wondered just how many people really were. According to Sir Stirling, Lady Buchman was a skilled spy. That, however, didn’t mean she was meant for such a life. The last two weeks, since his launch into society, had mentally fatigued him. He couldn’t imagine years of pretending to be someone he wasn’t. But whether for love of country or love of family, one did what one had to do.

By his estimation, he would be playing his private role for the better part of the year. If, that was, his brother didn’t succumb to his need to gamble and mortgage their ancestral home even more. Strange, how Robert couldn’t walk away from a gambling table and Reade had to be forced to play. Fate had been cruel, in that Reade was a far better player than his brother.

“You can leave the investigating to me,” Lady Buchman said. “Just be your usual self.”

The doorknob jiggled.

Lady Buchman’s head snapped in the direction of the door. “Bloody hell,” she muttered.

The knob turned.

Reade shoved off his chair and dropped onto the couch beside Abigail. He dragged her onto his lap.

“What in the—” She broke off as the door opened.

Young Lord Evers and his fiancée stopped short in the doorway and stared.

Lord Evers’ eyes flicked from Abigail to Reade and he flushed. “Forgive the intrusion.”

Lady Christina remained silent, eyes wide as saucers.

Lord Evers hesitated, then said, “Please do not tell anyone we were here.”