Page 76 of The Duke of a Thousand Desires

“Is he well?”

“He’s in fine shape,” he replied. “And in competent hands.”

“May I look at him myself?”

He gave her several minutes inside the stall before he took out his watch. “Let me see you back inside.”

She straightened, her eyes widening as if she’d just realized he was wearing his greatcoat and a black muffler pulled up to his chin. “Why are you dressed up at this hour? Were we invited to a late-night rout?”

“No,” he said succinctly. “We weren’t.”

They walked the shadowy path back to the house. Simon hoped she wouldn’t notice the two male figures skulking between the ash bins. She did.

“Those aren’t the night watchmen you hired to provide protection, are they?” she said, craning her neck. “That’s Heath. And Rhys?”

“It is. Didn’t I mention that I had an appointment tonight?” he said casually. “With Bruxton’s groom, if you must know. It isn’t far.”

Her eyes narrowed in speculation. “Can’t it wait until morning?”

“It’s not so much an appointment as a surprise call. I spoke with him after Susannah’s funeral and at the livery stables. I have more questions for him now and they cannot wait.”

“Because of what happened to Radnor today?”

He met her gaze. “I have questioned every person Bruxton employed while he was married to my sister. I will do so again. Come inside.”

“It’s not the best idea to visit an enemy in the dead of night,” she said.

“The small hours are when most people let down their guard.”

She compressed her lips. “Then I’ll wait up until you return home.”

“Don’t worry if we’re late.”