Page 48 of His Sinful Touch

“Hopefully it won’t come to that,” Theo interjected. “You need to set Tom Quick on finding out if there’s a record of their marriage.”

“I already did. Also the Dearborns’ finances.” Alex looked at Con. “He says you’re better at that sort of thing.”

“He’s right. I’ll—”

He was interrupted by the sound of rapid footsteps in the hall, and a moment later Sabrina burst into the room, Lilah on her heels. “They’re here. Mr. Dearborn and Peter are here.”

“The devil,” Theo said.

Alex stood up, a lethal smile spreading across his face. “Good. I’m looking forward to having another conversation with those two.”

“Alex...” Sabrina said with trepidation. “What are you planning to do?”

“Just talk,” he said easily. “Theo and Con and I. I’ll tell them you’re indisposed.”

“No. I should be there, too.”

“You want to talk to them?” Alex asked.

“Not really,” Sabrina admitted. “But I should anyway. It’s my life, my future. I’m not going to hide and let you take care of it.”

“Of course not. But I want to show these men that they cannot just come here and demand to see you. I won’t have them popping in all the time, badgering you and trying to drag you away.”

“Tell them she’s left,” Con suggested. “You’ve no idea where she went.”

“Good idea.” Alex glanced at his twin, and identical smiles flashed across their faces. He turned back to Sabrina. “Maybe that will throw them off your trail. Without you and Miss Holcutt there, they may be freer with their story. Once they’ve set it, we can go about disproving it.”

“What if you can’t?”

Alex shrugged. “We’ll deal with that when the time comes.”

“Sir?” The butler paused in the doorway. “There are two men here.” He cleared his throat in a way that signified his disapproval of the visitors. “Mr. Niles Dearborn and Mr. Peter Dearborn. They demand to speak to the duke.”

“Now, there’s a picture,” Con murmured.

“And your reply, Phipps?” Alex asked.

“I told them to wait in the entryway while I saw if His Grace would receive them,” Phipps said repressively.

“Good man.” Theo turned to his brothers. “What do you think?”

“I think it would serve them right to speak with Father,” Alex said in an amused tone.

“And the duchess,” Con added.

“Lord, yes,” Theo agreed. “I believe I’ll let Megan know, as well.”

“Very well, then. Phipps, let them cool their heels in the entryway for a bit.”

“Of course, sir.” The butler looked affronted that Alex should think he had to instruct him to dampen the pretensions of their visitors.

“Then go tell Father that they’re here to see him. You may have to stress the urgency. Oh, and seat the Dearborns in the formal drawing room.”

“Very good, sir.” Phipps bowed and left, looking quite pleased with his mission.

“You’re putting them in there with the first duke staring down at them?” Con grinned. “That should take the starch out of them—whatever remains after dealing with Phipps, of course.”

“That’s the idea.” Alex turned to Sabrina. “Now, Sabrina, if you and Miss Holcutt—”