Page 26 of A Winter Scandal

“No, but I’ve heard rumors that Rawdon’s grandfather came into the title by helping his older brother to an early grave,” Ian went on. “And wasn’t there a Stafford who had to flee to the Continent because he killed his man in a duel?”

“It was the same chap—Rawdon’s great-uncle,” Gabriel said. “It was swords back then, of course, and he was reputed to be a master swordsman. He killed the man, fled the country, and proceeded to drink himself to death, living in style in Paris. Whether his brother helped him in pickling his innards, I’ve no idea.”

“They’re a cold-blooded bunch,” Alan added.

“God knows his sister is.” Myles made an expressive shudder. “Lady Genevieve may be a diamond of the first water, but her gaze would freeze a man.”

“As I remember, you braved that wintry atmosphere a few times.” Gabriel smirked at Myles.

“The devil!” Alan stared at Myles. “Did you really dangle after the Ice Maiden? You are a braver man than I.” Alan shook his head reflectively.

“I did not dangle after her. I danced with her a few times. We did not suit, as they say.”

“All the Staffords are cold. And high in the instep. It was doubtless foolish of us to become friends with him,” Ian said, then shrugged. “But we were young then. I don’t know why you are still so soft on him, though, Myles. I cut all ties with the man after he and Gabe had that mill in White’s.”

Alan let out a soft chuckle. “That was quite a sight. I was afraid White’s would bar you.”

“It was a devilish good fight,” Myles mused. “But I presumed it was just the heat of the moment. That eventually you and Rawdon … well.” Myles shrugged and tossed back the rest of the alcohol in his glass. “Devil take it. I didn’t think Rawdon was actually wicked. It looks as though I shall have to change my position.” He sighed. “I’m sorry, Gabe … about all of it.”

“I know. I thought Rawdon was the sort of man I’d want at my back, too.” Morecombe’s face hardened. “Until I found out differently.” He stood up. “Go on with your game, gentlemen. I am retiring early tonight. Tomorrow I have to find whoever left that baby at Miss Bainbridge’s church.”

Myles and Alan nodded to Gabriel, watching as he went to the sideboard to pour himself another glass and left the room with it. Ian tossed his hand down on the table and followed Morecombe out of the room.

The viscount caught up to Gabriel on the stairs. “Do you really think that child is Jocelyn’s?”

“The truth? I don’t know. That’s why I have to find out who left him there. I cannot imagine that Jocelyn would do such a thing. But if the baby is not hers, how did they acquire that brooch? If someone took it from her, I can make them tell me where she is. After all this time, maybe I can find her.”

His friend nodded, frowning.

Gabriel glanced at him. “What is it? You don’t seem very enthusiastic.”

“I should love for you to find Jocelyn, of course. It’s just … I can scarce believe it. I think it must be some sort of hoax. Someone is toying with you.”

“I can’t believe you think your cousin is part of a hoax.”

“Cousin Althea?” Ian let out a crack of laughter, his face lighting for a moment. “There’s a picture. No. She’s a female version of her father, who was a pious old stickler. I doubt she has ever had an indecent thought in her life, and if she has, I am certain she hasn’t acted upon it.”

“Mm,” Gabriel said noncommittally.

“No, I believe that Cousin Althea found the baby just as you said. Nor am I surprised that she immediately assumed the worst about you.”

Morecombe’s lips lifted at one corner. “Am I so obviously a sinner, then?”

“No, but she is a bluestocking and a spinster—not the sort who thinks well of men in general, I’d say.”

“She certainly thought ill of me.”

“I have to wonder if Rawdon is behind this child suddenly showing up here.”

“What?” Gabriel stopped and turned to stare at Ian. “Are you serious? Why would Rawdon want me to believe that he had his way with my sister?”

“I don’t know. But the only person the child resembles is him. Maybe it is some by-blow of his by another woman.”

“What purpose does it serve to make me think the baby is Jocelyn’s?”

“Maybe to convince you that she is alive.”

Gabriel looked at him sharply, then shook his head. “I know what you think. But I cannot believe it.”