Page 13 of A Scandal at Stonecliffe

“Indeed. How did you know where to look?”

“I asked Sloane where your office was, and that very nice woman there sent me here.”

“You asked Sloane? I am impressed.”

“That I asked him or that he told me?”

Verity laughed. “A little of both.” She gestured to the bench beside her. “Please, have a seat, and tell me what sent you searching for me.”

Nathan sat down beside her. Verity was just as lovely in her plain clothes...though he did wish he could see her hair. “I have a bit of a problem, and I hope you can help.”

Verity glanced back at the two women, then turned to him. “How might I help?”

“Do you know them?” Nathan asked curiously, nodding toward the pair. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to interrupt. If you’re here to talk to them, we can do this another time.”

“No.” Verity gave him her cocky grin. “I’m just spying. You know, that’s what I do. I’ve seen enough. Now...tell me all.”

“I—there’s a chap I need to find out something about. His name is Malcolm Douglas. He’s—” Nathan paused. He hadn’t really thought about how embarrassing it would be to talk about this, especially to a woman. His cheeks warmed.

“He’s what?” Verity gave him a flat look. “Nathan, you know I don’t have delicate ears. Tell me.”

“He claims to be my father’s son.”

“Ah. So it’s a matter of family honor?”

“No. I mean, only partly that. It would upset my mother greatly if she found out my father had been unfaithful. They always seemed very much in love. I wouldn’t have thought my father would have an affair. But...” He trailed off.

She nodded. “Gentlemen stray.”

“Not every gentleman,” Nathan protested.

The corner of Verity’s mouth curved up. “No. Not you, I would think.”

Nathan wasn’t sure whether she was complimenting him or thinking him a joke. “I would have said the same about Father.” He shrugged. “But the past year I’ve found that he did keep secrets. Nothing horrifying, just...well, I’m not sure I knew him as well as I thought I did.”

“Do you believe what Mr. Douglas told you? Does he have any evidence?”

“I don’t know,” Nathan admitted and told her what had happened the day before. “When I got back to my flat in London, he’d already called on me. He left me the name of his inn, and I need to reply. Set up a meeting. I would appreciate it if you could go with me when I talk to him. I’m not sure I can deduce whether he’s telling me the truth. I thought you’d be more able, that you’ve dealt more with...”

“Mountebanks and other liars?” Verity’s eyes twinkled. “You’re right. I have.”

“I’m not sure what you charge. Should I pay you now or—”

“Pay me?” Verity eyebrows shot up. “I’m sorry. I didn’t realize this was a business transaction. I thought I was doing a favor for a friend. But apparently I was mistaken.”

“No!” Nathan was taken aback. “You aren’t—I mean, of course you are more—I just didn’t want to, to take advantage of our relationship—that is, our friendship. Naturally I regret...” How was it that he invariably said the wrong thing to Verity, even when he was trying his best not to offend her? And then he always turned into a blithering fool trying to get out of the mess he’d made.

“Your fumbling and agitation is apology enough.” Verity’s face softened. “Though I will downgrade you to mere acquaintance if you ever propose paying my fee again.” She reached out to put her hand lightly on his arm.

Nathan was terribly aware of her touch, and for a moment it drove all else out of his mind. But when she pulled back, he wished she’d left her hand on him.

She went on, “Of course I will help you. Now, tell me. Where and when are we meeting this man?”

“Tomorrow afternoon? I’d like to get rid of him as soon as I can. I had thought of going to the inn where he is staying.” He frowned. “No, that won’t do, I’m not familiar with it. I’m not sure it’s an appropriate place for a lady.”

Verity grinned. Nathan was sure she found him laughable. No doubt she never thought of such things as propriety.

“Not there,” she agreed. “We don’t want to meet him on his ground.”