Page 35 of A Scandal at Stonecliffe

THE MAN WHO opened the door to Sloane Rutherford’s house the next morning didn’t look like a butler—or, indeed, like any sort of servant. But naturally that was exactly the sort of butler Sloane would hire. Nathan handed him his calling card. The man looked doubtfully at it, then doubtfully back at Nathan, but he turned and disappeared into the rear of the house.

Nathan had never been inside Sloane’s house before. He wondered if it had always been like this or if the attractive furnishings were due to Annabeth’s presence. As he waited, Sloane’s father, Marcus, came down the stairs.

“Nathan? My, this is a surprise,” Marcus said, coming forward to shake Nathan’s hand. “It’s good to see you.”

“I’m glad to see you, as well. Mr. Rutherford, could I ask you a question?”

“Of course, of course,” Marcus said expansively. “Can’t say I’ll know the answer, though.”

“Did you know Lord Stanhope? Around your age or a bit younger, perhaps?”

“Basil Stanhope? My goodness, I haven’t seen him around for many years. Don’t know where he is now. He was always a rum’un, though. You’ll want to stay away from him.”

“Yes, I’m sure I will.”

Marcus went on, “If you’ve come to talk to Annabeth, I’m afraid she’s gone to call on her grandmother.”

“Lady Lockwood has returned to town?” Nathan asked in surprise. It hadn’t been a fortnight since he’d seen her at Stonecliffe.

“Of course she has,” Sloane said as he strolled up to join the two men. “Stonecliffe, even with a great-grandson, is boring compared to an illegitimate heir popping up.”

“Yes, Eugenia always does love a mystery.” Marcus smiled fondly.

“She brought Mrs. Dunbridge with her,” Sloane added, a glint of humor in his eyes.

“My mother?” Nathan asked, startled.

“Mmm. And your aunt.”

“Whatever for? She didn’t tell them about Malcolm Douglas, did she?”

“Good Lord, no,” Marcus replied. “Her ladyship loves holding a secret as much as she loves hearing one. Well, boys, I must be off. I promised Eugenia I’d take the ladies shopping.”

He strode to the front door, picked up his hat from the stand, and left the house. Sloane and Nathan stood for a moment, looking after him.

“Eugenia?” Nathan repeated, raising his eyebrows at Sloane. “Your father seems to be terribly friendly with Lady Lockwood.”

“Yes, they’re thick as thieves. I can’t explain it. But I’m not about to raise any questions. Lady Lockwood is the only person I’ve known who can control him.” Sloane turned and started back down the hall, saying, “Come to my office. I assume this isn’t a social call.”

“No.” Nathan followed him. He found it a little strange, as he had earlier at Lady Lockwood’s party, to be around Sloane without feeling resentment or jealousy. Sloane was still sarcastic and arrogant, and of course it was galling to have to ask the man for help, but Sloane no longer seemed an enemy. Not that he was a friend, either. Nathan wasn’t sure what they were anymore...which fit with everything else in his life these days.

Sloane closed the door behind them and went toward his desk. He stopped and turned toward the conversational grouping of two chairs, then finally sat on the edge of his desk, stretching his legs out to brace himself. Clearly he had as little idea as Nathan how to act around him now. “I assume you’re here about Malcolm Douglas.”

“No. It’s about Verity.”

“Verity Cole?” Sloane stared at him.

“Yes. She’s helping me investigate Douglas.”

“Oh. I see.”

Good. Then perhaps you can explain it to me. Nathan didn’t voice the thought but said, “The thing is, someone attacked us last night. They threatened Verity with a knife at her throat and wanted me to tell them something or give them something. We’re not sure what.”

“You think it’s Douglas?”

“Not really,” Nathan replied. “I can’t see how it helps him. And there are others who have reason to come after her.”

“I’m shocked.” Sloane’s lips quirked up derisively.