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Tony and Barlow sat opposite Edward. Both nodded when he told them about his hypothesis on the situation.

“The man’s pride will bring him down,” Tony said. “He most likely felt inferior all his life, with Rose being the favored child. With no one on his side, it would be easy to see how he would want to enact revenge upon the woman who had caused it all.” Tony shook his head. “I almost feel sorry for him.”

“It was not like Rose is the type to maliciously target her brother,” the duke said.

“Oh, I agree, but I doubt he thinks the same. So, have you spoken to Rose yet?” Tony asked.

“No.” Edward turned towards Barlow. “Tell me we have enough to make him look like a man of vice. I have all of Rose’s credit notes and a statement from the bank. There is no doubt she is not a spendthrift, but without knowing his plan of attack, will it be enough?”

Barlow nodded. “With the information Lord Anthony has provided, I think so. We have his IOUs thanks to some rather anxious gentlemen.”

“Good. I will explain all to Rose.”

His brother looked grim. “For God’s sake, be gentle, Warrington.”

“Your faith in me is so reassuring, Anthony.” As if he would not be gentle in his explanation. He knew that her emotions would be in a spin. It was a lot to take in, and there was no guarantee, as much as he was confident of success.

Anthony remained after Barlow had departed. He handed Edward a dispatch.

“What’s this?”

“I think we are getting closer to your mole.”

Edward raised a brow but took the dispatch. He had almost forgotten about the mole, so caught up in Rose and her brother. “Closer?”

“We need to tail him for a while longer to be sure, but we are fairly confident he’s your man.” Tony leaned a hip on the desk. “We are in the process of getting someone inside his house. If we can find some correspondence to corroborate what we have been told, we will have our man.”

“That is excellent work. How long will you need?”

“At least a month. Tollson is going in as a footman, but he will need time to acquaint himself with the house and the staff and, of course, our suspect.”

“Who is it?”

“Ah, it is all in my dispatch for the King’s Liaison only.”

Edward smiled and put the dispatch down on his desk, and put his hand out to his brother, who took it with good grace. It seemed that no one had told him of the argument with their mother and sister, or it would be out of character for him not to mention it. He was relieved more than he had expected.

“What of William?”

Tony eyed him before replying. “He actually slept through the night. We are not sure, but we are hoping this is a turning point.”

“Good, good. And the cottage outside London?”

“It has been secured. We will be moving there in a few weeks. It needs a few alterations, and of course Lucinda wants to decorate it to her style.”

“Of course.”

“Mother has offered her assistance. Lucinda is happy for it, but I do hope that Mother will not take over.”

“Then I would make sure that Mother is aware that Lucinda has final say.”

“You’re right. You do want to do that for me, perchance?”

“Absolutely not. That is on you. Lucinda is your wife, remember.”

Tony laughed. “I did not think you would.”