“Your thief,” Sussex said.
“Yes.” Ryker had nearly forgotten that some of the details had woven into Tricia’s accounting of her time by the docks.
“That is the primary reason for my visit, actually.”
“Primary,” Ryker had to admit that surprised him.
Luke chuckled. “A man does not hold a woman’s hand in front of her family unless he intends to wed her.”
Ryker had to admit, he liked Sussex. There was a jovial easiness about him that he himself sometimes lacked. Tricia also had a warmth about her that made him feel less…stoic. “Fair point. What do you know about my thief?”
“I know almost nothing about your thief. But tomorrow night we are to attend a masquerade ball. I wouldn’t normally socialize at such a time, except for a very dear friend requested my presence. It seems the Marquess of Highwater uses such events to hold private auctions for goods he wishes to sell.”
Ryker stood and Luke started in surprise. “My apologies for frightening you. Would you mind if I brought my detective back in. I think we could help each other.”
“Of course,” Luke nodded. “Your man is discreet?”
“Yes, of course, but let me ask the need for discretion before I invite him into the conversation.”
“My friend is the Earl of Coventry. We are in a sort of guild together. The very one that will help Fenton. At any rate, there is another earl who appears to be caught up in dealings with Highwater. Coventry has sussed this out so that we might help our brother.”
“Understood, thank you for confiding in me. Mr. Hart need not know any of those details. But perhaps I could attend with you? If it is a masquerade, I need not announce myself. Very few in society know who I am.”
Luke nodded. “Excellent idea. Tricia will be thrilled, I am sure.”
Tricia, of course he would also be attending with Tricia. He didn’t like the thought, actually. Not that he minded being with her. She made the thought of a ball considerably less painful. But he didn’t want her mixed up in this business any more than she already had been.
Bloody hell, he was getting protective of her and they weren’t even married. Actually, now that he considered it, he’d been protective of her from the very first moment he’d seen her standing there, bravely trying to show a man a miniature as he leered salaciously. She had been innocent and brave and he’d stopped pursuing his query in order to protect her. “Will your countess be there as well?”
“Of course, Tabbie will have to chaperone her while you and I conduct our other affairs.” Luke grimaced for the first time and Ryker got a glimpse of the man who wasn’t so carefree. “We’ll have to find a dress that hides the baby.”
Ryker nodded, relaxing slightly. Tabbie, as Tricia and Sussex called her, was a woman who could handle herself. He was sure of it.
“If you wouldn’t mind, I’d like to speak with Tricia about our marriage before you tell her of my intentions.” He hesitated, wondering how Luke might react to the next tidbit. “She fancies that she will dedicate herself to charitable causes rather than wedlock. I thought I might assure her that I will fund any projects she may wish to undertake as part of our marriage. It seems rather important to her.”
Luke gave him a broad grin. “Marvelous idea. I did the same with Tabbie, as you are aware. They are women of high intellect and ambition to match. It suits them to have pursuits outside of marriage but that isn’t something every man would understand.”
Ryker gave a curt nod. “Her wanting to help society is the least of my concerns.” He couldn’t explain that his growing attachment was far more alarming. His own parents hadn’t experienced anything close to love and they viewed him with the same detachment. He was used to it, comfortable even. These feelings were unexpected and not entirely welcome.
Sussex eyes twinkled with merriment as he leaned forward in his chair. “You’ll grow to absolutely love her mischievous tendencies.”
That was exactly what he was afraid of. Ryker crossed the room to call Mr. Hart back in.
Chapter Six
Tricia looked at her sister and brother-in-law, blinking several times. They’d gone mad. “A ball?”
“Masquerade ball, actually,” Luke gave her that carefree grin he always seemed to have on hand as he sat across from her in their townhome’s front parlor. He’d come to her parent’s home to fetch her on the way back from some meeting to visit with her sister. At least that was what he had claimed. But clearly it had been a ruse to discuss this ball.
“Our father is dying. And you’re with child. Mother actually agreed to this?” Tricia’s voice was growing shrill, she could hear it. Now that Fenton had been found, there was nothing to distract her from the possibility that her father might perish. She didn’t want to go to balls and pretend like nothing was wrong. Taking a calming breath, she cleared her throat and folded her hands.
“She did agree despite the poor timing. She wants to see you settled. If father passes, you will have to go into mourning and miss the coming season…” Tabbie reached for her sister’s hands, placing one over hers. “And Luke needs to help a friend who is in trouble. I know you will understand that.”
She did. Completely. “But why must I go? I’ve already made up my mind, despite what mother thinks. I’ll dedicate myself to the orphans.”
Luke’s smile only grew wider. “His Grace will be accompanying us and he has a few details he wishes to discuss with you.”
Her insides fluttered again. The way they always seemed to at the mention of Ryker. Or the sight of him. She pictured him in her mind and she could almost smell the fresh scent of his cologne, feel his hard edges against her body. “What does he wish to discuss?”
“That is between you and him.” Luke gave her a wink. “But hear him out, Tricia.”
“I haven’t outfitted myself for the season.” She nibbled her lip, her resolve not to go was weakening. Thoughts of seeing Ryker overriding her desire to leave society.
“I’ve plenty of dresses for you to choose from. Many of which haven’t been altered to accommodate my current size. I’ll have to find one that hides this baby belly. But that’s beside the point. One should fit you perfectly.” Tabbie squeezed her hands tighter.
Finally, she gave a curt nod of consent.
Tabbie beamed. “Help me up so we can go to my room and find you a dress.”
Tricia tried not to sigh as she stood and helped her sister off the settee.
The next evening she sat across from Luke and Tabbie as they rumbled down the street to retrieve Ryker. They’d spent the day with their father and had been such a relief when they’d manage to get him to eat an entire bowl of soup. She was hopeful for the first time since he’d grown ill and able to concentrate on the ball this evening.
The carriage slowed in front of Ryker’s brick-front home and Tricia couldn’t help but peer out the curtain to catch sight of him. Tricia also took note of the address, thinking it might be information that would be useful later on. She had to grin. She thought more like Tabbie every day.
Though Ryker was clearly adept at espionage as well. He was using some false name to attend and riding in their carriage was a way to further conceal his identity.
Luke had been vague as to why he wasn’t attending as himself, saying that he normally didn’t participate in society, but she guessed that there was more to it. She knew Luke had gone to speak with him about the spy and the friend who Luke needed to help. But why Ryker now needed to hide his identity, Luke wouldn’t say.
The door snapped open and Ryker filled the entrance. Her breath caught at the sight of him in his domino. It lent his handsome features an air or mystery. “Your Grace,” she breathed as she adjusted her own mask.
“Tonight, it’s my lord. But otherwise, it’s Ryker.” He took the seat next to her and reached for her gloved hand, placing a kiss on it. An ache between her legs made her press her thighs together. He continued to hold her hand and she left it in his grasp. Neither Tabbi
e nor Luke seemed to raise an eyebrow over the gesture, which was almost as odd.
“Luke already informed me of the change of address. What I am puzzling over is the why. Why am I referring to you as my lord?”
He shook his head. “I don’t socialize as a general rule, and I would prefer to maintain my reputation as a recluse tonight.”
“Luke said that too. I don’t believe it.” She leaned toward him, pressing her chest against his arm so that her face was close to his.
He didn’t move away but she could swear that his chest rose faster. “What is not to believe?”
Her eyes narrowed and his seemed to detail every line of her face, lingering on her lips. “There is another reason and I am sure it’s connected to why you were in the docklands.”
It was subtle, but she heard his intake of breath and she knew she was correct. “Perhaps I simply don’t want other debutantes and their marriage-minded mamas trying to divert my attention away from you.”
“Hogwash.” She sniffed. “They will throw themselves at you anyway. An unknown, handsome lord.” And they would never consider her a threat.
“You think I am handsome?” He grinned then and she gasped, it was so devastating. He needed to smile more often.
“And overbearing.”
He chuckled and the sound danced along her skin. He was irresistible like this, Tricia decided.
“And you have no good sense. But try to exercise some tonight and leave my motives be.”
That was all the confirmation she needed to know he most definitely had other motives.
They rode the rest of the way chattering about nothing in particular but Tricia had the sense that Ryker fit with her sister and brother-in-law. He wasn’t the warmest man but somehow, with them, he relaxed. He still held her hand and she wished she could press against him, touch her lips to his.
All too soon, they arrived at the Marquess of Highwater’s London home and joined the line of carriages filled with attendees.
Tricia wanted to stay where she was. The four of them wrapped in a cocoon of darkness, talking softly and ignoring the rest of the world.
But all too soon, they were exiting the carriage, joining the throng of partygoers all in costume.
“You look beautiful this evening.” Ryker tucked her hand in his elbow as he leaned down to whisper in her ear.
“Thank you, my lord.” She tried to hide the fact that his compliment pleased her. The ivory dress she’d borrowed from Tabbie complimented her skin and hair nicely while accentuating her figure.
He chuckled. “You’re welcome, my lady.” His hip subtly brushed hers.
They entered the crowded ballroom and Tricia tightened her hand on his arm. The crush of people left her breathless. She thought she might actually prefer the quiet of the docklands in the middle of the night. “Oh my,” she breathed.
“Do you like it?” His voice was close to her ear.
She shook her head. “I’d rather face those ne’er do wells again, I think.”
His chuckle reverberated through her as they pressed together in the crowd. Tabbie and Luke were just ahead of them but she was so thankful to have Ryker at her side. “Perhaps you’ll feel differently when we dance.”
With a flick of his wrist, he wrote his name on the first spot on her dance card then whisked her off into the throng of dancers.
As the first strains of the music began, his hand came to her waist. “I’m not terribly fond of these social engagements either. But we’ll suffer through it together.”
Together. She liked the sound of that. She’d never really considered what it might be like to have a partner. Someone to depend upon. But it would have its advantages. Particularly if that someone went about visiting orphanages with her and helped her save her family members.
But Ryker wouldn’t marry her, of course. He’d want a more proper woman for his bride. Not some hooligan who snuck out at night and derailed his own plans.
And she couldn’t be a duchess. It was ridiculous to consider. She had a plan, a good one. A decent one that the duties of a duchess would never allow. “As a duke, mustn’t you attend any numbers of these events?”
His eyes twinkled with a merriment she hadn’t seen from him before but shown clearly through his mask. “No.” A grin spread across his face. “One of the advantages of being a duke is that you have to answer to almost no one.”
A giggle bubbled out of her mouth and her shoulders shook. “Only the Prince Regent.”
“And my wife.” He pulled her just a touch closer. “When I take one.”
Something in her chest caught then, tightening until she felt as though she couldn’t breathe. She attempted to keep the smile on her face that had been so easy just moments before. “Did you have someone in mind?”
“Indeed I do,” he whispered close to her ear. She was glad he couldn’t see her face, leaning as close as he was. If he’d looked into her eyes, she was sure she wouldn’t be able to hide her hurt.
No wonder he’d been so adamant that he keep his identity secret. He didn’t want to ruin his chances with a potential bride. “How fortunate for her,” she chirped trying to make her voice sunnier than she felt. When had she become so attached to Ryker? When had it started to matter that he’d marry?
He laughed again, his lips lightly touching the skin of her ear and it echoed through her body, making her hum with a need that left her breathless. Try as she might, she couldn’t calm her racing heart. Drat, didn’t it understand he’d just said he would marry someone else? “You seem overset, my lady. Perhaps you need a moment on the veranda?”
She nodded, thinking that a little air would help her to compose herself. What had gotten into her? She had a plan. It may not be what most ladies would choose but it suited her. It would never be enough for her to just be a man’s wife. She needed to help people. Besides, even if that wasn’t the case, Ryker could have the most beautiful woman in this room and it surely wasn’t her.
Ryker skillfully maneuvered them through the crowd toward the open doors. As the fresh air hit her face, she filled her lungs, feeling revived. “So much better,” she murmured. There were a great many people outside as well, but there was room to move and fresh air to breathe.
They walked through the throng, down a path where the garden got darker, and no one was around them. “Wait until you see my country estate. The woods are endless, and you can ride about the fields for miles.”
She crinkled her brow, doubting she might ever travel there. Once he was married, his wife surely wouldn’t want her about. “It sounds lovely.”
“I’m glad you think so. There isn’t much of a need for an orphanage, but the county could likely stand to have one.”
She blinked several times. “Orphanage?”
He stopped walking then and, with sure hands, turned them both so their bodies came together. She forgot to think, forgot to breathe as his hands came around her back and his lips dropped to hers. It was like the carriage, only so much better. His lips were strong and sure as they teased and nibbled at hers and she found herself pressing closer, eager for more of their touch.
He obliged her by sliding her lips apart and gently touching his tongue to hers. Sparks lit behind her eyes as she gasped in a breath. Her belly filling with a need that begged to be filled.
When he finally lifted his head, his hand came to grasp her cheek, his thumb swiping across her tingling lips. “That was glorious.”
“Mmmmmh,” she managed to mumble, blinking again. Her thoughts were still muddled as she tried to remember what had been happening before he’d twisted her into knots with that kiss.
“I have to go back inside, Tricia. I’ll leave you with Tabbie. But we need to talk. If not tonight, then first thing tomorrow morning.” He kissed her again. It was a simple joining of the lips but it lingered, speaking of an intimacy she longed to explore.
“Talk?” she blinked up at him. “After that kiss, you want to talk?”
His shoulder
s silently shook in mirth before he whispered, “You’ve a point there, my sweet. We’ve only a few details that need attending before I’ll kiss you for as long as you desire.”
He couldn’t mean what she thought he did. It was absurd to think that he wanted her.
Then, slipping her arm back in his elbow, he reversed direction, and headed back toward the house. If he’d kiss her for as long she desired, she’d likely agree to anything he wished to discuss.
* * *
Ryker and Luke slipped down the darkened halls far away from the noise of the party. There were a few men in front of and behind them, but all were silent as they made their way to the auction.
Ryker had to admit, in terms of a cover for illicit activity, this was first rate.
Everyone here was known among the ton, which meant everyone and no one could be a suspect.
Of course, it also meant that the very people who had been stealing from him could attend.
“Do we need a password or something?” Ryker mumbled, keeping his voice low.
Luke gave a jerk of his head to affirm they did not. “If you know about it, that’s password enough.”
“How do we know about it again?” Ryker asked even more softly.
“Coventry knows all sorts of things that continually surprise me.” The corners of his mouth turned up in a hard smile. “He has ears everywhere.”
As if on cue, a man stepped from the shadows. Ryker tensed but Luke stopped, extending his hand. The two greeted each other with a quick handshake and then Coventry fell in step with them.
“Thank you for coming, Sussex. Wimbley,” Coventry gave him the tiniest wink as he used Ryker’s cover name.
Ryker gave a nod in return. “Appreciate your help,” he returned.
Luke looked to his old friend. “So what has Addington gotten himself into?”
Coventry’s mouth pinched. “A business deal he set up with our illustrious host turned sour. They were shipping tea or something to the Orient when the ship supposedly sank. As per the terms of the agreement, Addington must now work off the debt. The whole of it reeks like week-old fish,” Coventry murmured. “I could pay off Addington’s debts to free him, but I think the better plan is to expose the marquess. He’s taken advantage of enough of our peers, I think.”
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