Page 81 of His Duchess' Mischief

Seth rubbed his sweaty palms on his thighs, hoping that Sheringham would be able to see him.

Is this madness? To go behind my friends’ backs like this?

But he had mulled it over all night. If he were to speak to Michael, Isaac, or Lucas about his suspicions, they would only grow curious as to his reasoning.

The worst thing he could do would be to make his friends begin to doubt one another.

He touched a hand to his inner breast pocket, where he had tucked the letter he had discovered as he had searched through Gordon’s correspondence.

It was from the Earl of Sheringham—or Lord George Russell, as he was called back then. Somehow, it had gotten mixed up with the other letters, and Seth was glad of it.

A single line within the text had particularly caught his attention.

Hopefully, that business with Fernside is over now. Such trouble—over a woman, no less!

If Sheringham could shed some light on the history there, it could help Seth understand Gordon’s love affair.

Had he wronged her? Did she enact some kind of revenge?

The envelope crinkled in his pocket as he waited, staring up at an enormous painting of the former Earl of Sheringham, George’s father.

Seth and George had both lost their fathers at a young age and had navigated their new responsibilities together for a little while. But Seth had not been good at keeping in touch with the man.

He scowled.

And now I have arrived on his doorstep unannounced and asking for a favor!

“His Lordship will see you now, Your Grace.”

Seth turned, following the butler through the gloomy hallway and into a long, imposing room, lined with green-backed leather books and not much else.

Seth’s heart soared at the sight of the Earl, who was already on his feet and walking toward him.

Sheringham was stocky, well-built, and one of the best boxers Eton had ever had. He was shorter than Seth by several inches, closer to five feet than any other man Seth knew.

“George,” Seth exclaimed, genuinely happy to see him.

“My God, it’s been years!” George chuckled as he took Seth’s hand and shook it warmly. “You look dashing, as ever. Always were too handsome for your own good.”

Seth laughed as Sheringham indicated two chairs in front of the wide, empty hearth. They were plush and beautifully upholstered, but one looked more used than the other. Seth sat opposite it.

“Would you care for a drink? My doctor has sworn me off most things, worst luck. But do you want brandy?”

“Thank you, but no. I want to have a clear head for this conversation.”

Sheringham leaned forward, his smile fading. “You are here on business, then?”

“I confess, I am not entirely surewhyI am here, but I must apologize for arriving without prior notice. I have not seen you for far too long. I really must arrange a dinner with you and Lady Sheringham.”

George waved him off. “I have been just as remiss; you recently got married, and I did not even send my congratulations. I deeply regret that I was unable to attend your wedding. Detained in the docks at Calais for a week with inclement weather!”

Seth put a hand over his heart. “Well then, we are both at fault, and I forgive you entirely.”

“Good, good,” George said with a wicked smile. “I would not wish to be on your bad side.”

Seth’s stomach clenched.

Surely, he is not one of those who believe me guilty?

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