Page 109 of Ravished

Gideon met his father's clear, unflinching gaze and relaxed slightly. "I am glad." He had never known for certain which of the tales his parents had heard and believed. There had been so many stories going around six years ago, each worse than the last.

"What is that you are working on?" Hardcastle asked after a moment.

Gideon hesitated and then decided to explain. "I told you I was continuing to search for the mastermind behind the ring of thieves which was using the caves."

"I remember you saying it was probably someone who was accepted in Society and who also had an interest in the fossils. You, ah, mentioned that I was a likely candidate," Hardcastle murmured.

Gideon glanced up and saw the ironic gleam in his father's eyes. "You will be relieved to know that I have removed you from the list of suspicious persons."

"On what grounds?"

"On the grounds that you have not been going into Society lately. I need someone who is moving freely about in London, attending parties and the like," Gideon said. "You and mother have been living like hermits at Hardcastle House for years."

"My health, you know." The earl gave him a shrewd glance.

"As Harriet pointed out last night, your health did not keep you from rushing here to Town when you got her note."

"I have been feeling somewhat better of late."

Gideon smiled coolly. "No doubt because you are hopeful of gaining a grandson soon."

Hardcastle shrugged. "It is certainly past time… Your list appears to be a rather long one."

"It is proving difficult to know who would have had knowledge of the caves of Upper Biddleton. Every time I make inquiries at my club I discover that yet another member has taken up an interest in collecting fossils. I had no notion so many people were fascinated with old bones."

"Perhaps I can help. During my fossil collecting days I met many others who were similarly inclined. I might recognize some of the names on your list."

Gideon hesitated and then turned the list around so that his father could peruse it.

"Interesting," Hardcastle said absently as he ran his finger down the list. "I think you can remove Donnelly and Jenkins. As I recall, they rarely leave London and would certainly not go anywhere as unfashionable as Upper Biddleton. Their interest in fossils is limited."

Gideon eyed his father and then leaned forward to put a checkmark next to the names. "Very well," he said stiffly.

"Do you mind if I ask why you are so determined to catch this mystery man?"

"As soon as we return to Upper Biddleton, Harriet will head straight back to her precious caves. I want to be certain it is safe for her. I cannot be sure it is until I know that whoever was operating the ring of thieves has been apprehended. Next time she might stumble into a gang of cutthroats, not just their stolen goods."

Hardcastle's eyes were sharp. "I see. You believe this master thief will return to the caves?"

"I see no reason why he would not wish to set up another similar operation as soon as the excitement has died down. He no doubt knows I cannot stay in Upper Biddleton all the time to keep an eye on the beach. And the scheme itself worked very well until Harriet accidentally stumbled into that cavern. Yes, I think he might try it again."

Hardcastle's brows came together. "In that case, we had best get to work." He glanced at the next two names on the list. "Restonville and Shadwick both have fortunes that would make Midas blush. They would have no need to resort to running a ring of thieves."

"Very well." Gideon checked off two more names.

He and his father continued to work for several minutes, gradually shortening the list. They were midway through the task when Harriet and Lady Hardcastle breezed into the room, dressed to go out. Gideon and his father rose politely.

"Just thought we would let you know that we are going shopping, my lord," Harriet said airily. "Your mother has expressed a desire to see the latest fashions."

"I am in desperate need of a new bonnet and some fabric for one or two new gowns," Lady Hardcastle said. She gave Harriet a tentative smile.

Gideon did not miss the expression in his mother's eyes when she looked at Harriet. It occurred to him that his wife was successfully charming his mother, just as she did everyone else.

"Nothing like a shopping expedition to give two women an opportunity to get to know each other," Harriet said briskly. "Your mother and I have so much in common, my lord."

Gideon arched a brow. "Such as?"

"You, of course." Harriet grinned.

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