Page 25 of A Bride for the Beastly Duke
He felt a wave of gratitude toward Ava for not only finding the letter but also being the source of the means he could use to make that assertion. Being able to afford a private investigator should significantly hasten his inquiries, he hoped. He felt as if this was the answer to a prayer. He had asked for just one more clue, and here it was, courtesy of his wife and her obsession with cleaning the castle.
He snorted, shaking his head, and resolved that in thanks, he would not only appear at dinner, but he would also try to be as charming to Ava’s daughter as he possibly could.
He thought about perhaps buying her a gift.
What are five-year-old girls interested in?
He imagined that they might play with dolls, but he had no clue where to find a dollmaker. He decided to see what his aunt might suggest. She might not approve of Ava, but that was because she was protective of Edward. He understood that well.
He poured himself a brandy and then wrote a note to his aunt, inviting her to join him for a night cap.
Once that was done, he recalled that he had an active case to solve. With an irritated huff, he began to look through several letters he had received from those who had known Lord Norbert—the Duke of York’s youngest son—when he was at Cambridge. He was hoping for some insight into the boy so as to find out his motivations. So far, he had nothing that made sense.
Most of the letters were just as expected. They painted a picture of a normal son of privilege; he was gregarious, participated in all the requisite sports, and barely passed his exams.
“No surprises there,” Edward said with a sigh.
He read the next letter, from a former roommate of Lord Norbert’s.
Dear Lord Edward,
I have received word that you are looking into Lord Norbert of York. I have something to say which might come as a surprise to you, but which might help you in your inquiries. Lord Norbert was a fairly secretive fellow who visited the local brothel on more than one occasion. One may draw what conclusions one will from that.
That is all I have to say.
Yours faithfully,
Cuthbert Sinclair.
Edward blinked at the letter in surprise before leaning back in his armchair, eyes narrowed. “Well, well, well… what do we have here? Something the French might blackmail him with? Perhaps they even set a honey trap for him.” He smiled, putting the letter aside as a knock came at the door.
Tomorrow, he would make further inquiries, but for now, he needed to speak with his aunt.
He got to his feet. “Come in.”
Lady Lanton swept into the room, an expectant look on her face. “You wanted to see me?”
“Yes, Aunt. Do come in. Have a seat. Would you like a night cap?”
“Yes, some brandy would be lovely.” Lady Lanton took a seat on the leather sofa by the fireplace. Edward poured her a drink and then went to join her. They slowly sipped their drinks, staring into the flames in silence. Finally, Lady Lanton took a deep breath and turned to Edward with a smile. “So, how has your day been?”
He shrugged. “Actually, I cannot complain. I learned something new to do with Jonathan, and at least now, I have a direction of movement.” He cleared his throat, feeling a bit embarrassed. “I asked you here because… well, I wish to give little Lily a gift, and I thought of a doll, but I am at a complete loss as to where one can acquire such a thing.”
Lady Lanton gawped at him for a while and then threw back her head and laughed. Edward just watched, shifting slightly in his seat with embarrassment.
Finally, she stopped laughing, putting a hand on her chest. “That is so precious.” She smiled, “You wish to give her a doll? I know an excellent dollmaker in London, but it will take some time to get one sent. He does have an extensive waitlist of customers.”
He nodded, “Would you do that for me please, Aunt?”
“Of course.” She gave him a keen look. “But what has prompted this change of heart?”
“It is no change of heart,” he protested. “I have to meet her one day, and I know I have made a bad show of things so far. I simply wished for her to know that she is welcome here.”
Lady Lanton nodded. “Mm. Well, if this is what you want, I am proud of you.” Her expression soured. “I cannot imagine Lady Caroline making such a concession. She is too high in the instep to think she might be wrong about something.”
Edward rolled his eyes. “Not this again. Your feud with Peter’s wife is none of my business, Aunt. But how about I have Mrs. Sutton send you an excellent hot toddy to help you sleep? Then you will not have to think about your daughter-in-law for at least ten hours.”
She got to her feet, making a face. “Well, I know when I am not wanted, so I will go.”
