Page 71 of A Bride for the Beastly Duke
“Al-all right,” Ava agreed meekly.
Edward was impressed at how prepared the family was to receive the Marquess, who turned up right on time with his aunt. Martha immediately took charge of the Dowager Viscountess, making sure she was well supplied with brandy-laced tea and a variety of finger sandwiches.
Margaret was dizzy with excitement, doing her best to keep the Marquess’ attention. Edward noted how he treated her like an interesting puppy but nothing more. He exchanged loaded glances with Ava. She had absolutely been correct. The Marquess had no interest in her sister.
So, what does he want?
Finally, there was an opening in the conversation, and Edward jumped in.
“My Lord, Lady Margaret tells me you have a home in Spain where you have been staying. What brings you to England?”
He smiled enigmatically. “I had some business to attend to.”
“Is that so? In what areas? Perhaps I can help.”
“Actually, I do think you would be very helpful,” Pemberton said, much to Edward’s surprise.
“Is that so?”
“Yes. In fact, I think we might have some things to discuss.”
“No time like the present. Why don’t you and His Grace retire to his study for a while?” Ava cut in with a smile.
Edward tensed, watching the other man. To his further surprise, Pemberton simply put down his cup of tea. “That is a good idea.”
Edward rose to his feet. “Well, all right then, shall we?” he gestured toward the door.
Without protest, the Marquess walked out of the room. Edward exchanged a wide-eyed glance with Ava before following him.
The Marquess seemed to know where he was going and hardly stopped to confirm the direction but made a beeline for the study. Edward followed, shutting the door behind him without taking his eyes off Pemberton.
The other man folded his arms. “Well, well, well, alone at last.” He grinned at Edward. “There really was no need for all the machinations.”
Edward blinked at him. “What do you mean by that?”
“I mean, I would have been happy to speak with you. All you had to do was ask.”
“All right.” Edward walked to his desk and picked up the file containing Pemberton’s likeness. He handed it to the other man. “Can you tell me who drew this and why?”
The Marquess took the picture and looked at it. His face softened, and he smiled, much to Edward’s bemusement. Pemberton huffed in amusement. “I believe your steward drew this. Did you show it to him?”
“My steward?”
“Marcus. He is a talented artist. I remember that he liked to draw when he was idle.”
“You were in my brother’s regiment.”
Pemberton took a deep breath. “Not as such. I was seconded there for a… job.”
“And why did my brother keep a picture of you?”
Pemberton looked up, eyebrow quirked. “Haven’t you guessed yet?” He took a step closer. “I am John Winchester.”
Edward’s heart almost stopped. “What?”
Pemberton spread his hands out as if to say, ‘Here I am’ as Edward frantically tried to put these different threads together. “You areJohn Winchester? The one the government is searching for? The man who told me that the government murdered my brother?”
“In the flesh.”
