Page 21 of A Deal with her Forbidden Duke
“I have shown him to a side room so you may speak privately.”
As he made to leave, he met the eyes of Lady Kinsfeld, only to see her quickly look away.
Alexander followed the footman to a room beyond the ballroom, finding one of his younger employees, a running boy whom he sent across the city to keep eyes where he could not.
The boy was barely fourteen, and his wide, fearful eyes made him appear younger. Behind Alexander, the footman left.
“What did you find out?”
“Word around is that your man owes money to some thug,” the boy told him, his eyes flickering around worriedly, as if waiting to be called out for his presence at the ball. No matter. He was under Alexander’s protection. “A real low-life dealer type. Not a smile and words type, either, Your Grace.”
“Where can I find him?” Alexander demanded.
The boy coughed. “He has a bit of a rundown establishment on the corner of Highhope Street. Some dicey-looking pub called the Horseshoe Pass.”
“Good. Thank you. See me tomorrow at the Raven’s Den for your payment.”
“Thank you, Your Grace. I’m always happy to be of service.”
Without another word, the boy scurried off. Alexander was honest; he would have the money ready for him. He needed to return to the ballroom, but as soon as he could, he would leave to find the pub.
As soon as he returned, he was waylaid by Lord Banbury, a young man who had recently taken over his father’s land and was still growing accustomed to his new inheritance. Alexander knew him well from the Raven’s Den—a more honest sort of patron.
“Your Grace, will you be dancing tonight?”
Alexander snorted. “No.”
“You are one and thirty, Your Grace. Surely you cannot remain alone forever. There are plenty of eligible women here tonight, all undoubtedly eager.”
“Lord Banbury, I have seen the way you look at the ladies here. I shall dance when you finally pluck up the carriage to ask Lady Anna for a dance. She is newly debuted, is she not?”
He raised a brow at the lord, a challenge, even as the man blushed.
“Lady Anna’s father is a tough man to impress.”
“And you have plenty of land to impress with,” Alexander told him. “Plenty of inheritance. Your title carries you. Hold it with pride, Lord Banbury.”
“As I said, perhaps we might venture into such a world together.”
“I have no interest in such things.”
His voice was firm, shutting down the conversation. His mind was on a nondescript street in London, and he knew he could not delay himself any longer. “Excuse me.”
He bid his farewells and paused, catching Lady Kinsfeld’s gaze once more before he left for the exit.
Chapter Eight
“Excuse me,” Madeleine said to the lady she had been speaking with.
Tessa and Colin were on the dance floor, smiling in one another’s arms, and part of Madeleine could not bear to see it, as happy as she was for their love.
Her focus was now on Alexander, and the look he had given her moments before he disappeared out of the ballroom, trailing a young boy in plain clothes.
She was reeled right into following him. Surely, this could be a sign he was learning more about her husband’s disappearance.
“Lady Morgan,” she said, approaching her host. “Your ball is most lovely. I must depart now, but thank you for inviting me.”
“Of course, Lady Kinsfeld. And I do hope Lord Kinsfeld is able to accompany you next time.”
