Page 29 of When a Lady Desires a Wicked Lord
“I’ve already thought of that, Lord Marlsbrook.” Was it Benedict’s imagination, or did the man sound even more insolent when he addressed him by his title than when he responded in far cruder terms?
“Have you now?” Benedict asked.
“Mrs. Hannaford is in the kitchen. I’ve asked her to prepare your breakfast.”
Benedict flashed a grin. “What would I ever do without you?”
“I shudder at the very notion,” the man said as he strolled from the room, abandoning Benedict to his thoughts.
…
The office on the Strand that served as the headquarters of the Colton Agency was for all intents and purposes exceedingly ordinary, a plain brick structure, like so many other buildings that housed London’s businesses. As Alex and her sister approached the agency’s headquarters, Alex was struck by the utter drabness of the building. How very ironic that the sophisticated detective service helmed by her brother-in-law was housed in such a bland location. Indeed, it seemed a form of camouflage for the agency. Those who passed by the office’s dull exterior every day had no way of knowing the very unique—and dangerous—nature of the Colton Agency’s investigations.
As the carriage slowed to a stop, Alex marveled at the chain of events that had led Jennie to this place in life. Had it been only two years since Jennie’s daring undercover investigation of a crime lord had led her to fall for the kingpin’s top lieutenant? The former Yardman had been dubbedThe Sinister Inspectorby theHerald. But Jennie had seen through the facade Matthew Colton had erected to the good, courageous man he was. At the time, Alex had been in Cairo, assisting Professor Stockwell with the cataloging of relics from the Valley of the Kings, but she’d returned in the nick of time to witness Jennie and Matthew speak their vows. Shortly after their marriage, Matthew and Jennie established the exclusive detective service at the behest of the Home Secretary. While they handled select cases of a more typical nature, if only to keep up the illusion that they were an ordinary detective service, the majority of their investigations explored matters of particular interest to the Crown.
Currently, the death of Sir Clayton Finch fit that description. A decorated military officer and explorer of the subcontinent, Sir Clayton had been counted among the queen’s favorite acquaintances. His untimely demise had stirred the interest of leaders at the highest levels of government. The Colton Agency had been tasked with determining the true circumstances of his death and ensuring that justice was done.
Earlier that morning, Matthew Colton and another top figure in the organization, MacAlister Campbell, had requested a meeting. Jennie had not gone into detail, but her sister had warned Alex that the men wanted to enlist her services as an agent of the organization.
“Do not allow them to intimidate you,” her sister had warned as they rode in the Colton’s sleek brougham carriage. “You’ve never been in the midst of an investigation. If you wish to decline their proposal, you will have my full support.”
Surprised at the concern in Jennie’s tone, Alex shot her sister a glance beneath her lashes. Did Jennie regard her as a dull bluestocking, content to live a life filled with papyruses and hieroglyphics? Alex had assisted on certain cases in the past. Did Jennie believe Alex would not prove up to this particular task?
She hiked a brow as she lowered her voice. “Am I to understand you do not feel I am capable of going into the field?”
“Of course I believe you are capable,” Jennie answered, perhaps a bit too quickly. “But ability is not the only factor here. I am not entirely comfortable exposing you to a situation that could prove quite dangerous. I couldn’t bear it if something happened to you.”
“Given the risks you’ve taken going undercover for theHerald,I am surprised you would experience such misgivings. I’ve no doubt the dangers I might encounter in an investigation would pale in comparison to the menaces you’ve faced.”
“I suppose it’s different when you’re the observer, worrying over a loved one who might be putting herself in harm’s way,” Jennie explained.
“Indeed,” Alex agreed. “I cannot tell you how many nights Mother lost sleep over your exploits.”
At that, Jennie merely smiled and dismissed their mother’s concerns, but Alex knew better. Her sister had stared down a variety of threats through the course of her inquiries. When she’d first met Matthew, she had been immersed in an investigation fraught with danger. But they’d come through the ordeal, finding an enduring love in the process.
“Rest assured, I shall carefully evaluate whatever proposal Matthew offers.” Even as she spoke, Alex grew more eager to take on whatever challenge he might have in mind. She was not a stuffy academic. She was a Quinn, after all.
Upon entering the offices, they were greeted by the agency’s secretary, Miss Ada Everett. While new to the position, Miss Everett had quickly become a valued member of the organization.
Matthew Colton greeted her with considerably more warmth than he’d demonstrated in Benedict’s presence. Of course, his simmering hostility to Benedict was not surprising. She’d no doubt Jennie had shared the details of Alex’s youthful heartbreak.
MacAlister Campbell stood beside an elaborately carved desk. Tall and broad shouldered, his dark hair sprinkled with gray, Campbell was an attractive man, despite the sadness in his eyes that lent a perpetually somber appearance.
“I am sure that by now, Jennie has explained that we’d like to bring you aboard as an operative of this agency. Do you have any thoughts on the prospect of entering Her Majesty’s service?” Matthew was direct.
“I’d never considered such an endeavor, but I am willing to do my part.”
He gave a thoughtful nod as Campbell placed a valise on the desk. “We were hoping you’d say that. We believe your unique knowledge will prove to be useful to an investigation of great importance to Her Majesty.”
“Miss Quinn, we understand that Lord Marlsbrook intervened when Rooney attacked you in your residence. What else do you know of Marlsbrook’s recent return to London?” Campbell asked.
“Very little, really. He explained his presence in the city last night—Marlsbrook left Egypt because he had reason to believe Rooney would come after me.”
“Did he explain how he came upon that information?” Campbell pressed.
“Our mentor, Professor Stockwell, confided his concerns to Benedict…to Lord Marlsbrook.”
Matthew Colton paced the room restlessly. “Do you believe him?”
