Page 73 of The Trouble with Tigers
“Oh?” A little thrill shot through her at the thought of Caden and Collin being city friends. Unable to contain her excitement, she sent Zeke a brilliant smile. “My lord, your brother knew Collin.”
He paid her no notice. His assessing gaze was fixed on Caden.
She returned her attention to Caden. “Where did you meet in London? In one of the infamous gentlemen’s clubs? Or perhaps you met at a ball during the season?”
Caden blew out a breath. “I can’t say for certain. Sorry, love. But I do remember he was a…well-liked chap, wasn’t he? I have a vague recollection of him going about with a rather large following.”
Kitty smiled fondly. “Collin always could make friends easily. I used to hate it when he went to town, mostly because he never took me. Now I understand, of course. I was far too young to accompany him.”
“Very wise of your brother, dear. And your grandfather, the baron, God rest his soul,” the earl said.
A short while later, the footmen removed the last of the dinner plates.
“Shall we leave the men to their brandy, dear? Let’s away to the library. I need to find a book,” Lady Lillian said.
Kitty rose and accompanied Lillian from the room.
Zeke watched her leave. He waited for the ladies’ footsteps to recede then turned to Caden. “Interesting you knew her brother. What aren't you saying?”
Chapter Seventeen
Zeke smoothed the white table cloth before him, striving for patience with Caden's obvious reluctance to talk. "You know something unsavory about Collin Hastings, do you not?"
Caden scratched the side of his nose. “I’m not even sure I’m thinking of the correct man.”
“This ought to be good,” Randall murmured before scratching a match on the heel of his boot. The faint scent of sulfur tinged the air as he cupped the flame and held it to the tip of a cheroot. “Care for a smoke, anyone?”
“Not for me. Makes me snore,” the earl said.
“Love one.” Caden extended his open hand.
If Zeke hadn’t been convinced Caden was hiding something before, he was now. His brother detested the taste of tobacco.
He drummed his fingers on the table. Waited 'til Caden had his cigar lit and was puffing away. “Out with it,” he barked.
Caden coughed.
The earl glanced from one brother to the other. “Out with what?”
Caden’s eyes widened. “I haven’t the vaguest notion.”
Zeke motioned to the footman distributing the last of the brandy-filled snifters ‘round the table. “Leave us and close the door behind you.”
He brought his snifter to his nose and inhaled deeply of the strong liquor. He took a large swallow. Felt the liquid burn its way down. Then fixed Caden with a steely-eyed stare. “Tell me about Hastings.”
“Something told me not to miss this family reunion,” Randall drawled.
Zeke sent Randall a quelling look.
The earl spoke up, his quiet voice, but carrying the weight of unmistakable authority. “Caden, do you know something about Kitty’s brother’s death?”
Caden drew back, appalled. “Good God, no, my lord. Nothing like that.”
“But you do know something.” Zeke was trying very hard not to lose his temper.
“For pity's sake. I spoke without thinking. If you must know I kept mum for Lady Kitty’s sake, and because I know it’s”—Caden drew a finger under his cravat— “kind of a sore subject for you.”
“Go on,” Zeke said.
