Page 31 of A Scandalous Proposition
‘Have you had any further thoughts about Reynolds. That is why I risked coming back here that night instead of telling Adam who I was. I still think Reynolds might have caught sight of Lord Madison’s carriage.’
‘Don’t get worked up. I have spoken to Lord Madison and he’s confident that he wasn’t seen.’
‘Perhaps not, but it doesn’t alter the fact that we are having increased difficulties finding employment for the poor souls we do manage to rescue. Looking further afield to place them is bound to draw unwanted attention towards us.’
‘Then I suppose we must—’ Christine’s words were interrupted by a knock at the door. ‘Enter.’
A maid materialised. ‘Lord Fitzroy is here to see you, ma’am.’
Florentina started. ‘Oh botheration, what shall we do? He can’t find me here again.’
‘Go down the back stairs and hide in the kitchens with your brother and sister until Adam’s gone. I have asked Ramon to put a fresh hamper in the gig but it won’t be safe to deliver it until Adam’s clear of the district.’
‘All right.’ Florentina slipped out the side door. ‘Let me know when he’s gone. We will continue with this conversation when I call tomorrow.’
*
Adam encountered Doctor Marshall when he called at the Court to attend James. He couldn’t extract a definite opinion from him in respect of James’s ability to father a child. The man was clearly too conscious of his position as physician to a duke, and the cachet it afforded him, to be drawn on such a delicate subject. Adam, who had always considered Marshall a pompous ass, was not surprised by his prevarications but even so, his unwillingness to commit himself didn’t put Adam in the best frame of mind.
Adam encouraged Rochester into a flat-out gallop as he made his way to Chamberleigh, hoping the exercise would blow away his curmudgeonly mood. His stratagem was partially successful and he entered Christine’s sitting room feeling a little more in control.
‘Adam, what a pleasant surprise.’ Christine greeted him with her customary poise. ‘Have you had luncheon?’
‘Thank you, yes.’ He seated himself opposite her. ‘I won’t take up much of your time. I have called to ask your opinion upon a delicate matter.’
‘That sounds intriguing.’
‘It concerns my brother. Does he still frequent this establishment?’
Christine’s smile was ripe with understanding. ‘Right up until the day of Julia’s death he was a regular. And it wasn’t long after she was laid to rest before we saw him again. As you know, he has somewhat unorthodox?’
‘Indeed.’ Adam had no interest in his brother’s perverse proclivities. ‘But, can you tell me, was anything altered about him after Julia’s passing? Anything that would affect his reason for being here.’
‘Not after, no.’
Adam had difficulty hiding his disappointment. ‘Ah well, there can be no doubt then.’
‘But you haven’t asked me about before her demise.’
Adam sat up straighter. ‘You mean, he lost the ability to?’
‘Yes, a good six months before Julia died. He’d had a heavy bout of influenza and never recovered the necessary momentum.’
‘And yet he still continued to call here.’
‘Oh yes, he never gave up hope. Two of my most skilled ladies took to helping him and sometimes he managed it but…’ Christine paused and looked him straight in the eye. ‘It’s my considered opinion that he would have been quite unequal to the task of ravishing a young lady, especially when foxed, if that is what you are asking me.’
‘As always, Christine, you have anticipated me.’
‘I didn’t think it would take you long to ask.’ Christine canted her head and looked at him askance. ‘What shall you do about it?’
Adam grimaced. ‘That is something I have yet to decide.’ He stood and paced the room, hands clasped behind his back. ‘There is however something that I would very much like to know. If James isn’t the father of the child, who the devil is?’
‘I thought you might say that.’ Christine’s expression turned sombre. ‘And I have some information that might be of use. Nothing definite. Just rumour and speculation, you understand.’
‘Anything will be helpful. As you know, I appreciate the importance of discretion.’
She stood and walked to the window, staring at the view with her back to him. ‘I hear a lot about what’s happening in local society but know better than to repeat anything. I wouldn’t remain in business for long if I possessed a loose tongue.’
