“Can I ask what you believe your brother is actually doing, Miss Redfern? The man I knew was honorable and intelligent. I can’t see he has changed overmuch.”
This was the part she dreaded. Telling this man who had once been Jackson’s friend what her brother had succumbed to.
“Miss Redfern?”
“I have deduced with what limited information I have thus far that my brother has very possibly fallen for the charms of a woman who has lured him into her gambling establishment, where he is now spending our money.”
“You’ve deduced this by eliminating the places you frequented and speaking to people, one presumes? As surely your brother did not tell you these things if, as you say, he is doing what you suggest.”
“There is no if about it, Mr. Haddon. I have narrowed it down to just two places, but am leaning heavily toward one in particular.”
“Please don’t tell me you entered other establishments like Bastil’s? I fear my heart won’t take the shock.”
“My footman has been helping me and has entered the other premises, as I have realized that in this at least you are right. I should not frequent another establishment such as Bastil’s.”
“I am relieved,” he drawled. “This is the same footman who has been teaching you things?”
She nodded.
“So there is just you and your aunt under Jackson’s protection?”
“Yes. Thus far I have managed to keep most things from her, but that will not last much longer.”
“Devilishly nosey people, aunts.”
She had the feeling he was making fun of her, but as his face was solemn, Ivy couldn’t be entirely certain. Jackson had said he had a wicked sense of humor.
“Well? Will you help me find my brother, Mr. Haddon?”
“I will help you, Miss Redfern. But I must have all the facts and also be made aware of the locations you are traveling to. I will not have your demise at the hands of some scoundrel on my conscience.”
“I am an adult, Mr. Haddon, and have no need of you watching over me. It is Jackson only that must be your main focus.”
“Miss Redfern.” He moved closer still, and it took all of Ivy’s control not to scurry backward. “In this I’m afraid I will not be flexible. You agree to my terms, or I shall be unable to help you.”
Looking at the large nobleman, Ivy wondered in fact if she hadn’t just made a grave error of judgement soliciting his help. He was not a man she would be able to control.
Chapter Three
He wasn’t sure why he’d agreed. Maybe it was because now that he was closer to her, he could see her desperation. Her shiver had him taking her arm.
“Come, you are freezing and have been out here too long. We shall return to the concert, God save us all.”
“I will play a part in finding my brother, Mr. Haddon.”
“Of course, but you will no longer be playing it alone.” Rory bundled her back inside out of the icy December wind.
She shook off his fingers and faced him. Someone had lit a lamp up here, believing perhaps a few hardy guests would make the trek up to view London by night. He could see her clearly now. Her eyes were light; blue, he thought, or perhaps even gray. Her features were more delicate than pointed, he had to now concede. Small nose, heart-shaped mouth, and pink cheeks. Her hair was pulled back in a bun, and she wore a blue velvet band on her head.
“Good Lord, your lips are turning blue.” Rory took off his jacket.
“Wh-what are you doing, sir?”
“Warming you up before you faint.”
“I have never fainted in my life!” She looked horrified.
“There is always a first time for most things.” He dropped the jacket around her shoulders.
“I can’t wear your jacket,” she said, pulling the edges closer together and huddling into it. “It’s really not done.”
“I will take it from you before we return to the other guests. Now, tomorrow I will call upon you and we will talk. You shall tell me what you know, and I will start from there.”
“Oh.” She blinked several times. “I-I cannot thank you enough, Mr. Haddon. Really, you were my last hope.”
“I doubt that, Miss Redfern. Something tells me you are a resourceful woman.” He took her arm again, urging her toward the stairs.
He’d thought she’d be one of those ladies who chattered when they were nervous, but she simply walked quietly down the stairs clutching his jacket close. When they reached the bottom, he opened the door and nudged her through. Once there she removed the jacket and handed it to him.
“There are a few more floors yet.”
“But someone may see us. Not everyone will be watching the concert. There will be those who have… ah, other things on their minds.”
“Why, whatever do you mean, Miss Redfern?” He shrugged back into his jacket.
“Well… I mean to say that some guests may wish to wander.”
“That was an extremely vague description when what you really wanted to say was that they are seeking secluded places for secret rendezvous.” There was just something about this woman that made him want to tease her. She was wrapped up tighter than a Christmas parcel, and he doubted she unraveled often.
“I’m sure it’s not appropriate to speak to me that way.”
“Just as it’s not appropriate for you to go into brothels and gaming hells, do you mean?”
She sighed. “Jackson said you were devilishly tricky with words and have a sharp intellect.”
“I try.”
“So do I.”
“Excellent, then we shall battle wits and intellect often.”
“Intellect, but rarely wit, I’m afraid, Mr. Haddon.”
They walked down the wide staircase together. It was grand on every scale, from the plush carpets to huge gilt-framed pictures high on the walls.
“You have no wit, Miss Redfern?” He looked at her profile, saw the length of her lashes and determined tip of her chin. She wasn’t mousy, and yet he’d thought her that way because she did not make a statement as others did, but kept to the sidelines. What she actually was, was sweet.
“Very little, I’m afraid. It was a constant source of annoyance for Jackson.”
He laughed, the sound bouncing off the walls around them.
“You have a dry wit, Miss Redfern, vastly different from the non-dry variety, I assure you.”
“Jackson said I used to make him laugh without realizing I was being funny.” She looked sad suddenly.
“We will find your brother, Miss Redfern. Have heart.”
She turned to look up at him, and that look made something happen inside his chest. A tightness he couldn’t explain. She then took another step. He grabbed her upper arm in case she tumbled. “If I may suggest you look where you are going, as we are on a staircase.”
“Yes, another failing, I’m afraid.”
“Not looking where you are going?”
“Clumsiness.” She peeled down the sleeve of her glove, and he saw a bandage. “I walked into the sideboard this morning.”
“Not pleasant, I should imagine.”
“No, but usually not a day goes by when I do not connect with some piece of furniture.”