"I know you arrived together. I didn't realize you two were friends."

"We're not. However, I've learned that it's useful to remain close to those you are suspicious of."

"Why are you suspicious of Haverly?"

"I simply added one plus one and arrived at two. It was his snuffbox you found beneath the window at Daltry's party. Less than twenty-four hours later, Lady Daltry was discovered robbed and murdered. Which makes me believe the snuffbox, and therefore its owner, could somehow be involved in your investigation. Unfortunately, I didn't learn anything of interest from Haverly, but I intend to keep at it."

"While I appreciate your efforts, I prefer not to involve outsiders in my work. Especially as it could be dangerous."

Jennsen nodded. "Understood. And a very noble sentiment. But you are going to have to set it aside in this case, as I'm not letting go of this. In fact, what I've come to tell you is that I spent the morning in a meeting with Lords Surbrooke and Langston. As you can imagine, both are very concerned for their wives' safety, as well as Lady Julianne's. The three of us are therefore offering our services to you."

"Thank you, but-"

"You might as well accept it, Mayne, because you're not going to deter us. Certainly not Surbrooke or Langston, who are like rabid dogs when it comes to any thought of their wives being endangered, especially as they both suffered through dangerous situations in the past several months. Therefore, we've determined that we shall be three extra sets of eyes and ears in the ton for you. Fists, knives, and pistols as well, if needed. That being the case, it would be helpful to know if there's anyone in particular we should be watching. Aside from Haverly."

Gideon kept his gaze steady on Jennsen. He knew very little about this man. Certainly not enough to completely trust him. Especially since Jennsen had visited the house the day of the evening Lady Julianne was attacked. Yet his instincts told him Jennsen wasn't the man he sought. Still, if Jennsen were the guilty party, it couldn't hurt for Gideon to lead him to believe his suspicions lay elsewhere.

As for Langston and Surbrooke, he didn't know them well either, although he couldn't deny there was something to be said for men who clearly loved their wives as much as those two did. And Surbrooke especially had proven himself more than capable during the murder investigation two months ago during which his wife had nearly lost her life.

Except when directed to by his superiors, Gideon preferred to work alone. What about Henry?his inner voice asked. You often rely on him for help. True. But Henry was a trusted informant he'd known for years. Still, having a few members of the ton on his side could prove useful. And bloody hell, he'd do anything, anything, to keep Julianne safe.

"Three extra sets of eyes and ears might be helpful," he admitted.

Jennsen nodded. "Good. Now, who should we concentrate them on?"

"I'm currently looking at everyone who was in or entered this house the day before yesterday."

Jennsen's expression didn't change. "I was in the house then."

"Yes, I know."

"So I'm a suspect." A statement rather than a question.

Based on him being at the house that day, he was. But Gideon couldn't dismiss his instincts that insisted Jennsen wasn't involved. "I'm satisfied you're not the man I'm looking for."

Jennsen flashed a grin. "Although you don't sound as certain about that as I'd like, I'm delighted to hear it."

"There are others, however, who have not yet been cleared to my satisfaction. Some who I expect will be at the duke's party tonight. Therefore, in addition to Haverly, if you, Langston, or Surbrooke were to observe Lords Penniwick, Beechmore, Walston, or the duke himself saying or doing anything suspicious, I would like to know."

"Interesting group," Jennsen murmured. "Consider it done. I'll see you this evening."

Jennsen took his leave, and Gideon headed toward the kitchen for something to eat, passing by the dining room on his way. He observed through the open door that Julianne and her mother were still inside, and he continued on. He enjoyed a bowl of hearty stew, then made his rounds through the house, rechecking all the windows. Afterward he headed outdoors and walked the perimeter of the house and grounds. The day was sunny, with the barest hint of chill in the air. And nothing seemed amiss at the Gatesbourne mansion.

After he completed his rounds outside, Winslow opened the double oak doors for Gideon, and he paused just inside the threshold. The duke stood in the foyer, removing his gloves. He barely spared Gideon a look, then jerked his gaze back. And narrowed his icy blue eyes. "What are you doing here, Mayne?"

Recalling Lord Gatesbourne's directive that the duke not know about the attack on Julianne, and not wishing to do anything that would cause Julianne's father to dismiss him, Gideon answered, "What I've been doing all along: investigating the murders and robberies."

"Here?"

"It is necessary that I interview everyone who knew the victims. What brings you here?"

The duke's gaze chilled. "That's hardly your concern."

"I disagree. Until this criminal is caught, everything is my concern."

His Grace slapped his gloves into Winslow's hands. "I'm here to call upon Lady Julianne."

"I see. Before you meet with her, I have a few questions I'd like to ask you."

"I don't see why. I've already answered your questions and told you everything I know."

"These questions are regarding your deceased wife."

The duke stared at him for a full ten seconds before replying. Then he turned to Winslow. "Mayne and I would like to converse in private. May we make use of the library?"

"Of course, Your Grace." Winslow escorted them down the corridor.

After being shown into the library, the duke said to the butler, "After Mr. Mayne leaves, I'd like to see Lady Julianne."

"Yes, Your Grace."

As soon as Winslow withdrew and closed the door, the duke turned to him. "I can't imagine what you would want to ask about my dead wife."

No, but you're apparently curious enough to find out and make sure we had privacy when the questions came. "Let me first say I am sorry for your loss." When the duke's only reply was a frosty glare, Gideon continued, "I understand Her Grace committed suicide."

"Yes."

"She was distraught over miscarrying a child."

"Yes. Unless you can explain why questions about her death are necessary, I refuse to listen to any more of this." He started toward the door.

"I've received reports of rumors she didn't die by her own hand."

The duke stopped as if he'd walked into a wall. He slowly turned. The gaze he leveled on Gideon was the coldest he'd ever seen. "And I suppose it is your duty as a Runner to dig up those filthy, untrue rumors?"

Gideon's gaze didn't waver. "It's been my experience³n me f that rumors oftentimes are true, or at least partially true."

"Clearly you've been listening to the whispers of disgruntled servants who were dismissed after my wife's death. Not the best source for the truth." His gaze drilled into Gideon. "You think I killed my wife?"

"Did you?"

"Let me ask you a question, Mayne. My wife was young, desirable, and beautiful. What possible reason could I have for killing her?"

"That is indeed a very interesting question. Here's another one: Why would a woman with a deep fear of firearms choose to end her life with a pistol?"

There was no mistaking the anguish that flickered in the duke's gaze. For several seconds he looked like an empty shell. A man who'd lost everything. A man who'd deeply loved his wife. Certainly not the expression of a man who would have killed her. Then his face hardened, and he looked Gideon over as if he were something he'd scraped off the bottom of his expensive boots. "I don't know. And I'll thank you to never mention this painful subject to me again. As there is nothing more to say on the matter…" He finished crossing the room and opened the door. "On your way out let Winslow know I'm ready to see Lady Julianne."

"Very well." Gideon quit the room then returned to the foyer, where he delivered the message to Winslow. As soon as the butler headed toward the dining room, Gideon strode down the corridor and entered the sitting room next to the library. He positioned himself near the adjoining door, which remained ajar.

And waited.

Chapter 19

Julianne stared at the duke, his words tolling through her mind like a death knell. Did she look as horrified as she felt? She could only thank God she was already seated, because his statement left her shaking.