"I took a stroll in the garden."

"Oh? Were you admiring the flowers?" Miles's eyes danced with mischief. "Or were you perhaps partaking of nature's delights in some other… oh, shall we say, lusty way?"

"Neither. I simply took myself off in search of some peace and quiet."

"And was your search successful?"

An image of Miss Matthews flashed in his mind. "I'm afraid not. Why were you looking for me?"

The teasing gleam lighting Miles's eyes grew more pronounced. "To give you a piece of my mind. What sort of friend are you, deserting me in such a manner? You hardly ever attend parties and suffer your portion of the wedding-minded virgins who pursue us, and even when the ball is in your own home, you're nowhere to be found. Lady Digby and her numerous daughters trapped me behind a potted palm. Thanks to your departure, she foisted the chits on me. They're all cabbage-headed nincompoops and horrid dancers as well. My poor abused toes will never be the same."

With a perfectly straight face, Miles went on, "Of course that group you summoned me away from just now appeared much more promising. The ladies were all but hanging on my every word. Do you see the pearls of wisdom dripping from my lips?"

Austin regarded him over the rim of his snifter. "I cannot fathom why you find the false adoration of brainless twits so diverting. Don't you ever grow tired of it?"

"Of course. You know how I utterly detest it when beautiful, nubile females with ripe, lush curves throw themselves at me. I shudder with horror every time." Miles was about to sip his brandy, but his hand arrested halfway to his lips. "I say, Austin. Are you all right? You look, well, rather peaked."

"Thank you, Miles. Your kind words never fail to warm my heart." He took a long swallow of brandy, searching for the right words. "To answer your question, I'm a bit unsettled. Something has happened and I need a favor."

The humor instantly vanished from Miles's eyes. "You know you have only to ask."

A pent-up breath he hadn't realized he held escaped Austin. Of course he could count on Miles, just as he'd always been able to. The fact that he kept secrets from this man who'd been his closest friend since childhood filled him with guilt. It's for his own good and protection that he not know the circumstances surrounding William's war activities. "I need some discreet inquiries made."

Interest kindled in Miles's intelligent ebony eyes. "Regarding what?"

"A certain young woman."

"Ah. I see. Looking to hang yourself in the matrimonial noose?" Before Austin could correct him, Miles plunged on. "Can't say I envy you. There's not a woman alive I'd care to see across the dinner table every day. The very words Till death do you part send chills of horror down my spine. But I suppose you must do your duty to the title and you're not getting any younger. I thank God every day my cousin Gerald can inherit the earldom from me. Of course, Robert can inherit the dukedom, but we both know your younger brother wants the title as much as he'd relish the pox. In fact-"

"Miles." The single brusque syllable halted the flow of words.

"Yes?"

"Not that sort of young lady."

A knowing grin touched Miles's lips. "Aha. Say no more. You need information regarding someone who is… less than suitable. I understand." He tossed a broad wink at Austin. "Those are the most fun."

Frustration welled up and Austin fought to keep his temper in check. "The young lady I wish to know about is a Miss Elizabeth Matthews."

Miles's brows rose. "Lady Penbroke's American niece?"

Austin schooled his features into a blandness he did not feel. "You've met her?"

"On several occasions. Unlike some unsociable sorts we know, I attended dozens of balls this Season-balls Lady Penbroke and Miss Matthews attended. In fact, Miss Matthews is here this evening. Do you wish me to introduce you?"

"We met, earlier, in the garden."

"I see." Although a dozen questions clearly flashed in Miles's eyes, he merely asked "What do you want to know about her?"

Everything. "As you've met her, tell me your impressions."

Miles took his time before answering, settling himself in an overstuffed wing chair by the fireplace, then swirling his brandy in his snifter with a leisure that had Austin gritting his teeth with impatience.

"I think," Miles finally said, "that she is a fine young woman, intelligent, with a clever wit. Unfortunately, she's somewhat awkward in social situations, tongue-tied and shy one moment, outspoken the next. In truth I thought her rather a breath of fresh air, but based on the gossip I hear, I possibly stand alone in that opinion."

"What gossip? Anything scandalous?"

Miles waved his hand in dismissal. "No, nothing of that sort. Indeed I don't see how the woman could find herself caught in a scandal when nearly everyone shuns her."

An image of a disheveled, smiling woman flashed in Austin's mind. "Why is she shunned?"

Miles shrugged. "Who can say how these things start? The women twitter behind their fans at her awkwardness on the dance floor and her lack of conversation. Several branded her a bluestocking after she engaged a group of lords in a discussion regarding the benefits of herbal healing. The instant one person labels her unacceptable, the rest follow."

"Doesn't Lady Penbroke lend her niece support?"

"I haven't paid particular attention, but no doubt the worst snubs are conducted away from the countess's sharp eyes. But even her formidable support cannot singlehandedly ensure gaining the ton's favor."

"Do you know how long she's been in England?"

Miles stroked his chin. "I believe she arrived soon after Boxing Day, so she'd be here about six months."

"I'd like you to find out exactly when she arrived and on what ship. I also want to know if this is her first trip to England."

"Why don't you simply ask her?"

"I did. She claims she arrived six months ago and that this is her first visit here."

Miles's eyes sharpened with interest. "And you don't believe her? May I ask why?"

Forcing nonchalance into his voice, Austin said "It's possible she may have been acquainted with William. I want to know for certain. If she was, I want to know how, when, and where they met."

"Again, why don't you simply ask her?"

Austin suppressed the urge to rake his hands through his hair in frustration. "I cannot say until I know more. I also want to know about her past. Why she left America. Her financial situation. Her family status. Anything you can find."

"Perhaps you should hire a Bow Street Runner. They-"

"No." The razor-sharp word sliced off Miles's suggestion. He'd already engaged a Runner a fortnight ago to locate the Frenchman named Gaspard-the man he'd seen with William that last time… the man Austin suspected knew something about the letter now locked in his desk. He had no wish to involve Bow Street in this matter. "I need complete discretion from someone I trust. Now, will you make the necessary inquiries? You'll most likely need to travel to London."

Miles studied him for several long seconds. "This is important to you."

An image of William rose in his mind. "Yes."

A silent look passed between them, a look born of years of friendship. "I'll leave in the morning," Miles said. "In the meantime, I'll begin investigating immediately by feeling out some of the party guests about the lady in question."

"An excellent idea. Needless to say, I want any and all information as soon as possible."

"Understood." Miles finished his brandy and stood. "I suppose you know that Miss Matthews and Lady Penbroke are staying here for the next several weeks as your mother's guests."

"Yes. By sending you to London, I am able to remain here and keep my eye on Miss Matthews."

Miles quirked a brow. "Is that what you intend to keep on her? Only your eye?"

Austin chilled his already frosty expression to a narrow-eyed iciness. "Are you quite finished?"

Miles wisely took note of the suddenly arctic air. "Very finished." His expression sobered and he placed a comforting hand on Austin's shoulder. "Don't worry, my friend. Between the two of us, we'll find out everything there is to know about Miss Elizabeth Matthews."

After the door closed behind Miles, Austin slipped a silver key from his waistcoat pocket and unlocked the bottom drawer of his desk. He withdrew the letter he'd received two weeks ago and reread the words that were already burned in his brain.

Your brother William was a traitor to England. I have the proof, signed by his own hand. I will remain silent, but it will cost you. You will go to London by July first. You will receive further instructions there.

Chapter 3

Just before dawn the next morning, Elizabeth tiptoed from her room carrying her knapsack.