The Heart of a Hellion Read online

  “Too long, indeed,” Gillingham agreed. Then his dark gaze flitted between them. “But I’m wondering when you’ll tell me the official business you’ve called about.”

  Both of Derrick’s brows lifted. “You think we’re here on military business?”

  “No.” Gillingham sipped his tea before he continued. “Both of you left all that after your injuries. The Bow Street Runners for you, Huntington, but not for long. And about six months ago, you and Barber started your own, more private investigative service.”

  Derrick stared at him for a long moment, keeping any reaction from his face. “You know a great deal.”

  “I kept up on my comrades,” Gillingham said softly. “Especially those injured the same day I was. I didn’t want to leave anyone behind.”

  “It’s how you ended up hiring Evans,” Barber said.

  Gillingham nodded. “Yes. But you two were making your way just fine without my interference. Still, I admire your ingenuity. Both of you are fine minds, and with the connections to your grandfather, Huntington, I assume you are getting cases from the upper class. People who need discretion.”

  “Yes,” Derrick admitted, but added nothing else.

  His silence seemed to amuse Gillingham, and he smiled slightly. “Then I have to assume that since you’re both here, you are in the midst of a case already. I don’t know how in the world I could help, but I’ll try if that’s what you need.”

  Derrick exchanged a quick glance with Barber and the other man gave a slight nod. The time had come to ask their favor, and given that Gillingham was, himself, an intelligent man with his own ability to investigate, there was no use dancing around the subject.

  He drew a long, deep breath and said, “Have you heard of the Faceless Fox?”

  Derrick watched as Gillingham flexed his hands in his lap as he said, “The jewel thief.”

  “The very one,” Barber said with a smile. “Though some of what you read in the papers is exaggerated.”

  “A puff of smoke who curls into the best of Society and steals the finest jewels, all while never being seen? One that the ladies wax romantic about?” Gillingham tilted his head with a smile. “Some of that is exaggerated? You don’t say.”

  Barber laughed, but Derrick didn’t. It was important to stay focused now. “He’s been wreaking havoc across London for a year, officially. Though I think he’s likely been at it far longer, it’s only now that the papers have linked the more recent robberies.”

  “He leaves a card behind, doesn’t he?” Gillingham asked. “A drawing of a fox?”

  “Taunting us,” Derrick agreed with a frown.

  “Taunting you, not the guard?”

  “The guard is officially investigating, of course,” Barber said. “But the matter is…sensitive, as you might well imagine. Some of the titled gentry are not interested in talking to someone who isn’t of their rank.” He arched a brow. “Or their skin color.”

  “Because they’re spoiled dolts,” Derrick interrupted with a frown toward his friend. “As if the fact that my grandfather is an earl is any indication of my intelligence or ability to solve a crime. You’re far more quick-minded than I am.”

  “Well, you trade in what they want regardless,” Gillingham shrugged. “No harm in that. So you were contacted by one of the victims?”

  “Two, actually,” Derrick admitted. “They want their jewels back and they’re willing to work together to find them. Barber and I have been investigating.”

  “I hate to break it to you, gentlemen, but I am not the Faceless Fox,” Gillingham said with a chuckle.

  “That’s a relief, or the question I’m about to ask you would have been awkward, indeed,” Derrick said. He leaned forward, draping his elbows over his knees and holding his old friend’s gaze evenly. “The Duke of Roseford is your brother, isn’t he?”

  “Half-brother,” Gillingham said, and his smile faded.

  “And he’s having a fete at his country home in about a week?” Derrick pressed. When Gillingham nodded, he continued, “Barber has found some evidence that the Fox might be trying to make his way into that party. There will be several important people in attendance. Several tempting jewels being worn by a handful of potential victims.”

  “You want me to try to get Robert to…to stop the party?” Gillingham asked.

  “No,” Derrick said. “I was hoping you could obtain an invitation for us.”

  Gillingham blinked, and for a moment Derrick felt the sting of his position. Grandson of an earl or no, he had been out of that world for years, and had never fully belonged there to begin with. If his friend was trying to find a nice way to tell him there was no possibility he’d be invited to a duke’s soiree, this was going to be uncomfortable, indeed.

  But instead, Gillingham pushed to his feet and made his way slowly to the window. He stared out over the garden, stretching his back and then turned back. “I have no doubt that my brother would gladly extend an invitation to you if I ask. But he’ll have questions. He’ll want to know why I’m asking this favor because we are not…close.”

  “Will he believe a lie?” Barber asked.

  Gillingham gave a small smile. “My brother? No. He has a disconcerting ability to suss out lies. Probably because he once told so many himself. He’ll know if you’re untrue.”

  Derrick set his jaw. It was always better the fewer people knew about an investigation. He thought of what he knew about the Duke of Roseford. Once considered a wild child of the Upper Ten Thousand, he had certainly never been considered a villain. And he associated with several men who Derrick respected enormously. Since his marriage to the duchess, Roseford had been changed. Everyone commented on it.

  “Very well,” he said softly. “Tell him the truth and see if he’ll extend an invitation. If he does, I’m happy to fill him in on the particulars once we reach Roseford.”

  “I’ll do my best.”

  Derrick moved forward and extended a hand, signaling that the meeting was at its end. But Gillingham still looked friendly as he shook Barber’s hand and then moved to Derrick. “The role suits you. Savior of the world.”

  Derrick shrugged to push away his discomfort. “That’s you, friend. I’m just a man who recovers the jewels of fops who might not deserve them. I hope we’ll talk again soon.”

  “After you return from London, I’d love to see you both more regularly.” They moved toward the foyer together and said their goodbyes.

  Derrick got into the carriage, and as Barber tapped on the wall for them to go, he arched a brow. “You think he’ll manage it?”

  Derrick looked out the window at the image of their friend, damaged by war and sacrifice, disappearing in the distance. “We both know Nicholas Gillingham doesn’t fail. He gets the job done if it needs doing.” He sighed. “So we must make it worthwhile. You and I have been hunting this thief for months. We need to catch him.”

  “So you’re saying more focus,” Barber said with a nod. “No distractions.”

  “No distractions,” Derrick repeated. “I’m going to end this one way or another, Barber. By whatever means necessary.”

  Chapter 2

  Katherine linked her arm through Selina’s and smiled at her. It was impossible not to smile back, no matter how Selina’s stomach churned.

  “I’m so glad you changed your mind and came down to Roseford with us after all,” Katherine said. “I love spending time with you.”

  Selina blushed as her sister-in-law gave her a squeeze, then pulled away to greet the next set of guests who were riding up the drive at present. It was a funny thing. Selina had trained herself over the years not to have too strong a reaction to almost anything. She didn’t blush when it came to sex or language or behavior. She didn’t mince or preen, unless it suited whatever game she was playing.

  But one kind word from Katherine and her cheeks heated. Because she wasn’t accustomed to such full-throated acceptance in Katherine’s world, she supposed. Nor to be part of a welcoming par
ty to her brother’s guests, as if she were his full sister, not bastard half-blood.

  She’d watched Robert welcome his friends. Watched closer when he greeted his dearest ones, the dukes who were in attendance for the ten days they would share at Roseford. The Dukes of Sheffield and Crestwood, Baldwin and Simon, and their wives, Helena and Meg. There was no denying how close Robert was to them. How warm their bond was, as if they were the siblings.

  She’d been a little jealous to see it. She could admit that. Worse, she’d felt even more on the outside looking in at their little tableau.

  She smoothed her skirt and tried to find some focus. This wasn’t why she was here. She had to remember why she was here.

  Clearing her throat, she managed to force her attention onto the drive. Two men, one black, one white, had arrived on fine stallions, which the footmen were leading away toward the stables as their riders smoothed themselves and looked up at their hosts.

  She straightened up a bit. They’d both served in the military. She’d long ago learned to recognize the stance of a man who’d once worn a red coat. Each had ramrod straight shoulders, perfect posture that spoke of discipline. Her brother extended a hand to the black man. They spoke together for a moment before they motioned the second man forward.

  Her gaze lingered on him longer. Good lord, but he was handsome. Tall, so very tall, with an angled face and a hard jawline. His hair was thick and brown, not too long, not too short. Every piece of it laid perfectly, probably placed there with the same discipline that every other line of his body showed. He and the other man were talking to her brother now, talking to Katherine. They all looked serious.

  They didn’t look like they belonged at a fun little garden party meant to distract bored friends with money.

  Her brother motioned toward her and she stepped forward. “Miss Selina Oliver, may I present Mr. Edward Barber,” he motioned to the first gentleman he had greeted.

  “Mr. Barber,” she said, shaking his hand. He was a handsome man, as well, with a friendly face and bright brown eyes that took in everything around him.

  “And Mr. Derrick Huntington,” her brother added. “Gentlemen, my sister, Selina Oliver.”

  As Mr. Barber stepped back, Derrick Huntington moved to take his place before her. Yet again, she was struck by how tall he was. How he moved like a tiger in a cage, all lean muscle and dangerous intent. His face was not kind. It was hard and angled and focused and intensely beautiful. As were his brown eyes that swept over her in one long glance.

  He extended a hand, and she found herself looking at those long fingers, incased in fawn leather riding gloves. Delicious.

  “How do you do, Mr. Huntington,” she said, and heard how husky her voice was.

  “Miss Oliver,” he said, and his brow furrowed as he speared her with a stern glance.

  She removed her hand from his, mostly because her body was reacting to this man in wild, wanton ways. Ways she’d never avoided in the past. Ways she’d celebrated, for what was wrong with pleasure?

  But once again, this was not why she was here.

  “Mr. Barber and Mr. Huntington served with Nicholas in the war,” Robert said, apparently oblivious to the explosive energy Selina felt pulsing through her entire body.

  Energy that ceased the moment her brother said those words. Her lips parted and she looked at them differently. “You did?”

  “Yes, Miss Oliver,” Mr. Barber said with a nod of his head. “Your brother is a fine man. We were both honored to fight at his side.”

  She blinked. She’d never met anyone who had served with Nicholas. “Were you with him when…” She trailed off. She couldn’t finish the sentence.

  “Yes, miss.” Huntington answered this time. His voice was lower now, rougher. “We were. He saved both our lives. Neither of us will ever forget it. He was kind enough to suggest we join the party.”

  Robert nodded. “And I could not refuse, even if I had wished to. Please go inside, gentlemen. You’ll be shown to your rooms and I look forward to…” Robert’s jaw set. “…to continuing our discussion after you settle in.”

  Barber inclined his head at him. “Thank you, Your Grace. Though there is no hurry if you have other guests to welcome.”

  Katherine smiled at him. “You’re too kind, but you are the last. Our final guests, the Earl and Countess of Winford, have sent word they are waylaid in joining us. They’ll not be with us for a few more days, it seems.”

  That drew Selina from her musings on the handsome Derrick Huntington and his relationship with her brother. She looked at Katherine. “I did not realize.”

  Katherine shrugged. “Something about a pressing business matter in London. It matters little, they will come later and we shall be a happy party, though smaller, until their arrival. Come, let’s go inside.”

  They all did together and the two gentlemen were escorted away by Robert’s butler, Jenner. Robert kissed Katherine’s cheek, whispered something to her and then smiled at Selina before he headed up the hallway away from them. Selina couldn’t help but notice Katherine’s troubled expression as she marked his departure.

  Yes, there was something going on.

  “I didn’t know we would be welcoming some of Nicholas’s friends,” Selina said, working on a way to press without pushing too hard and overplaying her hand.

  Katherine shook out of her distracted state. “Yes, they were…er…late additions, made at Nicholas’s request. They seem like very decent gentlemen, though. I’m sure they will only add to our party.”

  “I wonder why Nicholas would make the request, though. To have them come to a party where he was not even in attendance?” Selina pushed.

  “I could not say. Perhaps they were simply in the area and Nicholas thought to match our party to theirs.” Katherine’s cheeks turned slightly pink and her smile was forced. “You know, Meg and Helena and I were going to have a bit of tea and catch up apart from the other attendees. You could join us.”

  Selina arched a brow. Katherine looked truly uncomfortable. Her sister-in-law was not good at lying, it seemed. Something that could be used against her if need be. But not now. Selina could easily find out what she wanted to know without forcing a confidence.

  She caught Katherine’s hand and squeezed gently. “You go and catch up with your friends privately. I’m sure I’ll have plenty of chances to get to know them as our party progresses. I think I’ll just take a turn around the garden and get some air.”

  Katherine appeared relieved that the subject had been changed. “Very good. I’ll see you later for drinks before supper, if not sooner.”

  “Good afternoon,” Selina said as Katherine moved off to join her friends. But as soon as she was gone, Selina walked not toward the exit that would take her to the garden, but toward her brother’s study. Because she had some investigating to do. And she had to find a proper place to do it.

  Derrick clutched the snifter of brandy the Duke of Roseford had insisted upon pouring for him and Barber, and watched as his host paced the room. Roseford had a grim expression and a focused air about him. Derrick still wasn’t certain what to make of the man, what with all the rumors that had once swirled around him. He’d been wild, but love had tamed him, they said.

  He did not look tamed at present.

  “So, now that we are in private,” Roseford said. “Tell me more about your situation, gentlemen.”

  Barber glanced at Derrick again and then cleared his throat. “What did Gillingham tell you, Your Grace? Perhaps if we know that then we can fill you in on the rest.”

  Roseford shook his head. “He told me very little, in truth. Just that you two are investigating the Faceless Fox and you think coming here might help you find him.”

  Derrick nodded. “Those are essentially the facts of the matter, Your Grace.”

  Roseford’s eyes narrowed. “I understand not wanting to give out too much information, but if you are using my hospitality to find a criminal, I think I must have more of it. Why do
you think this Faceless Fox is somehow associated with my party?”

  Derrick observed him for another moment, reading every tiny expression, every flicker of Roseford’s gaze and movement of his hands. Then he said, “Because of Lady Winford.”

  “Lady Winford?” Roseford repeated before he grinned. The expression took five years from his face and made him look far more likely to be the rake. “You think that wretched woman is the Faceless Fox?”

  Derrick recoiled. “No, indeed not. I think Lady Winford is the next victim of our intrepid thief.”

  “Intrepid,” Roseford repeated, both eyebrows lifting. “You admire him even though you hunt him?”

  Barber tossed Derrick a quick glare. The matter of the Fox’s admirability was one they debated regularly. Barber was on the side of criminals being criminals. For Derrick, it was more complicated.

  How could one not respect a man who could put himself in the middle of the most important parlors and bedrooms and ballrooms in London, take what he wanted without violence and then disappear like smoke on the wind?

  “The Fox has skills,” Barber admitted, almost begrudgingly. “And certain tastes. Lady Winford very famously just inherited the Breston Necklace from her late mother.”

  Roseford’s expression changed. “Yes, I recall hearing about it. What is it, diamonds and a sapphire?”

  “Three hundred diamonds,” Barber corrected softly.

  “And the sapphire is huge,” Derrick added. “At least thirty carats, perhaps more. Her mother’s mother was the Duchess of Stanford.”

  “And they own mines,” Barber said, his voice becoming strained.

  Roseford held Barber’s gaze a moment and then inclined his head. “I understand. So it is of great value, then.”

  “And since it has been under lock and key for about twenty years, it also has interest. It would be a prize of unlimited worth to the Fox, both monetarily and as a way to cement his legacy as a master thief.”

  “Would Lady Winford be so foolish as to wear it here?” Roseford asked, then stopped himself and shook his head. “Never mind. I’m thinking of the woman now. Of course she would wear it, no matter the danger, because she is the sort who wants everyone to see her worth.”