Read Online A Gentleman's Honor by Stephanie Laurens - Free Book Online

government to meddle in an affair they’d handed to him; whoever had been through Ruskin’s papers was from the “other side.” Indeed, the fact the rooms had been searched—he found further telltale signs in the bedroom—meant there was, most definitely, an “other side.”
    Whatever dealings Ruskin had been involved in, someone had believed there might be evidence they needed to remove from his rooms.
    Presumably they’d removed it.
    Tony wasn’t unduly concerned. There were always threads left lying around in the aftermath of any scheme; he was an expert at finding and following such flimsy but real connections.
    Such as those IOUs. He didn’t stop to analyze them in detail, but a cursory glance revealed that they’d been paid off regularly. More, the sums involved made it clear Ruskin had enjoyed an income considerably beyond his earnings as a government clerk.
    Stowing the notes in his pockets, Tony concluded that discovering the source of that extra income was logically his next step.
    After taking an impression of the key, he let himself out, returned the key to the landlady with typical civil service boredom, admitting to removing “a few papers but nothing major” when she asked.
    Back on the street, he headed for Torrington House. He needed a few hours to study and collate all he’d found. However, the day was winging, and there was other information he needed to pursue that would, he suspected, be best pursued in daylight.
    He’d been wondering how to approach Alicia Carrington and learn unequivocally all he needed to know. He’d left a corner of his brain wrestling with the problem; an hour ago, it had presented him with the perfect solution.
    First, he needed to empty his pockets and let Hungerford feed him. Two o’clock would be the perfect time to essay forth to rattle Mrs. Carrington’s defenses.
     
    He found her precisely where his devious mind had predicted—in Green Park with her three brothers and an older man who appeared to be their tutor.
    The two older boys were wrestling with a kite; the tutor was assisting. The younger boy had a bat and ball; Alicia was doing her best to entertain him.
    He spent a few minutes observing, assessing, before making his move. Recalling Alicia’s description of her demons, he grinned. The boys were sturdy, healthy-looking specimens with apples in their cheeks and shining brown hair. They were typical boys, rowdy and physical, yet they were quick to mind their elder sister’s strictures.
    Obedient demons.
    Amused, he walked toward her. The bat in her hands, she had her back to him. The youngest—Matthew?— tossed the ball to her; she swung wildly and missed. The ball bounced past her, giving him the perfect opening.
    He stopped the ball with his boot, with a quick flick, tossed it up, and caught it. Strolling forward, he hefted the ball; as he reached Alicia’s side, he lobbed it to the boy.
    And reached for the bat. “Here, let me.”
    He twitched the bat from her nerveless fingers.
    Alicia stared at him. “What are you doing here?”
    Torrington glanced at her. “Playing ball.” He waved to the side. “You should stand over there so you can catch me out.”
    Matthew, blinking at the changes, shook his head. “She’s not much good at catching.”
    Her tormentor smiled at him. “We’ll have to give her a bit of practice, then. Ready?”
    Alicia found herself stepping back in the direction Torrington had indicated. She was not sure about any of this, but…
    Matthew pitched the ball to him, and he tapped it back between her and Matthew. Matthew squealed delightedly and pounced on it. A huge grin wreathing his face, he hustled to square up again.
    After a few more shrewdly placed shots—one which came straight at her and surprised a shriek out of her— David and Harry left Jenkins with the kite and came hurrying to join in.
    Normally, the older boys would have immediately taken over the game; she girded her loins to defend Matthew, but