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wife?”
    â€œBecause she’s had a difficult time adjusting to married life and Society. I thought a friend might help her acclimate. While I don’t understand this need to show you off to all the unmarried men in London, if it makes her happy, then I shall allow it.”
    â€œI see.”
    â€œI only have one request, Miss Featherstone.” The earl folded his arms over his chest. “Do not let her near Mr. Tavers.”
    â€œI beg your pardon?”
    He laughed. “You mean she didn’t tell you who her first lover was?”

Chapter 6
    A n entire fortnight had passed with no sign of either Jonathon or Miss Featherstone. It made no sense to Braden that he could not find either one. He hired another Bow Street runner to search for Miss Featherstone, but again it was as if she’d fallen off the earth. Every morning, he rode to a different section of town, hunting for any sign of her. In the evenings, he turned his attention to gaming hells and even a couple of opium dens in his pursuit of Jonathon.
    â€œMy lord, a missive has arrived for you.”
    Thank God, Braden thought as he retrieved the note from the outstretched arms of his footman. This must be a note about Jonathon. The runner said he was getting closer to finding him. “Is the man waiting for a reply?”
    â€œNo, my lord. He left the letter and departed.”
    â€œThank you,” he said as disappointment filled him. Just scanning his name on the note, he realized this was a woman’s script.
    You should attend Lady Whitfield’s soiree tonight. I believe you might find who you are looking for there.
    Braden scoured the note for a signature or even an initial, but there was nothing to indicate who’d sent the missive. A slow smile lifted his lips. Someone knew where Jonathon was and wanted Braden to find him. And by the handwriting, that someone was a woman. He would have to thank her properly, whoever she was.
    He rifled through the papers on his desk until he found the invitation that had arrived earlier in the week. The party was to start at eight. That gave him just enough time to dress and check out a gambling hell before arriving. He strode upstairs to prepare.
    One hour later, he had bathed and dressed for a party. He ate a quick bite of dinner to keep him satisfied until he arrived at Lady Whitfield’s Grosvenor Square home. As he placed his fork back down on his plate, he heard a commotion at the entryway. Nelson’s heavy footsteps quickly followed.
    â€œMy lord, the Duke of Northrop is in the salon.”
    North was here? He pushed back his chair and headed to the salon. “North? What are you doing here?” Braden shook his head. “Please excuse my manners. Would you like a sherry or brandy?”
    â€œBrandy,” North replied.
    Braden poured two snifters and handed one to his friend. “Sit. What is new in the Midlands? Did you finally have enough of the estate and decide to return to town?”
    North smiled. “Not quite. I thought my wife should see London.”
    Braden’s mouth gaped. He’d been gone less than a month! “Your wife?”
    â€œSelina.”
    â€œYou married your wise woman?”
    â€œYes, I did.”
    â€œHow? When? Why?”
    â€œYou’re sputtering, Middleton. A few weeks ago and the how was the usual manner by special license. And the why is because I love her.” North took a large mouthful of brandy and smiled. “Excellent stuff. I am actually here on a mission.”
    Braden shook his head to clear his mind of the bewilderment of his friend falling in love again. He tilted his head with a grin “Oh?”
    â€œMrs. Featherstone wanted me to inquire if you have found her daughter yet.”
    Should he even bother telling North that he let the girl slip away? It would only make him look foolish. “No, not yet. The friend she was staying with had been evicted before Miss Featherstone