Had We Never Loved by Patricia Veryan Page A

was making a cake of himself.” Morris shrugged. “He’s not a cloth-head y’know, and I would’ve blabbed to you, if I heard he’d gone in too deep. Though, mind you, I ain’t cut from the same cloth as Lord Haughty-Snort. Don’t like blabbing.”
    â€œIdiot,” said Falcon succinctly. “About the duel, Glendenning?”
    â€œOh. Well, I’d a letter from Rossiter. Says he and his bride will be back in England on the twenty-fourth, and that we can schedule your meeting for Monday, the twenty-seventh, if agreeable. Have either of you objections?”
    â€œPerfectly agreeable with me,” said Morris.
    Falcon nodded. “What about Cranford?”
    â€œPiers is willing,” answered the viscount. “Said he’d come and overnight with me on Sunday. I’ll have to call on Kadenworthy, though.”
    Morris, whose thoughts had wandered, said, “I—er, suppose nothing more has been heard of our friend the Squire, and his merry reptiles?”
    Glendenning frowned. “The League of Jewelled Men? I’ve not heard aught. Nor do I expect to.”
    â€œWhy not?” argued Falcon, brushing Apollo’s hair the wrong way. “We upset their applecart. I’d say they’re not likely to forgive and forget.”
    Hesitating, Glendenning said, “True. If they’re as devious as Rossiter suspects, they’ll be hatching some nasty scheme again. But not yet, I’d think.”
    â€œUnless we’ve shut the barn door after the horse has fled,” muttered Morris.
    They both looked at him. Falcon said irately, “Deuce take it, if you have something to say don’t go from Land’s End to John o’ Groats to say it!”
    â€œWell, whatever I say, you’ll make fun. But—that Albertson business did not seem just right to me.”
    Falcon said wearily, “Admiral William Albertson is in Newgate for defrauding the government by placing orders for supplies with companies he himself controlled. What in the name of all the gods and little fishes has that to do with a conspiracy to ruin Sir Mark Rossiter? Do not hesitate to dazzle us with your logic, mighty sage. We wait with bated breath.”
    Morris flushed, but persisted, “The admiral is one of Britain’s greatest heroes. To the last he denied the charges brought against him, but he lost everything. Same as Sir Mark damn near did.”
    Falcon turned to Glendenning. “Do you see how faulted is his intellect? One gathers we are now to be suspicious of every scoundrel who is hauled before the courts. We’d as well investigate the man who beats his wife, or cheats at cards!”
    â€œYes, and there’s another of ’em,” said Morris triumphantly, ignoring Falcon’s groan. “Look at that wretched Merriam business. Shot himself after being accused of cheating in the Cocoa Tree. Home and estates confiscated and sold for debt. Fishy, was you to ask me.”
    â€œWhich, praise the Lord, we’ve no intention of doing,” said Falcon. “No, for heaven’s sake do not dignify his nonsense by looking thoughtful, Tio!”
    â€œI don’t know much about Albertson,” said Glendenning. “But I’ll own that Lord Merriam was the last man I’d have judged dishonourable. It might not be so far-fetched as you think.” He stood. “After I find Michael, and drop in on Kadenworthy, it could bear looking into. Where is Kade, by the way? In Town?”
    Standing also, Falcon said, “My sister heard he was down at Epsom for these new spring races they’re holding. His country seat is nearby. Damned nice property.”
    Glendenning swore. “He would be in the country! Now I’ve to go all the way down there! Well, I’d best get started. Adieu, mes amis. ”
    Morris said, “I’d go m’self, dear boy, but it wouldn’t be the thing. Do you want us to scour around