“Left him?” George scoffed. “I haven’t left him. He’s in Lunden for the coronation, and I’ve just taken the opportunity to visit our family. You know, like you never bother to do because you think money will do the job of a brother and son.”

Bloody hells, George. He didn’t want to make it easy to have a conversation, did he? Knigh gritted his teeth and forced a faint smile in place. “Never? I’m here now, aren’t I?”

“Because that woman’s—oh no, wait!” George’s eyes went wide, and he covered his mouth, an incredulous smile on his face. “Oh dear. You’ve… Knigh …” He shook his head. “She was Lady Vice, wasn’t she? And I hear she’s just been captured by the Navy.” He laughed, a high sound of disbelief. “And you did it, didn’t you?”

Every inch of Knigh froze, solid and cold as ice. George was putting the pieces together far too well, just like Aunt Tilda. He’d seen something between him and Vice before they’d even acted upon it and now …

“You’re sending your own lover to the gallows.” That incredulous laugh again as he shook his head. “And you say Mercy is so awful? He’d never treat me like that. You’re the monster, Knigh.”

Heart battering against his ribs, Knigh stared at his brother. Did that mean … “You and Mercia?”

George lifted his chin. “Mercia and I, yes.”

No wonder he’d been so generous with George’s allowance. The Duke had particular favourites in his entourage. Some lasted years, others a few months. But, always, he lavished them with gifts, including land and titles.

In exchange, they provided adoration and loyalty, unending, unwavering, unquestioning.

“You can’t—he’s—”

“Knighton. You have just told me you’ve arrested your lover and handed her over to the authorities.” George sighed, the affectation dropping from his stance as his arms fell to his sides. “I know you seem to think Mercy is a beast, but until and unless you’re prepared to tell me something he’s done that’s worse, then you can kindly keep your nose out of my affairs. Green is such an ugly colour on you. Mercy told me how you had a soft spot for him and I’m sorry your feelings weren’t—”

“What?” The word burst from Knigh with a laugh. “I had a—what?” Scoffing, he shook his head. Oh, Mercia would lie about that, wouldn’t he?