Anthony tsked. “Anna, pray do not threaten Devon so. He leads an exemplary bachelor life and doesn’t understand feminine teasing.”

Devon shook his head. “You mistake. Feminine teasing is all I am familiar with.”

Anna chuckled. “Poor Devon! I shall expect you tomorrow. Marcus, thank you once again.” She nodded pleasantly and was soon out the door, Richard following behind.

As soon as the door closed, Marcus took his place at his desk, shooting a dark glance at Devon. “Have you decided to take my advice and join me in that shipping venture?”

“Hardly that.” Devon took the chair before the desk and stretched out his legs, the lamplight reflecting pleasantly in the shine of his boots. “I came about Chase.”

Anthony left his place by the mantel to take a chair beside Devon. “Chase? Is he still drinking himself into the grave?”

“I don’t know. The last time I saw him, he was indeed drunk, but that has been several weeks ago. I stopped by his lodgings the other day. It was apparent he’s left town.”

Marcus pulled a stack of correspondence to the center of the desk and began to sort through it. “How long has he been gone this time?”

“More than two weeks.”

Anthony quirked a brow. “Another actress, perhaps?”

“No,” Devon said thoughtfully. “At least, I don’t think so. I believe something is wrong.”

Marcus met his gaze. “Why do you think that?”

“He didn’t just pack his things and leave. He dismissed his valet completely. I don’t think he means to return.”

“Never?” Anthony asked.

Devon shook his head. “He took everything of importance, even Mother’s ring.”

Marcus set down the papers. “Are you certain?”

“I found his valet. Chase gave the man a generous settlement and told him he wouldn’t be returning to London. Those were his exact words, too.”

Anthony rubbed his chin. “It could still be a woman.”

“I’ve asked about town and he hasn’t been connected with any female in particular. Not in the last month, anyway.”

There was silence as Anthony and Marcus thought this through. Finally, Marcus said, “Chase has been known to disappear before. It’s not that unusual.”

“No. But the visit I got from Harry Annesley was.”

Anthony shifted in his chair, the delicate wood creaking in protest. “I could never stomach that man’s presence. Why Chase allowed the man in his company, I will never know.”

Marcus’s gaze narrowed on Devon. “What of Annesley’s visit?”

“I was at White’s. Annesley came up and asked where Chase had gone off to. He says Chase owed him money—a gambling debt. He flashed a marker to prove it.”

“Did you see it?” Anthony demanded. “Was it Chase’s signature?”

“It appeared to be. Which is why I’m afraid something has happened.”

“Explain yourself.” Marcus’s voice snapped like a sail in the wind. Many people feared Marcus. There was a force behind his controlled, calm gaze. It was as if a thousand storms had been locked away, held in place only by the sheer force of his character.