They rode for a half mile or more in silence, Will clinging behind Bennet.

“So once we find whoever’s doing this,” Bennet said, “you’ll be leaving?”

“That’s right.” Harry watched the road ahead but could feel the other man’s gaze on him.

“I was under the impression that you and Lady Georgina had an . . . uh . . . understanding.”

Harry gave Bennet a look that usually shut a man up.

Not him.

“Because, I mean, it’s a bit thick, what? A fellow just up and leaving a lady.”

“I’m not from her class.”

“Yes, but that obviously doesn’t matter to her, does it? Or she’d never have taken up with you in the first

“I—”

“And if you don’t mind me being blunt, she must be pretty gone on you.” Bennet looked him up and down as if he were a side of spoiled beef. “I mean, you don’t exactly have the sort of face that women swoon over. More in my line, that.”

“Bennet—”

“Not to blow my own horn, but I could tell you quite a tale of a delectable bird in London—”

“Bennet.”

“What?”

Harry nodded at Will, who was wide-eyed and listening to every word.

“Oh.” Bennet coughed. “Quite. Shall I see you tomorrow, then? We’ll meet and exchange information.”

They had neared a copse of trees that marked where the main road crossed the lane they traveled on.

“Fine.” Harry pulled his mare to a halt. “This is where I must turn off, anyway. And Bennet?”

“Yes?” He turned his face and the sun fell full upon it, tracing the laugh lines around his eyes.

“Be careful,” Harry said. “If it is Thomas, he’ll be dangerous.”

“You be careful as well, Harry.”

Harry nodded. “Godspeed.”

Bennet waved and rode off.

Harry spent the rest of the daylight hours laying low. When dusk fell, he made his way to West Dikey and the Cock and Worm. He ducked his head as he entered and scanned the crowd from under his low hat brim. A table of farmers, smoking clay pipes in the corner, burst into boisterous laughter. A weathered-looking barmaid dodged with practiced ease a heavy hand aimed at her rump and made her way to the counter.

“Dick in tonight?” Harry bawled in her ear.

“Sorry, luv.” She pivoted and shouldered a tray of drinks. “Maybe later.”