“The Black Earl taken down by a mere pup,” the man said in an awestruck tone, loudly sucking his tooth. “What was it he said to you as he was leaving?”

Jackson’s lips twitched. “He asked how the hell he was going to explain to his wife that he’d broken his nose.”

***

“Do you think she’ll come?”

Lord Carlisle looked at the smaller man standing so arrogantly before him and wondered for the hundredth time what his motive was for involving himself in the affair. He shrugged. “I have no idea. He might be keeping her prisoner in the house. I heard they had a terrible row, and Weston threatened to send her away.”

“If she comes, you know what to do.”

“I shall do what I think best,” the earl said with a frown. Upstart; who did he think he was to order his betters around?

“Yes, yes, certainly, I don’t question that it will be for the best, but if you really wish to keep him from harming her, it might be better to move up our plans.”

Carlisle’s frown deepened. “That won’t be necessary. I told you I was meeting with Weston in the morning. I’ll take care of the murdering whoreson then.”

“Yes, there is that. Ah…is that the time? Should you not be on your way?”

Carlisle swore. “I don’t need you acting the mother hen. I will be there on time.”

“You’re in a prickly mood today—I was simply trying to be helpful. I wouldn’t want you being late. I doubt if the lady will wait for you.”

“I’ll be there,” Carlisle ground out and deliberately turned his head away from the garish figure. Why was the little man so interested in helping Lady Weston?

***

“Good lord, man, what happened to you?”

“Nothing, Harry. What news do you have?”

“Hmmm?” Rosse stared at Noble’s swollen nose that had all the earmarks of a break. “Oh, nothing other than the fact that Mariah is no longer with Sunderland. She’s disappeared again, it seems.”

Noble rubbed his head wearily, taking care not to touch his nose. “Why do I feel as if I’m running in circles, Harry?”

The marquis smiled. “Might be the result of the beating I suspect you took at Jackson’s. Come.” He stood up and clapped his old friend on the shoulder. “What you need is a bit of air to clear your head. Come along with me and we’ll take a ride through the park while we discuss the problem.”

***

Nick scooted over to the window seat and peered out the window at the mews. Normally the yard would be busy, but it was teatime, and most of the servants were in having their tea. He watched idly as a gray stable cat sat in the dirt lane and washed his tail.

“Nick…ah…Nick?”

Nick ignored his tutor.

“Come, my lad, just one word. Just a hello? My name? How about a greeting to that hound, there?”

Nick watched the cat finish his bath, stretch, and saunter off past the stable.