“Hmm. Never heard much of the man myself. Know he’s a respected Baron and such, or supposed to be. But it turns out he’s one dissolute bastard for all that,” Smithe said and consulted a small notebook. “Too fond of drink and gambling. Likes prostitutes, but they don’t like him so much ’cause he apparently only finds his pleasure by inflicting pain on others. Has a violent temper and wants what he wants.” He flipped the notebook closed and glanced to Robert. “Seems he’s wanted Miss Madison for a while. Apparently had some plan to get her a couple years ago with the help of her brother-in-law.” He paused and raised an eyebrow. “That would be Lord Radnor.”

“His brother,” Robert assured him grimly. “Not Lord Radnor, but his brother George.”

“Hmm.” Smithe looked dubious, but let it go and continued, “It seems those plans he had apparently ran amuck and he’s been awaiting his chance to get at her again. It was just happenstance that Mrs. Morgan got involved. He was at the brothel the night before the incident that led to her being locked up there. Morgan happened to mention she was expecting the girl to tea the next day. I gather Findlay immediately pounced on that, then paid her scads of money to drug the girl, prepare her for him and present her for his pleasure. Said he was going to marry her . . . after.” He shrugged. “Mrs. Morgan swears that’s the only reason she agreed to it. The girl would be married all good and proper to a fine, respected lord and no harm done,” he finished dryly.

Robert sat back with a curse. He’d suspected one of the men currying favor with Lisa might be the suitor, but he’d suspected Pembroke, not Findlay. It was Pembroke’s pastries that had made her ill and forced her to stay home the night she was attacked. And it was at Pembroke’s outing where the second attack had occurred. Of course, that had helped to push the suspicion Pembroke’s way and he supposed a smart man would want the suspicion elsewhere. It had left Findlay free to court Lisa without interference. It had also knocked out his only strong competition when Robert had suggested Lisa stay away from Pembroke.

“Damn,” he muttered.

Smithe nodded and pointed out, “There’s little that can be done about Lord Findlay legally without tarnishing Miss Madison’s reputation.” He allowed a moment to pass and then added, “And even if you were willing to risk that, without Mrs. Morgan here as a witness to his involvement, it would be difficult to prove anything. But you did say to let the woman go if she gave us the name and so that’s what we did.”