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Fairfax rose from behind a massive mahogany desk as they entered.He was a tall man in his fifties with silver-streaked dark hair and intelligent eyes that missed nothing.Unlike many of his station, there was a lack of condescension in his bearing as he greeted them.

“Mr.Stonewall.This is an unexpected pleasure.”He shook Viggo’s hand and acknowledged Solomon with a courteous nod before gesturing to the comfortable chairs arranged before the fire.“Please, be seated.May I offer you a refreshment?Tea, perhaps?Or something stronger?”

“Tea would be most welcome, my Lord,” Viggo said, settling into one of the chairs.Its proportions were generous enough to accommodate his frame comfortably, a thoughtful touch that did not go unnoticed.

It was likely why Fairfax had chosen the library to greet them in rather than the sitting room.

Solomon relaxed a fraction as he took his own seat.

Fairfax nodded to his butler, who bowed and withdrew to fulfil the request for refreshments.The nobleman’s expression grew more serious once the door closed.

“I suspect this isn’t a social call.Lady Hartley mentioned you run an information guild the last time we met,” Fairfax told Viggo steadily.“I am honoured to be hosting the owner ofNightshade.”

“You knew?”Viggo asked, surprised.

A faint smile quirked Fairfax’s mouth where he stood by a chair.“Come now.Even you must be aware the gossip rags have been full of tales of your recent heroic achievements alongside Duke Ravenwood.”

Viggo’s ears grew warm.He glimpsed Solomon’s smirk out of the corner of his eye.

“Has something occurred that requires my attention?”Fairfax asked carefully.

“Yes,” Viggo replied.“We’re here about one of your footmen, Tom Simmons.”

A flicker of concern crossed Fairfax’s features.“Tom?What of him?”

Viggo studied the aristocrat.Fairfax was composed yet alert.Though his manner remained cordial, there was a tension in the set of his shoulders that suggested he already suspected the purpose of their visit, a fact Viggo found perplexing.

“His sister came to see us this morning,” Solomon explained.“She’s worried because he hasn’t returned home in two days.”

“I see.”Fairfax furrowed his brow and crossed to the window, his hands clasped behind his back.He stood gazing outside at the square for a moment.“My butler informed me yesterday that Tom had sent a note of resignation.I thought it rather abrupt, but not entirely surprising.The young man had seemed restless as of late.”

Viggo and Solomon exchanged a startled glance.

Fairfax turned back to face them, his frown deepening.“I must admit, I was rather disappointed.Tom has been an exemplary footman—punctual, diligent, and quick to learn.I had plans to promote him to valet for one of my guests next season.”

“When you say he was restless, what do you mean?”Viggo asked.

“He seemed distracted.I’ve known him a fair while now and he has not been himself.”Fairfax hesitated.“If I had to hazard a guess, he looked like he was afraid of something.I even questioned him on the matter, but he assured me all was well.”

Viggo’s insides knotted.A thrall had many reasons to be fearful these days.

“Did you keep the resignation note?”

Surprise briefly widened Fairfax’s eyes.“I believe my butler has it.I can have it fetched if you wish.”

“That would be most helpful.”

Fairfax crossed the room and pulled a bell cord.The butler reappeared.Fairfax instructed him to bring the note.

“May I ask whyNightshadeis involving itself in the matter of a missing footman?”Fairfax inquired after the butler left.“While I appreciate the concern for Tom’s welfare, it seems unusual for your organisation to take an interest in such matters.”He settled into a chair opposite them.

A maid arrived with a tea tray before Viggo could respond.The service was silver, the china delicate and clearly expensive.The woman set it down on a side table and began pouring their tea, occasionally stealing a glance at Viggo and Solomon from under her lashes.

Fairfax smiled kindly.“It’s alright, Glenys.You can say hello to Mr.Stonewall and Mr.Barden if you wish.”

Glenys flushed as she put the teapot down.She curtsied awkwardly and greeted Viggo and Solomon with a shy, “Hello, sirs.”

Viggo stared after the maid as she scurried away.