Page 40 of The Truth About Lord Stoneville

Once the clerk had finished his task and scurried out, Mr. Pinter gestured her to a chair before his desk. When they were both seated, he leaned back and steepled his fingers. “So you’re his lordship’s fiancée, are you?”

Mr. Pinter’s eyes, sharp and gray as slate, assessed her with a quick, thorough glance indicative of his profession. Thank heaven she wore her redingote. Who knew what he’d make of her gown?

“Actually, it’s more complicated than that.” During the drive into town that morning, she and Oliver had decided on what they would tell Mr. Pinter. They had to continue with their masquerade even while asking for Mr. Pinter’s help with finding Nathan. Clearly, Freddy hadnotbeen paying attention to the plan. But then, he rarely did.

It took her a few minutes to detail the complex terms of her father’s will. When she was done, Mr. Pinter’s face showed nothing of what he might think. That was rather unnerving.

“So you see,” she said, “until Mr. Hyatt is found, my future is up in the air.”

“And where does the marquess fit in?”

Now came the difficult part. “We met while I waslooking for Nathan. One thing led to another, and we became engaged.” That was true, sort of. “I’m sure you can understand why it’s essential that I find Mr. Hyatt as soon as possible to resolve this matter.”

“In other words, you havetwofiancées at the moment. And you’re hoping that I’ll rid you of one of them.”

Heat rose in her cheeks. “In a manner of speaking.”

“Now I comprehend why Lord Stoneville is willing to pay for my services. He can’t get his hands on your father’s money until I find your fiancé.”

“That isn’t how it is!” She hadn’t realized he might put that face on it.

Mr. Pinter’s eyes narrowed. “How long have you known his lordship?”

Unsure whether to repeat what Oliver had told his grandmother or to tell the truth, she opted for an evasion. “Not long.”

“So you’re unaware of his reputation with women.”

She thrust out her chin. “Actually, I know a great deal about that. I just don’t care.”

“Ah.” He leaned forward with a contemptuous stare. “You’ve found a way to gain a titled gentleman and inherit your fortune without having to marry the man your father chose for you. This Mr. Hyatt must be quite old and ugly indeed.”

Outrage swelled her chest. “Certainly not! Nathan is a fine, upstanding young man whom any woman would be proud to marry!”

The minute the words left her mouth, she realized hererror. Especially when Mr. Pinter sat back with a look of sly satisfaction. “You’re not really engaged to Lord Stoneville, are you?”

Great heavens, she was terrible at this masquerading business. “I . . . well . . . you see, it’s very . . . it’s . . .”

“Complicated,” he said dryly. “So I gather.”

With a glance toward the open door behind her, she bent toward the desk and lowered her voice. “Please, you mustn’t tell anyone the truth. It’s important that you keep our secret until you find my fiancé.”

“Important for you? Or for his lordship?”

“Both. I beg of you, sir—”

“Tell me about your fiancé,” he said with a sigh as he took out a notepad. “The real one. I need to know where he’s been, how you know he’s missing, anything you’ve learned.” His gaze sharpened on her. “And I want the truth this time. I don’t take cases where the parties involved lie to me.”

She dropped her gaze in embarrassment. “The truth. Yes, sir.”

For the next half hour, she laid out all the avenues she and Freddy had pursued, answering each of his questions as thoroughly as she could. When he’d filled several pages with notes, he set down the pad.

“Now, I want you to explain what Lord Stoneville has to do with this.”

Her hands grew clammy. “He’s helping me.”

“Why?”

Because my cousin is accused of stealing from his friends.“It has no bearing on your search for my fiancé,” she said stoutly.