Bronwyn Scott's Sexy Regency Bundle (67 page)

Jack found him first and quietly ushered him down the hall to a private room. 'Brandon, things are getting a bit too dicey for my taste,' Jack began before they were even seated.

'What has happened?' Brandon asked cautiously, sitting down in a chair and adopting a casual pose so that any accidental passer-by would think the two gentlemen were lounging and catching up on gossip.

'Witherspoon has been

questions . He's been

to Squire Bradley about newcomers to the area. He's been exceedingly interested in the spinster, Eleanor Habersham, and he hasn't been shy in

his supposition that The Cat is a

woman.'

Brandon nodded gravely, recalling the very similar conversation he'd had with the Squire upon his arrival in December.

'I

You've been away. This is old news to me. He's already come to me with his information. He found a necklace taken from his wife at the dinner party in a pawn shop and his men

Scott

identified the woman pawning it as Eleanor Habersham, even though she used a false name on the ticket.'

'That could be damning.' Jack whistled low.

'Not really. Nora's already stolen it back. She lifted it out of his pocket at Stockport Hall before he even got out the door,'

Brandon said smugly, lighting a cheroot.

A smile split Jack's usually cynical face. 'You've got yourself a live one, Brandon.'

Brandon only smiled. 'Let's talk about Witherspoon later. I want to hear your news.'

Jack sat down and crossed his legs, adopting a casual pose similar to Brandon's. 'I suppose you do, since there is the issue of bigamy at stake.'

'And is it? Is bigamy going to be a problem?' Brandon drew on his cheroot.

'I should make you stew a bit for all you've put me through this past month, but I find I haven't the stomach for torture. In short, no. She is no longer married to Reggie Mrs

Nora

is officially a widow and has been for two years.

The bounder had the good grace to die from a stab wound obtained in a

brawl.' Jack offered the last with distaste.

Brandon stared at Jack, motionless, trying to separate out the emotions tumbling through him at the news. He'd imagined this moment in recent days. It had always been a triumphant moment in his daydreams. Now that it had arrived, he was filled with conflicting emotions. He did not want to celebrate a man's death. Yet, he did want to celebrate that Nora was free to choose him.

Nothing more stood in their way. Things couldn't be wrapped up any neater. They had packed off Eleanor sham and placed most of the blame for The antics on the

spinster's shoulders. The rotter of a husband was dead. He wanted to find Nora immediately and tell her. He wanted to celebrate-not because a man was dead, of course, but because

Pickpocket Countess

he and Nora had triumphed against insurmountable odds.

They'd found a way to be together. But Jack wouldn't let it go so easily.

'The morning we talked in your study, you were besotted with the wench, Brandon. From the look of things tonight, that hasn't changed. You do realise you don't have to marry her, Brandon? Have you forgotten the engagement is just an impromptu

Engineered by her, I might add. Did you stop to think she might have gone so far just to force your hand?'

Jack fiddled with his elaborate lace cuff. 'Maybe she knew your honour wouldn't allow you to back out. After all, she gains everything here, Brandon. You gain very little. Have you thought of what could happen if someone finds out sooner or later who your wife-to-be is?'

'It won't happen.' Brandon dismissed Jack's concern.

'It might happen if Witherspoon keeps up his investigation,'

Jack warned, leaning forward. 'I think you need to take erspoon seriously. He will not let this lie.'

'Then he can chase Eleanor Habersham all the way to York and find nothing at the end of his rainbow,' Brandon retorted fiercely. He would not let Jack's misgivings tarnish his happiness.

Jack would not be thwarted. 'Let me give it to you in plain speech. You've got what you wanted. You've kept The Cat safe. If she's caught

it won't be on your watch. Your con-

science can rest easy on that account.

'Confidence in the mill is restored. I heard you signed the las t-needed investor yesterday. The financial security of port-on-the-Medlock is secured.

'Brandon, old chap, you did it. You played two games and won them both.'

'What games would those be?' Brandon answered coolly.

'The Cock of the North beds The Cat and saves his factory.

That's

if I ever saw it. Now, be smart. Don't stay in the game too long and risk losing everything.'