A Dash of Scandal(62)

“I am in daily touch with Doulton and others. I would think that would allow me to hear the news before you unless you have an informant on Bow Street.”

“No, of course not. But neither you nor your Runners can hear what is said in the ladies’ retiring rooms. For instance, I just overheard that there is a certain earl who is looking to make a wealthy match because he has misused his fortune and it has run out.”

“Really. Who?”

She gave him a knowing smile. “I see there is some gossip I’m privy to that you want to hear.”

He frowned again. “You do like to test me.”

She smiled. “I feel the same way about you.”

“How can a poor blade who’s run through his money help me find the thief?”

“Perhaps he is the one stealing the valuables in order to get the money he needs to keep him sound until he can make a desirous match.”

“Hmm. That’s possible, I suppose.”

“It has to be a member of the ton who is pilfering the homes. Everyone agrees to that, except for those who believe the thief is a ghost.”

“And that number seems to be growing.”

“No one has reported seeing a stranger at any of the parties.” She looked at him a little ruefully. “And I believe we’ve both already agreed that it is not a ghost walking out of the homes with the family treasures.”

“We are definite on that point. I suppose you could be of some use to me.”

“Lord Dunraven, you do make me sound like a piece of old baggage.”

“Old? No. Baggage? Never. Useful? Maybe. All right, Miss Blair, partners we shall be for a time. I won’t divulge your secret, and you will report any information you hear that might help me find the thief.”

Her chest heaved in relief. Thank goodness, she had kept him from demanding the name of Lord Truefitt. It was too close a call. “You have my word.”

“Now, who is this titled gentleman lackwit who’s lost his fortune?”

“You’ll have to read Lord Truefitt’s column tomorrow to find out the answer to that.”

“Is that how I will get information from you? Reading the tittle-tattle?”

“Not always, but it seems prudent to start this way. And, now I know why you didn’t bring me tarts.”

“What are you talking about? Are you changing the subject again?”

“Yes. I’ve been told that you take apricot tarts to every young lady you call on and that your chef makes the best in all of London.”

The wrinkle returned to his brow. “Am I that predictable?”

“Obviously not as far as I’m concerned.” She held her hands out palms up and smiled sweetly at him. “I have no tarts.”

“With you, nothing is predictable either. I was so worked up when I finally figured out what you were doing that having my chef prepare tarts was the last thing on my mind. Even now, knowing that you do something I despise, I want to take you in my arms and kiss you.”

“Angels above, sir. You must be more careful.” She glanced over his shoulder to the doorway. “Someone could come in and catch you saying something like that to me and we’ll end up married. If you’ll excuse me, I really must get dressed for the evening or I won’t be ready when my chaperones arrive.”

“Not so fast, dear Millicent.” He pulled her into his arms and cupped her close to him, bringing their faces close together. “Most business partnerships are sealed with a handshake, but I would rather we seal ours with a kiss.”

Millicent opened her mouth to protest, but what little sound she attempted was hushed by warm lips moving slowly to cover hers. Her mind told her to protest vehemently, and with her mind she did.

He is a rake.

He’s not to be trusted.

But he makes me feel so wonderful.

Within seconds her body relaxed into the warmth of his arms without effort. She thought only of the way he made her feel: wonderful, desired.

He increased the pressure of the kiss, and as if she’d always known what to do, Millicent opened her mouth and accepted his tongue with eagerness. She gave him her own, and he answered with a soft groan of pleasure. She slipped her hands around his neck, allowing his arms to tighten around her and pull her closer to his chest.

His hands slid down her back to her waist. He rested his palms on the soft flare of her hips for a moment before sliding them upward until he cupped her breasts, one in each hand.