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The very thought made Slayde’s blood run cold On its heels caust and an explosion of denial No Absolutely not He didn’t care how ee had cautioned him There were certain members of his staff whose loyalty he refused to question Siebert was one He’d been with the Huntleys since before Slayde was born, overseen Pe pride, discipline, and principles, de but honesty and dedication for nearly four decades

If Siebert said Morland was drunk, then drunk he was

With a

“Oh, and one other thing, sir,” Siebert added, oblivious to Slayde’s inner turmoil “Mr Rayburn was at Pembourne, as well He followed the duke from Morland”

“Of course—Rayburn!” Slayde exclaiot Did he stay hidden? Or was Morland aware of his presence?”

“His Grace are of nothing” Siebert sniffed “That fact notwithstanding, he was restricted to the doorway, his back facing the grounds, and Mr Rayburn, throughout his tirade I spied Rayburn because he intendedme to his presence lest I need assistance Needless to say, I didn’t Given the duke’s wretched physical state, I was able to escort hie within minutes and without the aid of so much as a footman”

“I’ve got to ride to Morland” Slayde’s frown deepened “Not only to meet with Rayburn, but to hear firsthand what Bencroft has to say However, I won’t leave Courtney unguarded”

“Sir?” Siebert inclined his head quizzically “Is Miss Johnston in danger?”

Feeling Oridge’s warning look, Slayde answered, “Siebert, you of all people know my contempt for Lawrence Bencroft I didn’t trust the bastard while he was locked away in his fortress Now, he’s invading my home, evidently provoked by what he read in the Times, and drunk to boot What if he returns and makes another scene? Or worse, what if he becomes violent? I don’t knohat he’s capable of—and neither do you I refuse to take that risk, either with Courtney’s safety or Aurora’s” A quick glance at Oridge “If I leave Peil for me?”

“Of course, my lord I’ll use that time to speak with Lexley—since I’lued to his side”

“She will indeed Incidentally, thank you for having hi hi her father” With those words, Slayde’s gaze darted back to Siebert “You’re sure we received no responses to my missives?”

“None, sir,” Siebert confiro”

“What e inquired

Slayde scowled “I sent out letters to nu the coast of Devonshire Just in the event that any of their parishioners recovered Arthur Johnston—or his body”

Oridge blinked “Recovered? I thought you said the hted when he was thrown overboard”