Mistletoe and Mayhem - Cheryl Bolen Page 0,105

gritted out. “My brother inherited a reasonable income from our father. Unlike other second sons, he refused to simply live off his brother, join the army, or enter the church, Mr. Haddon. He invested wisely, and Jackson was to continue the course my father had set for him and ensure a comfortable life for us all. As we have so far been visited by two people wanting payment for goods they’d delivered, I don’t believe that is the case. I managed to break into his desk and found more unpaid accounts, but as I am a female and therefore clearly an idiot, I cannot go to the bank to check what funds are still available, if any.”

“I can’t imagine anyone being foolish enough to call you an idiot.”

“The point here is I am out of ideas and need help. Will you do so?”

“Help?”

“I have just said as much,” she said, trying not to sound testy.

“Can I ask what you believe your brother is actually doing, Miss Redfern? The man I knew was honorable and intelligent. I can’t see he has changed overmuch.”

This was the part she dreaded. Telling this man who had once been Jackson’s friend what her brother had succumbed to.

“Miss Redfern?”

“I have deduced with what limited information I have thus far that my brother has very possibly fallen for the charms of a woman who has lured him into her gambling establishment, where he is now spending our money.”

“You’ve deduced this by eliminating the places you frequented and speaking to people, one presumes? As surely your brother did not tell you these things if, as you say, he is doing what you suggest.”

“There is no if about it, Mr. Haddon. I have narrowed it down to just two places, but am leaning heavily toward one in particular.”

“Please don’t tell me you entered other establishments like Bastil’s? I fear my heart won’t take the shock.”

“My footman has been helping me and has entered the other premises, as I have realized that in this at least you are right. I should not frequent another establishment such as Bastil’s.”

“I am relieved,” he drawled. “This is the same footman who has been teaching you things?”

She nodded.

“So there is just you and your aunt under Jackson’s protection?”

“Yes. Thus far I have managed to keep most things from her, but that will not last much longer.”

“Devilishly nosey people, aunts.”

She had the feeling he was making fun of her, but as his face was solemn, Ivy couldn’t be entirely certain. Jackson had said he had a wicked sense of humor.

“Well? Will you help me find my brother, Mr. Haddon?”

“I will help you, Miss Redfern. But I must have all the facts and also be made aware of the locations you are traveling to. I will not have your demise at the hands of some scoundrel on my conscience.”

“I am an adult, Mr. Haddon, and have no need of you watching over me. It is Jackson only that must be your main focus.”

“Miss Redfern.” He moved closer still, and it took all of Ivy’s control not to scurry backward. “In this I’m afraid I will not be flexible. You agree to my terms, or I shall be unable to help you.”

Looking at the large nobleman, Ivy wondered in fact if she hadn’t just made a grave error of judgement soliciting his help. He was not a man she would be able to control.

Chapter Three

He wasn’t sure why he’d agreed. Maybe it was because now that he was closer to her, he could see her desperation. Her shiver had him taking her arm.

“Come, you are freezing and have been out here too long. We shall return to the concert, God save us all.”

“I will play a part in finding my brother, Mr. Haddon.”

“Of course, but you will no longer be playing it alone.” Rory bundled her back inside out of the icy December wind.

She shook off his fingers and faced him. Someone had lit a lamp up here, believing perhaps a few hardy guests would make the trek up to view London by night. He could see her clearly now. Her eyes were light; blue, he thought, or perhaps even gray. Her features were more delicate than pointed, he had to now concede. Small nose, heart-shaped mouth, and pink cheeks. Her hair was pulled back in a bun, and she wore a blue velvet band on her head.

“Good Lord, your lips are turning blue.” Rory took off his jacket.

“Wh-what are you doing, sir?”

“Warming you up before you