across from her, engaging in low-voiced conversation with Byer, and his eyes—his lively green eyes—seemed to have become stone.
Gabriel had only stopped long enough to strip off his cumbersome costume before accompanying Byer to Alder Street.
He hadn’t been gone long and Byer did not return with him.
Drusilla had changed into a comfortable gown and paced until his return. She led him to the library. “Sit, have some tea.”
He did not demur, his expression almost crazed.
“What happened, Gabriel?”
“Giselle and Maria’s maid discovered Sami’s nurse, Mrs. Banks, in her room with a large lump swelling on her head.”
“Is the lady hurt?”
“Not seriously, thank God. She was already awake when I got there, but she remembered nothing as both she and the boy had been asleep when it happened. The open window in the schoolroom makes it clear how the person—whoever it was—entered the house.
“It is a steep climb with very little to hold on to,” Gabriel said, his expression taut with worry. “I hope to God Samir took no harm or—”
The door opened to the library, and Parker stood in the doorway, a full tray in his hands. He glanced nervously from Gabriel’s angry face to Drusilla.
“Right here will be fine,” she said, smiling at the obviously upset servant and gesturing to the table in front of the fire. It had seemed chilly tonight, although she knew it was most likely an emotional chill they were all feeling.
“Thank you, Parker.”
She began to prepare the tea, unable to wrap her mind around what had happened. She shook her head and turned to Gabriel. “Who would kidnap the boy? Could it be somebody from his mother’s family, Gabriel? Perhaps they want him back? Or maybe—”
“Byer and I believe we know who is behind this.”
He told her how he’d seen Rowland meeting with Visel at least twice.
“Why didn’t you tell me, Gabriel?”
“Because I had no idea what they were doing. I assumed that if Visel was involved, it would be something to do with me.” He shrugged. “As for Rowland? I thought perhaps he would be helping with whatever Visel had planned.”
“Yes, his cousin. Although he always indicated he was not close to him—that he despised his wealthier relatives as lazy, useless spendthrifts.”
Gabriel set down his cup, his jaw tight. “Did Rowland ever tell you about his gambling?”
“No—he said he hated gambling, that it was the downfall of his father.”
“The second part of what you say is true. But as to the first—well, Rowland owes money to several people. A great deal of money.”
Her cup and saucer clattered, and tea sloshed over the side. Gabriel reached across and took it from her, setting it down on the tray before continuing.
“He lost his lodgings and sold most of his possessions about ten days ago. He’s been living with his cousin since then. It seems they had a falling out over something and Visel turfed him out. I lost track of him after that.”
“Wait—you mean you’ve been following him?”
“Yes, since the night he met you in the garden. Byer and I split the task and his valet also helped.” He grimaced. “I’m ashamed to say we lost track of Rowland on my watch. He went into a—” He stopped, his cheeks darkening. “Well, he went into a brothel.”
“You followed him into a brothel?” It was all she could do to force the words out.
“It is because I didn’t follow him inside that he was able to disappear.” He gave her a wry look. “You see how well you’ve trained your husband without even realizing it?”
It was Drusilla’s turn to blush.
“I waited for hours. And when Byer came, he waited for hours.” He coughed. “Although he waited inside. Which is how he found out that Rowland had left hours earlier—that he’d gone with another man to a card game in an adjacent building. The men had left through the servants’ entrance for convenience.” He shook his head. “And that was the last we saw of him.”
“Why do you think he would have taken Sami? What could he—”
A sharp rap on the door interrupted her. Parker rushed inside the room, his cheeks flushed. “This just came for you, sir.”
Gabriel took the folded rectangle. “Who delivered it?”
“A boy from The Greenman,” he said, naming a posting inn on the north end of the city. “But he said he was paid in advance to deliver it—double his usual amount. He said the man who paid him was slight with curly dark brown hair.”
Drusilla and Gabriel stared at each other: Rowland fit