Notorious Deception by Adrienne Basso Read Free Book Online Page B

moved somewhere else?”
    â€œIf he did, it was very sudden. There were still a few files left and the odd bit of furniture, but the landlord said Mr. Marlow hadn’t been in for over a week. And he did not have the slightest notion where Mr. Marlow might be located.”
    â€œThat is odd,” Tristan said, rubbing his brow thoughtfully. “What did you do next?”
    â€œSince the solicitor was a blind alley I decided to investigate the properties Diana demanded the deeds for yesterday. She claimed Giles managed these properties, but they were in fact owned by her. As I read through the papers she had given me, I discovered one of the properties in question was, of all things, a tavern located on the outskirts of London. So I took a ride out there to have a chat with the proprietor.”
    Derek fell silent for a few minutes as the waiter placed a heavy silver tray containing a bottle of wine and two glasses on the mahogany table at the earl’s side. Derek waited until the man poured out the drinks and left before he continued.
    â€œLuck was finally on my side and I was able to speak with the owner. In fact, I not only saw the current deed of ownership, but I persuaded the proprietor to let me borrow the deed for a day or two.”
    â€œHow on earth did you manage that?” Tristan asked.
    â€œIt wasn’t easy,” Derek answered with a slight laugh. “I first had to consume several tankards of the inn’s very watered-down ale, and when all else failed, I left my new phaeton as collateral.”
    â€œThis deed must be very important for you to part with your new carriage, even if only for a short time,” Tristan said and leaned forward eagerly in his chair. “Well, don’t keep me in suspense any longer, Derek. Let me see the damn thing.”
    Silently, Derek handed the document into Tristan’s outstretched hand, and then he sat back in his chair. His keen eyes never left his friend’s face because he wanted to witness Tristan’s initial reaction, hoping it would be as astonished as his own had been.
    Tristan let out a long, low whistle as he scanned the page and read the signature of the seller, clearly written at the bottom of the document. There was no mention of either the Earl of Harrowby or Giles Rutledge, but the signature of the previous owner was distinctly written in a firm, bold hand: Diana Maria Crawford Rutledge.
    â€œAt least we know she was telling us the truth,” Tristan said.
    Derek merely grunted and shot Tristan a quelling look. “We know nothing of the kind, Tris,” he insisted. “All this proves is that Diana owned this inn at one time and has since sold it. The name Rutledge is not an uncommon one. It in no way indicates that she was ever married to my cousin.”
    â€œWhat about the tavern keeper? Could he tell you anything about Diana?”
    Derek squirmed uncomfortably in his seat for a moment. “Actually, that is where the rub is. It seems the innkeeper never met the previous owner. His only contact was with the owner’s solicitor.”
    Tristan gave Derek a boyish grin. “And would, by any chance, this solicitor be Mr. Jonathan Marlow?”
    â€œThe very same,” Derek reluctantly admitted as he absently fingered his wine goblet. “But you needn’t look so smug, Tris. It still proves nothing.”
    â€œI disagree, Derek. ’Tis obvious the solicitor is the connection. Too bad Mr. Marlow is not available to answer our questions.”
    â€œThat does seem to be rather convenient, doesn’t it?” Derek said with a wry smile. “It puts me of the opinion that Diana and Mr. Marlow are somehow working together in this matter.”
    â€œFor what possible purpose, Derek?”
    The earl raised an eyebrow in surprise, displaying his amazement at his friend’s naivete. “For the purpose of extorting money, Tristan. What else?”
    Tristan frowned and shook his