Free The Naked Viscount by Sally Mackenzie Page A

arrived.”
    â€œOh? And what were you discussing?”
    Heavens, Stephen’s voice had an edge to it. What did he think she’d be discussing with the little man? She opened her mouth to tell him to stop being absurd, but the Mouse was already speaking.
    â€œNothing. Just this and, er, that. I was on the point of leaving, actually. If you’ll excuse me?” The man bobbed his head and darted off through the palms without giving them the opportunity to reply.
    Stephen snorted. “What were you doing hiding in the foliage with that rodent, Janey?”
    Why did Stephen sound so accusatory? She looked at Lord Motton; he was frowning as well. “I was not hiding with the man. I was standing here, and he came up to speak to me. Things like that happen at a ball.”
    â€œDon’t be saucy with me, sister mine. I know what happens at balls. And let me ask you this—at how many balls have you seen the Mouse?”
    â€œI don’t know. I don’t pay attention to the man. He’s very forgettable.”
    â€œI can tell you how many,” Stephen said. “None. Zero.”
    â€œWhat do you mean? I see him everywhere.” He’d been in Town for at least as many Seasons as she had.
    â€œEverywhere but balls.” Stephen shot a significant look at Lord Motton. The viscount’s face was carefully blank.
    The men obviously knew something they weren’t sharing with her. How annoying. She snapped open her fan. It was getting infernally hot in here. “So are you going to tell me why he doesn’t go to balls?”
    Stephen shrugged, but he wouldn’t meet her eyes. “He doesn’t dance.”
    Lord Motton made an odd noise that sounded like a laugh turned into a cough. Jane scowled at them both and plied her fan faster.
    â€œZeus, Janey, are you trying to start a gale in here? You’re going to blow us clear across the Channel.”
    She’d like to blow Stephen into the Channel. Perhaps she’d just break her fan over his head. She hated being kept in the dark. “What aren’t you telling me?”
    â€œNothing.” Stephen pointed his finger at her. “But here’s something I am telling you—stay away from the Mouse.”
    Jane pointed her finger back at him. “Don’t be ridiculous. He’s harmless.”
    â€œOh, no he’s not.” Stephen glared at her.
    Lord Motton cleared his throat. “If I may interrupt this little sibling squabble?” He turned to Jane. “I do believe your brother is correct in this case, Miss Parker-Roth. You should most definitely avoid the man.”
    â€œWhy?” Trust the men to band together.
    â€œBecause,” Lord Motton said, “I have evidence someone—or several someones—are taking a marked interest in Clarence Widmore’s work.”
    â€œOh?” This was interesting. “Who besides Lord Ardley?”
    The viscount looked as though he was grinding his teeth, but Stephen was the one who hissed at her. “ Will you keep your voice down?”
    â€œWhat, the palms have ears?” But she did glance behind her. No one looked to be within earshot.
    â€œPrecisely.” Stephen’s eyes narrowed. “What exactly was the Mouse chatting with you about?”
    â€œEr…” Oh, dear. Perhaps Stephen and Lord Motton did have a point. “Clarence and, well, his drawings.”
    â€œThat’s odd. Clarence was a sculptor mainly,” Stephen said.
    â€œRight. But he also drew.” Lord Motton reached into his pocket. “I was looking for you tonight partly to show you this.”
    He handed the scrap of paper over to Stephen. Jane tried to steal a look, but Stephen was careful to shield it from her. His eyebrows shot up and he gave a low whistle. “I guess old Clarence did draw once in a while. That’s Ardley and Lady Farthingale.”
    â€œObviously. And you’ll note this is only part of