Page 63 of His Improper Lady

“Yes, well, you two are difficult to forget,” Gregory said dryly.

Alex’s lips twitched. “I’m sure we plagued you when we were younger. We did everyone. I’ll beg your pardon for that, too. We have become more civilized. At least somewhat.”

“It was no matter.” Gregory waved away the apology, but did not offer up a smile.

“Con should be here soon,” Alex said. “He was right behind me. He stopped at the apothecary for a moment.”

“Is he sick?” Tom asked. It seemed unlikely, since Con was one of those annoying sorts who were always hale and hearty.

“No. No one is sick. Con’s determined to find something to cure Lilah’s morning sickness. I told him it would be gone in a couple of months, but you know Con,” Alex said with all the authority of a man who had just become a father.

Gregory’s mouth tightened. “Really, Cousin Alexander. Hardly a fit subject for conversation.”

Tom could practically see Alex’s brain spinning, trying to decide whether to be polite or say what he thought. Fortunately, Con appeared behind his brother, saying, “The blasted man didn’t have anything. Why are you standing in the doorway, Alex?”

“You have a visitor.” Alex moved aside so Con could enter.

Con’s eyes went to the man standing in his office. “Hullo.” He, too, frowned in puzzlement, but then he said, “Cousin Gregory?”

“Yes. I’m surprised you recognized me.”

“I didn’t,” Alex put in.

“Told you I had a better memory.” Con added candidly. “It was only because we’d been talking about...” His voice trailed off. “That is to say, what can I do for you, Cousin?”

“You may give me the papers Blackstock sent you. I would have thought you would have done so already, frankly, since they pertain to my family.”

“Blackstock?” Tom blurted.

“Yes,” Gregory said shortly with a surprised glance at Tom before he turned back to Con.

“You’re the one who’s after that bloody envelope?” Con exclaimed. “You hired her?”

“Her? Hired who?” Gregory frowned. “I haven’t the foggiest notion what you’re talking about.”

“Then you and I are in the same boat because I’ve no idea what you’re talking about, either. Who is Blackstock? Why would he send me an envelope? What’s in it?” Con retorted.

Gregory’s frown deepened. “Are you serious or is this one of your silly jokes?”

“It’s not a joke. I’m not ten years old anymore.” Con folded his arms. “Look. You came to me. You appear to want my help in some way. If so, you’re going to have to be a little less obscure.”

Gregory’s gaze flickered to Tom once again, then in a tight voice he said to Con, “This is family business.”

“Oh, for pity’s sake,” Con began.

“Con, I can leave,” Tom offered.

“No. This is absurd.” Con faced his cousin. “Tom is my partner in this business, which this envelope of yours apparently involves, given that someone broke into our office trying to steal it.”

“What?” Gregory gaped. “Steal it!”

“Yes, and since you’re the one who’s so bloody eager to get your hands on it, I can’t help but suspect you are the one who hired the thief.”

Gregory’s nostrils flared. “Are you mad? Why would I steal my—” He stopped and drew a deep breath, pulling his expression back to its former composure, though a look in his eyes hinted of anger still bubbling below the surface. “Mr. Blackstock was my father’s lawyer. Perhaps you are unaware of it, but my father...” The muscle of his jaw tightened. “My father deserted us many years ago, when I was a child. There has been no word from him since. It’s clear he will not return. We have no way of knowing if he is even alive, but my mother has been reluctant to petition the court to have him declared dead. She has always hoped he would come back to her, though I cannot imagine why she should wish it.” His voice turned bitter. “How she can continue to love a man who humiliated her by running away with his mist—” Gregory stopped, with another glance toward Tom.

“You knew about Stella! You knew about the children?” Con exclaimed.

“Stella. Who the devil is Stella? What children?”