Page 7

Hunt for the Mist Continues as the Illusive Thief…

Without bothering to finish the headline, he tossed the paper aside. Taking a long, satisfying sip of coffee, he pulled the financial ledgers toward him and dove into his work.

He had months of records to go through, and at a glance, most of them were the spendthrift marchioness’s doing. Gowns, jewels, accessories—it seemed she’d bought enough for the entire ton. Thorn wasn’t daft; he knew what she was doing. She was buying everything she could take with her once the marquessate passed to Thorn.

This much was expected. After all, Rosemary couldn’t be naive enough to believe he’d keep her under his roof once he inherited the title.

But there was more—apart from the clothing, she’d bought antiques and rare art, things Thorn had never seen inside this house. She also bought a carriage, a set of horses and… did it say a dog?

Strange. He didn’t remember seeing any dogs in the house. And it didn’t have any records of a rat. Unless… Was his step-witch not capable of buying a proper dog?

He shook his head.

Aside from the dog, how did she plan to cart all these things away unnoticed once Thorn took over the title? Was she already storing them away, hopeful that he wouldn’t pay attention to the ledgers? Either way, it seemed she was determined to impoverish the title before the marquess’s death. Except…

Hmmm.

It seemed her spending habits had slowed to a crawl a few days ago. Perhaps she’d gotten everything she needed or was just taking a break from her spending ways.

Something about that lull bothered Thorn. And that self-satisfied smirk she wore earlier today refused to leave his mind.

Thorn rubbed his eyes. She was up to something; he just needed to figure out what that something was.

At that moment, a short, stocky gentleman appeared in the doorway, spectacles perched atop his nose.

“Mr. Pryce,” Thorn said before the man even made a sound. “Please, enter.”

The solicitor waddled into the room and bowed. “My lord.”

Thorn stood. “Please, do sit down. We haven’t spoken in a while.”

“Yes,” Mr. Pryce said as they both settled in their chairs. “I have spent quite a bit of time with Lord Wakefield and brought specific instructions from him.”

Thorn quirked a brow. “Instructions?”

“Yes.” He cleared his throat and shifted in his seat uncomfortably. “Lord Wakefield has changed his will.”

Thorn stilled. That’s why Rosemary’s spending had come to an abrupt stop; it had to be. The witch had finally persuaded the old bastard to change his will! He had probably left everything to her. Oh, well. Now he didn’t need to slave away behind this desk.

Thorn’s nostrils flared. “Let me guess, Lady Wakefield gets everything that is not entailed.”

Mr. Pryce nodded. “That is correct. Unless…”

“Unless?” Thorn leaned forward, curiosity gnawing at his chest.

Mr. Pryce cleared his throat again and pushed his spectacles up the bridge of his nose. “Unless your lordship marries before Lord Wakefield’s demise.”

Chapter 3

Dear Lydia,

I apologize for writing so soon with contradictory information, but things have changed.

The Caldwells are preparing to join the ton festivities earlier than planned. Some urgent business came upon the earl, so we are all leaving for London tomorrow morning. I hate to rush you, but I have no choice. This is an utter nightmare.

I don’t know if you’ll receive this missive before I arrive, but I do hope you receive it after your successful night at Hades’ Hell, because I do not know what I’ll do otherwise.

Please meet me at dawn by the Serpentine. You know the place. Hopefully, we can discuss everything there in person.