The Heart of a Duke(72)

“Do not marry him. As I told my three sisters when they pined for him, you can do better,” Brett said, while Robbie snorted.

“Who inherits if you were no longer in the line of succession?” Julia pressed, ignoring the men’s banter.

“My father’s younger brother’s son. Theodore Bryant,” Daniel offered, a curious expression crossing his features.

“What is it?” Robbie said.

Daniel shrugged. “He is a decent bloke. Quite bright actually. He is an ornithologist.”

“Come again?” Brett said, his interest perking up.

“Birds, he studies birds,” Daniel supplied. “I haven’t seen him since I was a boy, but I spent a weekend with him once. Bird-watching,” he admitted, avoiding Brett’s eyes.

“I see, or rather, I would have liked to have seen that.” Brett smiled. “But you say he is bright? Bright enough to manage six properties and a couple hundred thousand acres, not to mention employees, and kill you in order to do so?”

“I do not know,” Daniel said. “I wrote to him before I came. My uncle lived in Hertfordshire, and Theo lives there now. I had plans to ride over for a visit, but I have been tied up of late.”

“You sound doubtful. You do not think he is capable of murder?” Julia found herself tripping over the word, her hands fisting in her skirts.

Daniel rubbed his temple. “Yes and no. He has no compunction in killing. But birds, not humans. In fact, his bird skins are showcased at the British Museum.”

“Skins?” Brett frowned. “What the devil are skins?”

“Well, as he has explained to me in his letters, the difference between mounted exhibits and skins, is that skins consist of the soft parts of the bird being removed while the shape is left intact so the skin specimens accurately resemble the dead bird.” As he delivered the information, he avoided eye contact.

Julia’s lips parted, not quite knowing what to make of this information.

“Good lord,” Robbie breathed. “He not only kills, but he guts his prey as well.” He shook his head. “Not looking good for you. Have another tart.” He shoved the tray at Daniel.

“Look, I will meet with him. I knew the boy, not the man. As Lady Julia has reminded me, a man can change.” He lifted his eyes to hers as they both recalled that long-ago day.

But she had been wrong, hadn’t she? What a naïve, besotted fool she had been. “And you are going to visit your father’s solicitor’s office? See where his papers went. As my father uses the same firm, I will accompany you and Brett to their offices while Robbie continues his search for this poacher. Now then, whom else might your father or Abel Shaw have confided in?”

Robbie frowned. “The vicar? They hear deathbed confessions.”

“I doubt they would share any confidences. That would probably break a confessional vow,” Brett said.

“What about his doctor? During your father’s last days, his doctor might have been privy to your father’s sickbed rambles or heard his confidences,” Julia suggested.

“See?” Daniel beamed. “I told you she is brilliant. You have to marry me.”

“Oh no, here we go again,” Robbie muttered, shaking his head.

Brett laughed. “I have to agree with you, though. As I said, he never stood a chance.” He grinned at Julia and with all the men’s eyes upon her, her cheeks warmed.

“So who was your father’s doctor during those last days?” Robbie asked.

“Doctor Reilly, and he retired after my father’s death. He might be difficult to find.”

Julia smiled in memory. “I remember the good doctor Reilly. He covered for Doctor West a few times when West could not answer our calls. We can ask my father. He might have information. So it sounds like we have some plans.” Always a planner, she felt better having a few leads to pursue.

“You sound like Daniel,” Brett commented. “Always making lists and agendas.”

Surprised, she glanced at Daniel. “Yes, well, much is at stake.”

“We will find who is behind these attacks on Daniel,” Brett said, conviction in his tone. “And learn what Bedford wants. How can we fail now that you are assisting us?”

“Damn right we, ah . . . I mean, right, we will find him,” Robbie echoed, abashed.

“Then you will have to marry me because why bother saving me if I have decided I cannot live without you.” Daniel beamed.

“I will consider it,” she said, unable to resist a smile at his expression of boyish hope. But I need you to love me. She dropped her gaze.

“You better accept him,” Robbie grumbled. “Because if I have to listen to him go on about—”