"I regret, my boy," Lord Hastings said, "that I can no longer rely simply on your word as a gentleman that you are not involved with this foreign spy affair. We heard from someone who swears to your involvement."
Alex reminded himself to remain cool. Losing his temper had nearly cost him Katherine. Losing it now could cost him his life. "And who told you this?" he asked Hastings. "Am I not allowed to know the name of my accuser?"
Hastings was equally calm. "Normally, yes. However, the note came anonymously. I hope to shortly remedy that situation, but at the moment, it is all we have to go on."
"Yet you accept the word of this unknown person over mine?" Alex tried to keep his tone level, but his irritation must have been evident for Hastings sighed.
"Dashed irregular, I grant you," the marquis said, "but we are faced with dire times. Napoleon is becoming desperate with his recent losses on the Peninsula and the Austrian front. If you believe even half of the rumors circulating, we have spies everywhere."
"I commiserate on the difficulties that must present you," Alex replied. "But surely you know me well enough to vouch for my honor."
"On other occasions I would be only too delighted. But this particular report is quite damaging. It is specific, and concerns information we know for a fact has reached the French."
A chill swept over him. "Someone seeks to deflect the blame from himself to me."
"Quite possible," Hastings agreed. "Allow me to ask you a few questions. I am certain you will clear your name easily and be back to that important appointment with your tailor in no time."
"My tailor isn't that important," Alex muttered, but he nodded for the marquis to continue.
Hastings leaned forward as if by doing so he could smell the truth of Alex's answers. "Have you been approached by anyone suspicious?"
"No."
"Have you hired any new servants?"
"No."
"Is there any reason you might be blackmailed?"
Alex scowled. "None whatsoever."
"What do you recall of the Willstencraft ball?"
He cocked his head. That was an odd question to throw in. The specifics Lord Hastings had spoken of must have to do with the event. He tried to remember anything different, but aside from his interactions with Katherine and her stepsister, it had been no better or worse than any other Society event that Season.
"Half the ton attended," he offered. "The music was tedious, refreshments abysmal. Lady Janice's gown will likely set a new trend in low necklines, though few gentlemen appeared to mind. I imagine a grand time was had by all."
Hastings' gaze bore into him. "You noticed nothing out of the ordinary?"
"Aside from the fact that you had Trevithan and Laughton watching the flock for wolves? No, not really."
He smiled. "Noticed them, did you? Very observant. Did anyone approach you?"
Alex raised a brow. Someone at the ball had passed secrets then. He was certain it was no one he knew. "I had any number of friends and acquaintances in attendance," he told Hastings. "At one time or another, they each approached me."
"To be sure. Allow me to be more specific. Trevithan reports that twice you disappeared for protracted periods. He confirms that at least once you were out on the terrace, but he could not identify your partner. Care to enlighten me as to what occurred?"
The two periods were obviously when he had been with Miss Templeman and Katherine. He glanced at Davis Laughton. The young spy was examining a thread that held a shiny gold button to his chamois waistcoat. He acted as if he had no interest in the conversation, although Alex was certain he was listening to every word. Surely he was used to keeping state secrets. Would he value a lady's reputation as highly? Alex wasn't sure he could take the chance.
"I was with a lady," he replied to Hastings. "Surely you will understand that I cannot say more."
Hastings' face was grave. "And I am certain you will understand that I cannot let you hide behind that excuse."
"Then perhaps I should find another," Alex quipped. "My memory is foggy, my lord. I do not recall what I did or with whom I did it. The penalty for having entirely too many ladies dangling at once, I fear."
His lordship frowned. "This is no game, Borin. Your ability to tell us what happened during those moments is critical to proving your innocence."
Alex met his gaze in challenge. "And can you promise me that if I tell you all, the lady's innocence will remain?"