Page 84 of Not a Fine Gentleman

Perhaps she ought to take a more active role in her brother’s children’s lives. If she couldn’t have children of her own, she could at least love those in her family. An image of a tiny, dark-haired boy with impossibly deep blue eyes like Connor’s flashed into her mind.

Connor glanced at her as if he felt her gaze. He angled his head in curiosity. Then his eyes softened. Did he truly care for her as a woman, or merely as the sister of men he respected? Or worse—as simply a victim of a crime? Duty or affection?

At least he no longer suspected her of murder.

But that wasn’t enough—not anymore.

“Uncle Christian. Uncle Grant.” Colin’s face lit up. He trotted to Grant and stood beaming up at him. Why the lad favored his most fearsome-looking uncle, no one knew.

Grant’s expression softened, but he said in a gruff voice. “Colin, lad, are you behaving?”

“Of course.” The boy looked affronted.

“Pity.”

Elise cleared her throat. “Do attempt to resist the urge to corrupt my son, Grant.”

Grant cast a teasing smile at Elise. “Oh, I’m sure Jared already sees to that.”

Grinning, Jared gathered up his assortment of weapons. “I try.”

Margaret addressed Connor and indicated Colin. “This is Jared and Elise’s son, Colin. Colin, make your manners to Mr. Jackson.”

Colin bent in a very proper bow. “Good day, Mr. Jackson.”

Connor’s expression hovered somewhere between amusement and delight. “Good day, young master Colin.” His gaze darted to everyone in the room. He inclined his head in an elegant general greeting, not unlike the greeting Cole often made.

Connor may not be quite a fine gentleman, but he was undoubtedly a fine man of confidence and courtesy.

When the men failed to reveal their news, Margaret prompted, “Well?”

All three men glanced pointedly at the child present.

Alicia arose. “I believe I’ll go check on Nicky. Colin, would you care to join me?”

Colin looked around as if he suspected the adults were about to discuss an interesting topic.

Elise stood and held out a hand to her son. “Colin, do come with Aunt Alicia and me to visit Cousin Nicky in the nursery.”

None too enthusiastic, the boy went with them. At the doorway, he looked back and let out a sigh as if he knew he had no hope of learning what would take place in his absence.

Margaret rather understood the sentiment. Having overprotective brothers could be such a trial at times. At least they cared, which was more than she’d ever had from her former husband, may he forever rot in eternity. Connor’s protectiveness, though at times frustrated her to no end, struck a chord inside her heart.

Once the child and his mother and aunt left the room, Grant said, “One of our street contacts saw a man dumping another into the Thames. No one could give us a description of the man who did the dumping.”

Connor added thoughtfully, “Nor do we have any leads on who is behind it all.” His eyes unfocused and took on a faraway look as if his thoughts took him miles away. “What are we missing?”

Cole’s butler entered and cleared his throat. “Lady Margaret, are you at home to Lady Hennessy?”

“Lady Hennessy?” Margaret blinked at him at the odd question. Then it dawned on her. “Of course. My sister-in-law now bears that title.” She hesitated. They’d never been close—mostly because Hennessy’s brother, the newly titled Marquis Hennessy, made no secret about how much he disliked Margaret—once he realized she wouldn’t dally with him. Still, she ought to receive Jane.

She eyed the gentlemen in silent question.

Connor shook his head. “We have nothing further to give you, except my vow that I won’t stop searching for the truth.”

All her insides went soft and squishy at his strength of will and determination. Was she foolish to think she’d found in him a man of honor?

Margaret nodded to the waiting butler. “Please show her into the front parlor.”