Chapter 79

Moments later, Powell reappeared. “This way, please, my lord.”

The butler led him into the drawing room where Kit was standing by the mantel. In contrast to Leander’s face, Kit’s was set in stoic, solemn lines that revealed nothing.

“Dearborne.” Julien didn’t bother with the formality of bowing.

“Blackstone. What brings you to my door today?” If Leander had often seemed younger than his twenty-two years, Kit seemed much older than his twenty-seven.

“I have some information about Leander that is very important.”

A muscle in Kit’s jaw worked and Julien realized belatedly that he’d called Leander by his given name. “What is it?” Kit’s words sounded as though they came through gritted teeth.

“His valet, John Gibson, called on me a short while ago.”

“Lee’s valet?” Kit repeated with a slight frown.