A Most Naked Solution Read Online Free PDF Page A

poor, neglected muscles in her face even remembered what to do. “That’s when you were awarded the barony, was it not?”
    After his last comment, she hadn’t expected him to be able to look humble, but he did a very creditable job, dropping his gaze and clearing his throat. “Yes. Although, really, the entire company deserved the praise. I may have designed the bridge, but they were the ones who had to build it.”
    The bridge had saved the lives of half of Wellington’s retreating army, if she remembered the story correctly. Then he’d helped hold off the French forces with rifle fire while the remaining few crossed.
    “Surely there had to have been officers jealous of your fame.”
    Lord Grey shook his head. “Envy does indeed strike soldiers, but I was given the title five years ago. And I’ve remained fairly quiet since then.”
    “No angry lovers?” Where had that come from? Definitely not something she needed to know about.
    He lifted a brow. “Lovers, yes. Angry, no. They tend to be rather satisfied.”
    As if she needed more thoughts of being satisfied by Lord Grey. She turned her face into the wind to cool the burning in her cheeks. “I’m trying to think of suspects.”
    All humor drained from his face. “The person intended to wound, if not kill you. Are you ready to be honest about what you know.”
    C amden wasn’t sure what he expected her to say. He knew there was slim chance of her actually cooperating, so he almost missed the brief moment of indecision that flashed across her face.
    Then she said, “Will you do the same?”
    Camden frowned. “I’m not hiding anything.” Except perhaps how oddly distracting he was finding her lips, but he was certain she didn’t want to hear that fact.
    “You think I had something to do with my husband’s death.”
    He paused. “I’m not certain, but I do think it’s possible. And I do know you are hiding something.”
    The carriage drew to a halt in front of the Dancing Pig tavern. Camden leapt down, then assisted Sophia onto the cobbles.
    Only a few men dotted the taproom as they entered, Tubs being one of them. The guinea must have been enough to convince Haws to allow him access to the ale again. The maid, Lottie, stood next to him, collecting his empty tankard.
    Haws shifted behind the bar, the rag in his hand slowing, wiping the same circle as they approached. “Lord Grey. Lady Harding. It’s a surprise to see you both again. So soon.”
    “I’ve come to ask again if you remember any strangers from around the time of Lord Harding’s murder. Lady Harding has come along to tell you how grateful she’ll be for any help.”
    Sophia’s smile was brittle. “Of course.”
    Haws slung the rag over his shoulder. “Well, er . . .”
    Mrs. Haws exploded out of the kitchen. A look passed between her and Sophia. And Camden knew, in that instant, that his plan would be an utter failure. He’d learn nothing even if Sophia swore on the Bible that she wanted everyone to cooperate.
    Yet ever obstinate, he tried one last time. “I know two men were here after the murder. Two men from London.”
    Sophia paled. Disappointment dropped into Camden’s gut, a painful, heavy thing. “You wouldn’t know anything about two men from London?”
    A ragged party of farmers entered the tavern and claimed a table by the window.
    “I know many men from London, but not two who would have been in this tavern.” Camden had to lean in close to hear Sophia’s words, but even from a mile away he would have recognized her stubborn determination.
    He lowered his voice. “Then why does this investigation frighten you? What are you hiding?”
    “Nothing.”
    Camden barely registered the growl coming from his throat until Sophia backed away from him, eyes wary.
    Good. Perhaps she’d rethink whatever foolishness was going on here.
    Cold ale sloshed in his face. Camden choked, wiping at the liquid stinging his eyes and running down his chin. “What the devil?”
    Haws