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question shot Penelope’s way as if the judgment was still under consideration. He wished that Lady Bright didn’t perceive how badly he wanted to put his past behind him and to secure a better future. She was like a bloodhound when it came to sensing weakness.
    Penelope removed her hand sooner than he would have wished and adjusted her lavender gown. “Mama says that he was married once. And quite well.”
    Heath blinked, bringing his mind back to the conversation. “Who?”
    Penelope’s face was the epitome of patience tried. “Mr. Dagwood, of course. Mama says he was once married to the Viscount Benbrook’s daughter. But after she died there was some sort of terrible falling out. Do you know what happened?”
    “We don’t speak of such matters.” It was partially true. They spoke of Heath’s private life, but never of Dagwood’s. Heath had heard snippets about Benbrook, but the topic was clearly unwelcome, and Heath respected his superior’s privacy. “Work seems to be his passion.”
    “I’m talking about marriage, not passion.”
    His astonishment must have shown on his face, for she offered a quick smile. “I’m jesting of course. Mr. Dagwood’s affairs are none of my business. We are here for our visit, so let us sit, we have but a few moments together before Mama arrives.”
    Deciding that it was easier to accept her assurance than dig into the matter further, Heath sat.
    Gracefully lowering herself onto the edge of the opposite settee, she clasped her hands in her lap. “Mama will be along in a moment. And then we’ll have tea. But I must warn you, she is late because she is dreadfully upset and had to lie down.”
    Lady Bright allowed herself to be dreadfully upset about a multitude of things, but in this instance, Heath didn’t mind. “How are you doing with your painting? Is it coming along as you’d hoped?”
    Penelope’s golden brow furrowed. “Don’t you wish to know what’s bothering Mama?”
    Inwardly Heath sighed. “If you wish.”
    “Our cousin George has been swindled and Mama intends to see the vile thief suffer. She called upon Solicitor-General Dagwood this morning and—”
    “She went to my superior without discussing it with me?” Heath interrupted, straightening.
    Penelope eyed him as if he was being obtuse. “Mama always goes to the person with the most influence. It’s the only way to get things properly done.”
    “Person with the most influence…” Heath held his irritation in check. Would Lady Bright go to the Prince Regent if she had an issue with not being able to purchase embargoed wine? Probably, if she managed to get close enough to bend the prince’s ear.
    Penelope folded her hands before her. “Don’t feel badly about her not going to you for help. You see, you work for Mr. Dagwood, so for you to be of assistance, you need his acquiescence. This avoids that unnecessary step.”
    Heath didn’t like that his future mother-in-law considered him unnecessary. “I don’t have to beg for his indulgence to investigate a matter. But that is neither here nor there, since the solicitor-general is the Law Officer of the Crown. He advises and answers only to the Crown. Any matters he takes up are within strict bounds.”
    “Mama says that Solicitor-General Dagwood will help us because…” Suddenly her cheeks tinged pink. “I…ah, well, this is a grave injustice…”
    Heath tried to ignore the clench in his gut. Lady Bright felt that she could impose upon Dagwood because he’d interceded on Heath’s behalf.
    “She should have at least waited and spoken to me about it today.” Heath stood and walked over to the window so that Penelope couldn’t see how irritated he truly was. Dagwood shouldn’t have to suffer for aiding Heath’s cause with Lord and Lady Bright. “Moreover, this is probably a case better handled by a Bow Street Runner than a Law Officer of the Crown.”
    “Mama says that Mr. Dagwood investigates matters that interest him. Like