But he couldn’t tell his friend that. Not without getting into thewhyhe was avoiding her. And what Warrick didn’t have was answers for his friend. Saville and Selena might bicker constantly, but when it came to his sister, Saville threw punches first and asked for explanations second. And if he didn’t like the explanation...
What could he even say?
I’m helping your sister find a secret club. Oh, and she entered my bedchamber alone while I was sleeping off a night of drink. Forgive me for yanking her onto me. I also kissed her.
No.
Warrick would rather not stare down the barrel of a forced marriage that would ensure both parties a miserable outcome.
“Why the devil do you want to spy on a gaggle of females, anyhow?”
“What’s with you lately?” Saville countered. “Did Selena curse your existence? Throw kitchenware at you? Cut up your favorite waistcoats?”
“Of course not. I’m notyou.”
Saville’s glare spoke volumes. “I’m choosing not to respond to that.”
“So youcanchoose not to respond to something. Well, if you make this choice more often, I doubt your existence will be cursed, you will have kitchenware tossed at you, or your waistcoats will be cut up.”
“Why, thank you for your sage advice.”
“I live to impart sage advice to my friends.”
“You really have a singular talent for vexing me.” Saville slouched back into his seat. “Fine, the reason I’m snooping today is not to spy but because it’s Lady Theodosia’s birthday.” He motioned to the package beside him. “I wish to give her a gift.”
“Drop it off at the door.”
“This is no ordinary birthday gift,” Saville said. “It serves as an apology gift as well.
This caught his attention. “What did you do?”
Saville gave an exaggerated sigh. “We might have had some words at the card game. By the by, have you seen this crest?” Saville handed him a slip of paper he retrieved from his pocket.
Warrick studied the sword entwined with roses. “What is this?”
“An organization of some sort operating in the shadows. Mortimer asked me to keep an eye out for it.”
Warrick froze.
Why did that sound so familiar? What was it with these Savages and shadowy organizations?
“Isn’t Mortimer searching for the betting book?” And now this?
Saville opened the carriage door and jumped out. “So far as I know, yes.”
Warrick studied the drawing, brows furrowing. “What else did he say?”
“Can’t recall. Why? Do you recognize it?”
“No.” But a suspicion formed in his mind. What were the chances there were two secret organizations that two people connected to the betting book were searching for? And if his suspicion was correct, why was the duke searching for a club run by women? No matter how Warrick looked at it, this did not bode well for anyone.
He handed the slip back to Saville. “The design is not particularly original.” This had nothing to do with him, he reminded himself.
I’m done.
Saville nodded. “Are you joining?”
Warrick clenched his fists.
