Death Comes to London Read Online Free Page A

find out about you. I was able to provide additional information, and the Regent decided to honor you with the baronetcy.”
    Robert shifted uncomfortably in his chair. “With all due respect, sir, is there any way to decline such an honor? I hardly feel I deserve it.”
    “I fear it is unavoidable, Major. The prince needs the popular vote too much to resist ennobling a hero. I would prepare yourself to be lionized.”
    “Damn,” Robert said feelingly. “I can’t think of anything worse.”
    “Well, it is too late to do anything about it now. Steps have already been taken to start the process. I’ve been ordered to bring you to a private audience with the prince in the next week or so.”
    “I suppose that means I’ll have to stay in London? What was my ‘secretary’ thinking?”
    “It’s an honor, and one that is well deserved. Let my aide know where you are staying.”
    “Thank you, sir.”
    Robert saluted, turned as smartly on his heel as he could, and left the room. So he did have Miss Harrington to thank for the unexpected and unwanted honor. His scowl deepened as he made his way carefully down the steps and looked about for a hackney. After his meeting with Broughton he’d find out the truth from the lady herself.
    Luckily, the driver knew exactly which building in Portland Square housed Fletchers and set Robert down right outside it. The interior looked much like any other gentlemen’s club he’d ever frequented, but rather less intimidating than Whites or Boodles. The members appeared a lot younger and rather less blue-blooded, which in his opinion was a blessing. Having served alongside a lot of bumbling aristocratic offspring in the army, he’d never had much patience for the arrogance of the nobility.
    And now he was to become one of them....
    A footman had him sign the guestbook and wait until Lord Broughton came and claimed him. He followed his old acquaintance through into a paneled room with a roaring fire and several seating areas where a man could choose to read the paper, converse with his friends, or play a hand of cards. Broughton sat in a large wing chair and Robert took the one opposite him. A waiter immediately appeared and they ordered their drinks and were assured that if they wished to eat, the club’s dining room was still open.
    Robert toasted the other man and then drank his brandy, which was excellent.
    “How did your meeting go?” Broughton asked.
    “Well enough. I told the Lieutenant Colonel I was going to leave the regiment, and he took it in good part. Do you know who is the agent for selling commissions at the moment?”
    “Yes, it’s Dagliesh. I’ll get his information for you.”
    “Thank you. And how about yourself? What do you intend to do if you’re no longer in the army?”
    “Take up my duties as my father’s heir.” Broughton’s mouth twisted. “Not that I see the old man much. He’s stationed in India at present as an ambassador to one of the minor royal courts. My mother’s been nagging me for months to settle down and secure the succession.”
    “All worthy objectives,” Robert said diplomatically.
    “And all fairly pointless.” Broughton sighed. “My real objective is to establish my reputation as a man of science.”
    “And what exactly does that entail?”
    “Using my mind instead of blindly following my family’s dictates for one. Learning about the new science and sharing my knowledge with the pioneers in their fields.”
    “It sounds rather like going back to school to me.” Robert shuddered. “I intend to concentrate on managing my estate and making it profitable.”
    Broughton grinned. “Well, to each his own. How long do you intend to stay in London?”
    “I’ll be here for at least the next couple of weeks.”
    “If you plan to settle down in the countryside, you can accompany me on my search for a suitable wife, and perhaps find one for yourself.”
    “I’d rather not contemplate matrimony at this point.”
    “Then