Mastering a Sinner by Kate Pearce

Theale had lied to him about her interest in his brother.
    Charlotte . . .
    The note had obviously been delivered by hand and bore only the words “Lady Theale” on the reverse and the remains of a red wax seal. Was it possible that this was the same woman Lady Benedict knew? Alistair studied the seal closely and wondered why it looked so familiar. He thought he could make out the letter P .
    Abandoning his search, Alistair replaced the note exactly where he’d found it, locked the door, and went in search of Maddon the butler. He found him in the kitchen reading the morning paper and drinking tea.
    “Good morning, Mr. Maclean. May I assist you with something?”
    “Yes, don’t get up.” Alistair waved him back down into his seat. “I was wondering whether you received any messages from the pleasure house recently.”
    Maddon frowned. “Are you expecting something, sir?”
    “Yes.” It wasn’t a lie; he maintained regular contact with Christian over the entertainment on the second floor.
    The butler put down his cup. “The only note I’ve taken in from the pleasure house in the last day or so was for Lady Theale. Do you wish me to inquire as to whether the message was meant for you?”
    “There’s no need for that,” Alistair said quickly. “To be quite frank, I’m probably expecting a reply far too promptly. I’m quite happy to go and ask Mr. Delornay whether he has an answer for me yet. Please don’t trouble yourself.” He smiled at the butler. “The exercise will do me good.”
    “If you are sure, sir.”
    “If anyone asks for me, please tell them that I’ll be back before dinner.”
    “Yes, sir.”
    Alistair found his hat and coat and walked around to the pleasure house, cutting through the garden at the center of the square to appreciate the flowers and the greenery that always struggled to survive in the city. It was still a far cry from his Scottish homeland, where bracken and heather predominated on the steep hillsides and the sun rarely shined. Was that where Harry had gone? Would he find some peace there?
    After greeting the footman stationed in the front hall and asking to speak to Christian, Alistair was taken through to the owner’s office. Christian was working at his desk, his blond head bent to his task as he filled in a huge ledger with his small, neat handwriting.
    “Mr. Maclean. How may I help you?”
    Alistair took the seat Christian offered him and considered how best to approach the subject. “I’ve reason to believe that the woman who threatened to shoot me the other night might be connected to your establishment.”
    “But after luring you in here, she walked right through the building and left immediately.”
    “She had a key for Barrington Square. All she had to do was leave through the front entrance, throw off her disguise, and reenter through the Barrington house at her leisure.”
    “Why do you believe that?”
    “Because of further evidence I have acquired. Do you have a woman named Charlotte on your staff?”
    Christian interlaced his fingers and looked down at them. “You know I am not at liberty to discuss my employees or the members of the club with anyone. This place thrives on anonymity.”
    “That’s not very helpful.”
    “Unless this ‘Charlotte’ is officially wanted by the government for High Treason, I am unable to confirm her existence, or lack of it. You of all people should understand this. You go by the name of Mr. Scott here. I have never shared your true identity with your brother, your employers, or anyone connected to the Sinners.”
    “And I appreciate it.” Alistair sighed. “If you do know this woman, could you at least ask her what is going on?”
    Christian raised an eyebrow and remained annoyingly silent.
    “Fine,” Alistair snapped. “There is one more thing you might help me with. Apparently, Harry turned up at the Sinners one night with a new lover. Do you know who that might be?”
    Christian sat back. “Now, I can tell