Whatever happened, he wasn’t letting Violet get involved with these people. They’d already proven how dangerous they were. Doyle’s men spilled blood—frequently. They cared little for the law and relied on their menacing reputation and bribes to ensure they got away with their behavior. The whole situation was far more dangerous than she realized.
If she ended up harmed, how could he forgive himself?
“I’ll hire an investigator,” he said curtly.
“At this time of year?”
He eyed her. “An expert in investigators, are we?”
“I’m simply saying a lot of people will be with family in the country and in the time it will take to find and hire one, I could have found your father already.”
Duke mentally flipped through the names of investigators he knew. It would take a few days to find and hire one. This time of year would delay things, especially with muddy roads impeding the post. He didn’t know if his father had days, but what other option did he have?
He observed Violet’s firmly set chin and the blaze of determination in her eyes. If there was one thing he knew about Musgraves it was that they were always willing to get themselves into situations they should not. Hell, Clementine had met Roman by involving herself in business that had nothing to do with her. Truth be told, it worked out well, but this situation was entirely different. These were hardened and organized criminals they were dealing with, not some ghost sighting.
“I’ll find an investigator,” he said firmly. “You know, simply because you are a Musgrave does not mean you have to fling yourself into the path of danger at every turn.”
“When have I ever flung myself into danger?”
He ticked off a finger. “The birds, the plant in your hair, the time your entire family kidnapped the Prince Regent’s dog...”
“We did not steal his dog. We fussed him a little and he happened to sneak into our carriage.” She lifted her chin. “Is it our fault the dog preferred us to the Prince Regent?”
Duke forced his lips to remain still. He’d heard the tale of how the Musgraves had finally been cut from London society many times, mostly from others. The stories ranged from scandalous to downright cruel, but anyone who knew the Musgraves knew of their love of dogs and inability to resist petting one. The girls swore they would never pet a dog again, however, he’d definitely seen Violet break that rules a time or two.
“Anyway, my point is, you are not averse to risk, and I will not have you putting yourself in a position of danger.”
Folding her arms, Violet glared at him. “Are you telling me I’m foolish?”
“Never.”
“That you do not trust me?”
“I trust you with my life, Vi.”
“Then trust me to do this.”
He shook his head. “These people....they live and breathe crime. What Doyle did to his rival...” Duke swallowed hard, imagining what could be happening to his father right this moment. “It’s not something one should ever have to think on.” He twisted to face her fully, bringing his legs around the side of his chair. “They are dangerous, and I will not see you put in harm’s way.”
Violet pivoted too, moving her knees almost in line with his. She leaned forward, set her hands to his thighs, and locked her gaze to his. “I can do this, Duke, I swear it. Clementine helped Roman with his aunt, and I can help you now. Goodness, my cousins have investigated many a case and successfully brought down criminals. I’m certain I could do the same.”
“What do your cousins have to do with this?”
“Surely you heard about the counterfeiters in London?”
He vaguely recalled something about a court case and the Daventrys being somehow involved, however, he didn’t recall any mention of young women investigating criminal behavior.
“It doesn’t matter,” he said, aware he’d have to find out more about Violet’s cousins at some point, if not to at least satisfy his curiosity. “This is too dangerous.”
She straightened and removed her hands from his legs. He missed the touch.
“So we just sit around and hope they do not harm your father?” Her eyes widened. “Or are you going to agree to their demands?”
Gritting his teeth until his jaw hurt, Duke inhaled deeply. “If I agree who is to say they shall hand back my father. People like this cannot be negotiated with.”
“I agree.”
“I’ll contact some people I know. With any luck, they can start the search whilst I continue to heal.”