The Formidable Earl (Diamonds in the Rough #6) - Sophie Barnes Page 0,55

Ida. But protocol was protocol, and so he gestured toward her. “Miss Jane Smith, allow me to introduce to you the Marquess of Kirksdale and Mr. St. John.”

“Enchanted,” Mr. St. John murmured.

“You look familiar,” Kirksdale said as he narrowed his gaze on Ida.

She turned to Simon as if to seek his advice.

He gave her arm a gentle squeeze. “I’m afraid the game is up. My uncle already knows who you are, so you might as well confess.”

With a small nod of agreement, Ida returned her attention to Kirksdale. “You were acquainted with my father. Mathew Strong?”

Kirksdale’s eyes widened. He leaned back in visible shock and leveled a glare on Simon. “This woman is a traitor’s daughter.”

“Keep your voice down would you?” Simon drew Ida closer to his side. He’d expected more discretion from the marquess, but the man had clearly forgotten where he was or else he’d not be speaking so loud, surely.

“What’s that?” Mr. St. John asked with heightened curiosity.

“My father came to you for help right before his arrest,” Ida said, her voice impressively calm. “You were away, though. Gone along with the rest of his friends.”

Ignoring her completely, Kirksdale told Mr. St. John, “She was recently discovered in a St. Giles brothel.”

“Stop,” Simon warned. He could sense those nearest to them leaning in, ears perked in an effort to hear what was being said.

“Where were you?” Ida pressed.

“Her father organized Napoleon’s escape from Elba,” Kirksdale went on, completely undaunted by Ida and the whispers now rustling around them like crisp autumn leaves, “which led to the battle of Waterloo. Thousands of British lives were lost because of him.”

Simon leaned forward and spoke in a low voice. “You’re wrong about that and Miss Strong intends to prove it.”

“Foolish pup.” Kirksdale’s eyes hardened. “If I were you, I’d cut whatever ties you have with her now. Before it’s too late.”

“You mean, before I have a chance to find out who really helped Napoleon escape?” Ida asked. “My father suspected you of betraying him. I plan to figure out whether or not you did.”

“Listen to me, you little whore,” Kirksdale sputtered. “I’ll—”

“That’s enough,” Simon snapped. Muscles tight and jaw clenched with unfathomable fury, he glared back at the marquess. “You will not speak to her like that. Apologize, this instant.”

“Is everything all right?”

Simon forced his gaze away from Kirksdale and toward Gabriella who’d approached together with her husband. Both looked ready to subdue what had swiftly evolved into a heated quarrel.

“Quite,” Simon said. He forced himself to relax. “A difference of opinion, that’s all.”

Gabriella gave her attention to the marquess and to Mr. St. John. “If I may, I’d suggest you head to the card room for a while. There’s a thrilling game of vingt-et-un underway at the moment. Stakes are quite high.”

Gabriella’s firm tone left no room for argument. Kirksdale forced a tight smile and nodded. “Very well, Your Grace. Come, St. John. Let’s find out who’s winning.”

“Now I don’t mean to be indelicate,” Huntley said as soon as Kirksdale and Mr. St. John were out of earshot, “but there’s a rumor going around about Miss Smith.” Huntley shifted slightly, using his body to shield Ida from a couple of curious guests. “Word has it her name is actually Miss Strong – the same Miss Strong whose father was accused of treason and who was recently spotted at Amourette’s.”

Damn.

Simon considered the two curious faces before him. He was very aware that Ida was watching him too – her gaze burning into him from where she stood to his left.

Deciding he had to tell the truth if only because he’d brought Ida into the Huntley home without revealing the danger her presence might pose to their reputations, he said, “Her father was wrongfully convicted. I’m helping her find the truth so the real villain can be brought to justice.”

“While we would have preferred honesty, we understand the need for deception, so we aren’t judging you,” Gabriella assured him. “After all, our family has its own fair share of black sheep and has faced enough scandal for us to know it would be hypocritical of us to do so. And even if your father were guilty, Miss Strong, you should not have to suffer because of it.”

“For now, we’ve tried to assure everyone there’s been a mistake and that Miss Smith is indeed who she claims to be,” Huntley said. “If there’s anything else we can do to help, you must let us know. In our experience, being supported by powerful