took a seat. As Lucas took his, he glanced outside to see Frances and her mother poking around the flowers as if they were actually interested in horticulture. Frances looked miserable, while her mother craned her neck, obviously searching for Sir Reginald.
“It seems you both know how my evening went, how was yours, Bell?” Lucas asked, doing his best to focus on his friends instead of watching Frances in the gardens.
“A success, I’d say.” Bell’s sharp ice-blue eyes met his. “I didn’t spill anything on Lord Copperpot.”
“The man you’re valeting?” Lucas asked.
Bell replied with a nod. “So far I believe I’ve been quite convincing. To all save one person, at least.”
“Oh, do tell, who might that be?” Clayton leaned forward and waggled his brows.
“Only the most exasperating lady’s maid I’ve ever come across,” Bell replied.
Lucas arched a brow. “A lady’s maid, you say?”
“Yes, she’s given me no end of hassle,” Bell replied, a frown on his face. “She’s the most distrustful chit I’ve ever known—and I’m a spy for Christ’s sake.”
“Doesn’t believe you’re a valet, Bell?” Clayton asked, chuckling.
Bell rolled his eyes. “I don’t think she believes I’m a male, let alone a valet.”
“Well, you can’t blame her, can you? It’s not as if you aren’t playacting,” Lucas added.
Bell braced one elbow on the table and frowned. “Be that as it may, I’ve never known anyone to take such an instant dislike to me.”
“Feelings hurt, Bell?” Clayton asked, giving him puppy-dog eyes.
“Hardly,” Bell scoffed.
“Is she one of our lot?” Clayton asked next.
“No,” Bell replied, “apparently she came with Lady Copperpot. She’s the daughter’s maid.”
Clayton shrugged. “Well, I can’t do anything about her behavior then, unless you’d like me to have a word with Lady Copperpot.”
“No. Nothing that drastic. She’s merely an annoyance. I’m entirely certain I can handle her.” Bell shook his head. “Meanwhile, Lucas, how is your wife search progressing? Any prospects yet?”
Lucas opened his mouth to mention Miss Wharton, when Bell continued. “I haven’t had time to do much research on any of them, but I do know of one young woman whom you should steer well clear of.”
“Who’s that?” Lucas asked.
“One Miss Frances Wharton.”
Lucas snapped shut his mouth. “Why?”
“Isn’t she the one who acted like a termagant at dinner last night?” Clayton asked. “A young lady who screams at servants is hardly the type of wife you’re looking for, Lucas. Besides I hear her father is destitute. No dowry there.”
Lucas cleared his throat and looked toward the door, desperate to change the subject. “What’s keeping Worth? Have either of you heard if he made it through the night?”
“Oh, you know Worth,” Clayton replied. “He’s always the last to make an entrance.”
As if he’d been summoned by his friends’ words, the Duke of Worthington came sauntering into the room. He glanced around to ensure the four of them were alone before saying in a booming voice, “Did someone call for a groomsman?”
“We were just talking about you,” Clayton said as Worth joined them at the table.
“Not to worry, gentlemen,” Worth replied with a grin. “I’m still in the game. My identity has not yet been revealed.” He crossed his arms over his chest and gave them all a smug smile.
Clayton sighed. “Blast. There goes one hundred pounds.”
Worth arched a dark brow. “Whatever do you mean?”
Clayton pulled a purse from the inside pocket of his coat, removed a handful of bills, and tossed them toward Bell. “I made a side bet with Bell that you wouldn’t last the first night.”
“I am hurt by your lack of faith in me,” Worth replied, batting his eyelashes dramatically in Clayton’s direction. “And thank you, Bell, for believing in me,” he said to the marquess, who pocketed the money and bowed his head toward Worth.
“I take it no debutantes have come out to the stables yet then, Worth,” Lucas said with a laugh.
“One,” Worth answered. The brooding tone of his voice made Lucas glance at him twice.
“Really?” Bell asked, his voice taking on a clearly interested tone. “Who?”
Worth leaned back in his chair, balancing it on two legs, his arms dangling along his sides. “Oh, only one Lady Julianna Montgomery.”
Bell’s eyes widened and he whistled. “Lady Julianna Montgomery?” he echoed. “The young lady you jilted two years ago?”
Chapter Nine
Frances told herself she wasn’t truly hoping she’d see Mr. Lucas when she went to the library again the next morning. But she couldn’t help the tug of disappointment in her chest when she opened the door and found the room empty. Servants’ tasks were