Introducing Miss Joanna (Once a Wallflower #2) - Maggi Andersen Page 0,21
all in at their meeting near the docks. But the reason for it worries me.” He frowned. “It can have only one purpose. We must discover where it is held and quickly. I’ve assigned Black and Goodridge to follow Virden. I’ll relieve them when I’m free from my other commitments.”
“The Regent?”
Reade nodded. “We fear there could be another attempt on his life. People have grown even more unsettled since the government enforced its system of economy. While it was to reduce debts caused by the wars and the aftermath of Waterloo, people are starving, and the landowners suffer.”
“Fury is mounting since Prinny ignored the government’s advice to issue a royal command to abandon all the work on his Brighton pavilion,” Cartwright said. “The work goes on unhindered.”
“When you think of poor Spencer Perceval shot down by a madman, back in ’12, you’d think it would give Prinny pause.” Reade shook his head. “But no. We have our work cut out to keep him alive.”
“He believes himself invincible, methinks. Did you enjoy your dance with Miss Dalrymple?” Cartwright asked, moving on to a far more pleasant subject.
“I did. But you are unlikely to see it again.”
“No? I can’t remember seeing you stand up with a debutante before. I liked her. Nothing coquettish or false about her.”
“Miss Dalrymple is charming. And quite gorgeous,” Reade added thoughtfully, his gaze still resting on her as she entered the supper room with Hislop.
“Then, the reason you won’t dance with her again is…?”
“Really, Cartwright. Must I spell it out? A country lass. An innocent with a romantic view of life. Marriage. An orderly existence.” His eyes widened. “The refurbishment of Seacliffe in the latest style when I have just been at pains to restore it. Not to mention, outfitting the nursery.”
Cartwright stroked his chin. “I’m afraid I can’t quite make out your meaning.” It was obvious from his smile that he had.
“Shall we find some decent liquor while I explain it to you? You are obviously a dull-witted fellow.”
Cartwright chuckled. “An excellent idea. There’s a fire and a fine brandy in the library.”
“You’ve already checked?” Reade asked as they left the ballroom.
“Always do. Only way to endure these infernal evenings.”
“Then, why come?”
“Because Letty enjoys them.”
“Ah-ha!” Reade laughed. “Precisely what I referred to.”
“I have no complaints. There are many advantages to marriage you did not mention.”
“Apart from the obvious, you can list them over the brandy,” Reade said.
“I prefer to keep you intrigued,” Cartwright said.
“Who says I’m intrigued?”
“You may have little desire to discover the delights of marriage for yourself, but it’s my hope you will reach a point in your life when you do wish it.”
Reade was not about to discuss how very unsuited he was to marriage. “I wonder why married men are always so keen to marry off their single friends?”
“Because it will mean you’re recovering.”
“Recovering?” Reade sighed, but he couldn’t fool Cartwright, so he didn’t try. “I fear you are about to tell me, and I must urge you to please don’t, Brandon.”
“I shall restrain myself.” They entered the library, and Cartwright headed for the drink’s table. He poured them each a glass of brandy, his gaze serious as he offered Reade the glass.
“Good fellow.” Reade took a long swig and resolutely pushed the lady’s heart-shaped face and big green eyes from his mind. Miss Joanna would find a husband soon enough. A decent fellow, one hoped. The prospect gave him little solace as he took his brandy snifter and wandered over to the fire. His mood had lowered, which happened too often, despite him fighting against it.
He glanced back at Cartwright, who looked to be gearing himself up for another rousing discussion on how marriage could fix all ills. “You didn’t happen to discover a pack of cards during your reconnaissance, did you? The card room is unpleasantly crowded. And I dislike watching Alvanley put another nail in the coffin of Underbank Hall.”
Chapter Six
Jo rose late, and on her way to breakfast, discovered several calling cards the butler had placed on a silver salver on the hall table. At two o’clock, four gentlemen crowded into their parlor, Lord Hislop, Mr. Ollerton, Mr. Payne, and Mr. Gregson. The two younger gentlemen were not long down from Oxford, their faces earnest and slightly pained. Jo suspected they obeyed their fathers’ orders to set themselves up with an heiress. She almost giggled at the thought. Mrs. Millet had done her job too well. Her father was hardly a nabob.