learned about everyone’s whereabouts, I conclude that no one in the party or on staff had the opportunity to commit a crime against the baron. So it appears that Lord Crenshaw’s death was an accident. Though why he chose to view the race from the banqueting platform and quite alone will remain a mystery.”
Marquis Destry came to the center of the room to stand next to Belmont. “Thank you, my lord.” He nodded to Belmont and announced, “We are finished.”
If only that were true, Beatrice thought.
Jess did not move as the others rose, maintaining his favored spot on the edge of the crowd. There was nothing remote about the way he was watching her. His eyes considered her with a speculation that showed anger and frustration. She wished it thrilled her heart. Instead it frightened her.
Chapter Thirty-six
JESS STARED INTO the empty fireplace as he considered his options. He needed to make a decision before Mr. Brent joined him. Michael Garrett stood by the window, waiting.
Jess’s thoughts went in five different directions but at the bottom of it all What is best for Beatrice held sway.
“Do you think I’ve lost all chance to buy the land back?” Jess asked as he turned from the fireplace and walked toward Garrett.
“I imagine that your chances are better now. Those acres are not part of the entail and since Crenshaw had a debt to settle with you, his trustees might consider it. Is the coal deposit worth more than the two thousand pounds you won from him?”
“Potentially, but it will take money to make it profitable. Money that Crenshaw was unwilling or unable to invest. Besides that, I doubt that he wrote to his man of business. He would first try to win enough to pay off the debt to me.”
“There’s one other thing, Jess, gaming debts are usually forgiven when a man dies.”
“Not by me, Michael. There was enough ill will between us that no one will be surprised when I press for payment.”
“Is it worth the opprobrium if that becomes public?”
“To have the land back? To be able to show the deed to my brother the duke? Yes, it is worth another bit of scandal.”
“All in the name of family. You have an odd way of earning your brother’s respect.”
Jess shrugged. “I have a long way to go to earn his respect. I want the land back so that I have something, other than my ability to game, to show that I am a man of means.”
“It will be an added benefit then.”
Which brought Beatrice to front and center. Jess supposed he wanted the land back as much for her as for his mother.
“I do not have to offer for Beatrice.” Jess started with the easiest solution to his problem. “If I do not offer marriage it will mean she returns to Birmingham without entrée to society. Her reputation will survive as I do not expect anyone here will gossip. I do think even Mrs. Wilson could be prevailed on to exercise some control if Beatrice never comes to London.” He walked back across the room and leaned on the mantel, staring at the top edge of the fire screen and the empty grate behind it, seeing Beatrice honest and stalwart, speaking the truth at the cost of her reputation. “But not offering to marry her is the coward’s way out.”
“Not really,” Michael said.
Jess turned back to the man and raised his eyebrow.
“It’s only flying in the face of convention, and the two of you have already shown a certain propensity for that.” Michael waited a moment and then went on. “Cecilia will be welcome among the ton. Her beauty will override her sister’s supposed disgrace. And Cecilia’s successful Season is what is important to Beatrice.”
Jess was still caught up in the idea that Beatrice cared as little for the ton as he did and, besides that, she had made it clear that she never expected a proposal.
“Do you recall stories of the Gunning sisters?” Michael asked.
Jess shook his head.
“They were Irish beauties,” Michael explained, “with little but their beauty to recommend them. They came to London at the end of the last century and walked away with prize matches. Much has changed, but Cecilia Brent’s reputation is intact. She will not be at a loss for suitors.”
“Unless Destry beats them off.”
“Or wins her hand first.”
“Yes,” Jess agreed. “That’s more likely. That ridiculous horse race where each was willing to lose to bolster the other’s confidence is proof there is more between