A Scandalous Bargain (The Pretenders #2) - Darcy Burke Page 0,22

intent is to focus on my daughter, who is now without a mother. And despite what anyone says, she doesn’t need one.” Thomas winced inwardly. In his effort to assure Sheffield that he wasn’t interested in marrying—and thus might have had a motive in wanting his wife dead—he’d indicated his daughter didn’t need a mother. Hopefully, the constable wouldn’t interpret that as a motive either.

“I’ll go and fetch someone.” Thomas took himself from the room and found the housekeeper. As soon as he told her she was to be interviewed by the constable, the poor woman had gone white with fear. Thomas had tried to reassure her that everything would be fine.

However, the truth was he didn’t know. There was no telling what his mother-in-law or Thea’s maid had said to them.

He could only hope this was exactly what Sheffield had described it to be—a formality—and that it would soon pass. He really just wanted peace. And another visit from Miss Whitford.

Almack’s was a glittering palace with gilded columns and a plethora of mirrors that reflected the sparkling cut-glass gaslights. For such a beautiful setting, the food and drink was atrocious. Day-old bread, dry, tasteless biscuits, and the most pitiful lemonade Beatrix had ever tasted.

“This fare is worse than what we eat at home,” Beatrix said to Selina. Their housekeeper also cooked for them and had no kitchen skills whatsoever. Selina had hired her because of her trustworthiness, which had been the most important trait given the fact that Selina had been conducting business as a fortune-teller under an alternate identity and Beatrix was stealing jewelry to pay for her season. Selina had since terminated her fortune-telling scheme, and they’d returned all the items Beatrix had stolen.

Selina’s shoulders twitched. “I didn’t think anything could be, but you’re right. I admit I’m looking forward to moving to Cavendish Square and having a new cook.”

Just that afternoon, Harry had shared the good news that he had leased the house in Cavendish Square that was owned by their friend the Marchioness of Ripley. It had become known as the Spitfire Society headquarters, which Selina didn’t mind at all since she was quite involved with the group now. She and Beatrix planned to take up residence there on Friday, and Harry would move in after the wedding.

“I am too,” Beatrix said with enthusiasm. “I’m glad Mrs. Vining is able to return to her former position at the inn.” Their housekeeper-cook hadn’t been at all disappointed to leave their employ. In fact, she’d been relieved to go back to her less demanding job.

“Put down the biscuit,” Selina said. “There’s another gentleman coming this way.”

Beatrix had danced with several gentlemen already. She’d been amazed at how well they comported themselves, but then it had come to her attention that vouchers were often awarded to men based on their dancing ability.

The gentleman who approached was accompanied by Harry’s sister, Lady Imogen. She smiled broadly as she greeted Selina and Beatrix. “Allow me to present Lord Worth.”

Beatrix was glad she’d managed to swallow her last bite of terrible biscuit because she likely would have choked. The man was a trifle shorter than Rockbourne, with brown hair and somewhat familiar hazel eyes. He was also her half brother.

She dropped into a curtsey. “My lord.”

“Lord Worth, this is Lady Gresham, who is to marry my brother Harry very soon, and this is her sister, Miss Beatrix Whitford.”

The earl took Beatrix’s hand and pressed a light kiss to the back. “It is my pleasure to make your acquaintance. I should be honored if you would dance the next set with me.”

Beatrix shot a look of distress toward Selina, who knew that he was Beatrix’s half brother. Selina widened her eyes almost imperceptibly in silent communication. Owing to Society’s stupid rules, Beatrix couldn’t refuse him.

“That would be lovely,” she said, trying not to grit her teeth.

Maybe this would be fine. She could get to know him. Hopefully he wasn’t interested in her romantically. But why else would he ask to be introduced to her?

He offered his arm, and Beatrix went with him to the dance floor. “I understand this is your first time at Almack’s.”

“Yes. This is my first Season in London.”

“You are most fortunate. Many people are never awarded a voucher.”

“So I’ve heard. And you must be an exceptional dancer, for I’ve heard that is the easiest way for a gentleman to get one.”

He barked out a laugh. “You’re a saucy one! I think you just suggested I couldn’t get one