Julius laughed. “Havers? Seriously?”
She nodded. “He is the new Duke of Davenport. Coincidentally, his seat is in Somerset, but Tulip has never met him or any of his family. Not that she would, since the Farthingales are tradesmen and not considered quality by ton standards.”
“I don’t think Havers gives a fig what the ton thinks. Well, that is an interesting turn of events. He confided in me about his family situation when we were dealing with Allendale. He made it sound as though the possibility of his ever acquiring the title was remote.”
“Remote or not, it happened,” Gory insisted.
“All within the span of a month? How did each heir die off so suddenly?”
“That is a mystery for him to handle. The deaths were all ruled as accidents. However, the fact that they occurred in such short succession has drawn attention from the authorities. You’ll have to ask him, if you want to know more about it. Shall I invite him to supper one night so you can quiz him on it?”
“I wouldn’t intrude on his privacy like that.”
“Well, I would,” Gory replied. “I cannot believe the tripe that is being written in the gossip rags about him and his Davenport relatives. Completely unreliable when it comes to the truth. But he’ll confide in you because he considers you a good and trustworthy friend.”
“I hope so. Still, I would not be so quick to dismiss the gossip about his relatives. He considered them a dismal lot.”
“Tulip has a low opinion of them, as well. In fact, she purposely avoids Havers because she does not trust he will be any better. She mentioned the Davenports were much disliked in the area, but there was little anyone could do to curb them because they were too powerful.”
“And must have made powerful enemies, I’ll wager,” Julius muttered.
“Do you think Havers needs your help, Julius? He seems quite uncomfortable with his new status.”
“Not surprising. He has had a difficult upbringing and will not be keen to take on the social burdens of a dukedom. I’ll wager the abuse he experienced in his childhood turned him inward, and this is how he best protects himself. To suddenly be thrust into the social whirl as one of the ton’s most sought after bachelors will be quite an adjustment for him. It will probably send him into hiding,” he jested, although there was a kernel of truth in his remark.
“He won’t be able to hide from those eager mamas seeking a match for their daughters,” Gory remarked. “Well, that should be interesting.”
Speaking of Havers and his difficult upbringing made Julius think of Gory’s and how unloved she had been. Yet, here she was, a beautiful soul who cared for others and maintained an optimistic outlook on the future.
Forged in strength.
This is what she was.
And yet, she also maintained an exquisite softness.
“And here’s another bit of news you’ll never believe,” she said, smiling up at him while still wrapped in his arms as they stepped and twirled to the music. “Allendale has married Sarah Martin.”
“What?” He shook his head and laughed in disbelief. “Are you serious? One would think I had been gone ten years and not a mere month for all the changes occurring in my absence.”
“Having you gone felt like an eternity to me,” she said with a wealth of feeling. “At least Allendale and Sarah’s scandal took a little attention off my uncle’s murder. I’m glad Allendale truly loved her all along.”
Julius frowned. “And would have used you to further his aims, stealing your money to set her up in style and comfort. I did not think he had the spine to openly declare his affections, especially knowing the risk he took of being disinherited by his rich uncle.”
“No one did, except perhaps Sarah. She believed in him. I think she has been a good influence on him.”
“That is an understatement. The man is a rat, and I still think he was just as dangerous to you as Havers and I originally feared.”
“Then he is all the better for being guided by Sarah. Lady Withnall agreed with your assessment of him, too. She is never wrong about anything.”
Julius chuckled. “I am certain that old bat is a top agent for the Home Office. That cane she uses, pretending she needs it for support, probably contains an arsenal of hidden weapons.”
“I’ve often wondered about that myself.” She grinned. “I wonder if she would let me examine it. I’d love to get my hands on it.”
Julius kissed her on the nose. “Here’s an idea, how about you get your hands on me?”
She laughed and eagerly agreed. “That is also an intriguing proposition. You’ve steered me toward the terrace. Are you planning on getting me alone in the dark? Having your wicked way with me?”
“Yes, in fact. I was. Do you mind?”
