“You have signed his name ever since you took over running the estate,” Frannie said. “At the very least, they could imprison you and your mother for forgery, proclaim the title extinct, and revert everything you and your mother have worked so very hard for to the Crown to either be kept or doled out to Prinny’s favorites.”
“You have systematically transferred monies and lands from Hasterton holdings to your mother’s Bening accounts that her marriage contract set aside should she become widowed, correct?” Sophie groaned and shook her head. “Lord Raines could very well presume that you and your mother are attempting to fleece the Duke of Hasterton of his wealth. Why in heaven’s name did you choose to pose as MissBeningrather than MissName-No-One-Knows?”
“Lord Raines is sure to notice.” Frannie rose, set her tea aside, and wrapped an arm around Celia’s shoulders. “You never make such careless mistakes. Not ever.” She gave Celia a gentle, sympathetic shake. “Your terror of losing your mother has you at your wits’ end.”
“Would you not be the same?” Celia couldn’t remain brave and stoic any longer. She covered her face and sobbed. “I cannot imagine doing allthiswithout her. It has always been just the two of us, united against the world. And now I am so afraidthat manand his rummaging about is going to make her demise come even faster.”
“Dearest Celia,” Frannie cried, hugging her as Sophie rushed in to hug them both.
“I know the course to take.” Sophie pushed away and took hold of Celia by the shoulders. Excitement shone on her face. “Seduce him.”
Celia stared at Sophie. “Have you gone mad, or is it merely the brandy talking?”
“Think about it.” Sophie gave her a gentle shake. “If the man becomes besotted with you, he will protect you. Do you not think Master Hodgely knew the truth all those years and yet said nothing?”
Sophie’s observation did possess merit. Celia chewed on the corner of her lip. “I am not certain if Master Hodgely knew the extent of our endeavors or not, but I do know he loved Mama.” She lowered her voice even though it was just them in the room. “I accidentally read one of his correspondences to her.”
“And how exactly do youaccidentallyread someone else’s correspondence?” Frannie asked with a coy tilt of her head.
Celia haughtily drew herself up even though she still felt a twinge of guilt about what she had done. “I saw it was from the law office and thought it to be business.” She wrinkled her nose and sheepishly admitted, “And once I started reading it, I could not seem to stop.” Her heart still ached whenever she remembered Master Hodgely’s loving prose, and she wondered what it would be like to have someone feel such a depth of affection for her. A wistful sigh escaped before she could stop it.
“If that sigh is any indication of the love Master Hodgely felt for your mother,” Frannie said, “then I would wager he knew the truth about your family. Sophie is right. Seduce Lord Raines to either distract him completely or force him to become so infatuated with you that he would never reveal your secrets.” She twitched a shrug. “You have your mother’s beauty. Mama said when she and Sophie’s mother presented at court, all eyes followed your mother.” Frannie offered a generous smile. “The only reason they didn’t hate her was because of her sweet nature and how she helped Mama hide the torn hem of her petticoat so no one else would know.”
“I have no idea how to seduce a man,” Celia said through clenched teeth. Even the thought of attempting such a thing made her palms go all damp and unpleasant. She gave Sophie a dubious look. “How doyoudo it?”
Sophie’s rich brown eyes widened. “I have never done it.”
“You suggested it,” Celia insisted.
“That does not mean I’ve done it.” Sophie turned to Frannie. “What about you? Your mother wrote to mine about how everyone’s attention was on you at Lady…” She frowned. “I don’t recall her name, but she was one of Belgium’s most esteemed peers. You were the center of attention at her gala.”
Frannie’s fair cheeks flushed an alarming shade of red. “Mama embellished my popularity at the ball to mask her mortification. I was the center of attention because my heel snagged in the braided trim of some drapery, and I unknowingly almost yanked it off the wall when I started across the dance floor.”
Celia covered her mouth to keep from gaping at her poor friend. “Oh, Frannie, how awful.” She hurried to defend her dear sister. “That was not your fault. They should not have had the draperies arranged so that someone might trip over them. I say they owe you a very public apology.”
Frannie emerged from her embarrassment with a lopsided grin. “It all worked out. The woman’s hideous son had been making unwelcome advances all night. After I ruined his mother’s ball, she kept him at bay with the determination of a very devoted herd dog.”
Celia joined the girls in a fit of giggling, then sadly quieted once again. If only a bit of poorly hung drapery could solve all their problems. She slowly shook her head. “I cannot imagine how I am going to seduce Lord Raines. It will be utterly impossible.”
“Nonsense!” Frannie gave her a stern scowl. “It’s not as if he is repulsive, and you are exceptional. Both our mothers said so—did they not, Sophie?”
“Absolutely.” Sophie dramatically pressed the back of her hand to her forehead, as if overcome by such exquisiteness. “A raven-haired beauty with eyes as bewitching and rare as green sapphires.”
“If either of you thinks this behavior is helpful—you are wrong.” Celia lifted her chin and folded her arms tightly across her middle. “There is more to seduction than looks.” A disgruntled huff escaped her. “Or so I have been told. Even Mama somewhat suggested what you two propose. Although she phrased it as being nice to the man and playing to his ego.”
Both Frannie and Sophie threw up their hands and cheered as though they had just won at whist.
“You can do this,” Frannie assured her.
“Most definitely,” Sophie agreed.
“Whether or not I can remains to be seen.” Celia returned to massaging her poor, throbbing temples. “Please tell me the two of you plan to remain in London for the Season?”
“Oh, absolutely.” Frannie turned and arched a brow at Sophie.
“Certainly.” Sophie handed them each their teacups, refreshed them with brandy, then held hers high for a toast. “To a successful Season of subterfuge and seduction.”
“Success,” Frannie echoed wholeheartedly.
