His next words made her cringe. “If you stay in the ballroom, you’ll not be able to avoid Franklin all night.”
“He’s pressing for an answer and as soon as I politely decline his offer, he’ll go running to Stone and my brother will make me change my mind.” The heat of the ballroom pressed in on her.
“I would guess that the young lady who was bold enough to leave a note on my bed is most assuredly strong enough to stand up to her brother.”
“You really don’t know me, do you? I’ve never been able to stand up to Blackstone. Most people can’t.”But I have a plan that will work if you help, she wanted to add.
He almost stopped moving. “Surely, he won’t force this marriage if it’s not what you want?” When she said nothing, he cursed under his breath.
She shook her head. No one would understand. Despite her mother’s wishes for her to take over the household, she’d never had the chance, even after her mother’s death. Stone had hired a new housekeeper who reported directly to him, instead of allowing her to take charge. When she’d protested in her grief, Stone told her she was too young and fragile to be responsible for the house. She hadn’t even been allowed to clear her mother’s belongings, and she never forgave Stone for that.
“Your note got my attention. What is it you want me to do?”
She took a deep breath. “I have a plan of sorts. I know you set sail in a month for Africa. Could you pretend to court me so I can gain time to attract someone else, or convince my brother to let me have a say in my future?” She added, “My brother is only pushing me to marry Franklin because he’s worried after what happened to Ashley. And I’m sure you know that he thought Philippe a fortune hunter.”
“He most likely was.”
She answered, “But he was a fortune hunter that liked me and I liked him. I loathe Lord Franklin.”
“So, I pretend to be the alternative. But what happens when I sail away?”
“Do you not think I can attract another suitor by then? With you by my side, other men will take notice. No one will notice me with Franklin by my side.”
“Very true, but I won’t lie to your brother.”
Hope shriveled in her chest. “How do you feel about bending the truth a little, then? What if you told Stone that you wished to see if there could be something between us? Then, when you take your leave, you can be honest in saying we’re not suited.”
“I’m afraid I cannot be so gallant. I have an urgent matter that needs my attention. I’m leaving London again tomorrow. I wish you luck, though.”
With that, her hope really died. Her plan revolved around him being in London for the next few weeks. If only Lord Dayton Deveraux was back from India. Claire’s brother would be perfect. And there was always Lord Axton Fancot but he seemed to be interested in Courtney and the feelings might be reciprocated. And about time, too. Courtney deserved some happiness after her fiancé died in the Irish Rebellion five years ago.
She squared her shoulders. This was merely a setback. She wouldn’t give up.
As the dance ended and he released her from his arms, she immediately missed the feeling of security, safety. And her body froze as a voice at her shoulder said, “The next dance is mine, I believe.”
Franklin had come to claim her and her night was totally ruined.
Chapter Two
“Where are yougoing?”
Blast. Farah turned to face her brother, the Duke of Blackstone. “I’m going to Lady Tiffany’s house with the other ladies to welcome her home from her honeymoon.” She held her breath.
“Didn’t you accomplish that at the ball last night? Just because I’m going to my hunting estate for the next few weeks doesn’t mean I’ll allow you to play carte blanche with your reputation. You know how I feel about you associating with Lady Ashley Ware. You know I don’t want you at Lord Wolfarth’s home.”
How could she explain that she wanted to attend the investment club meeting? If her brother knew how much money she had to her name…Tiffany ran the investment club for the ladies, and it was this group that had challenged her brother to an anonymous investment challenge. In twelve months, whoever made the largest return would be crowned the investment champion and keep all the money made. Her brother would be stunned to learn he’d been beaten by women.
“You can’t expect me to avoid it now that Tiffany has married Ashley’s brother, Lord Wolfarth. It’s totally respectable. Besides, she’s a good friend.”And she is helping me invest my pin money so I can escape you,she wanted to add.
“Will that scandalous hussy be there?”
“I expect so. She does live there.” Her brother was talking about Lady Ashley Ware, Tiffany’s sister-in-law.
“Then I forbid it.”
“But all the other ladies will be there.”
“I don’t care. You are my sister, and I am responsible for you and your reputation. You are not going. What would Lord Franklin think?”
