Lucy grinned. “Perhaps we could convince Mrs. Fenway to come and give the lessons in domestic work. She is probably climbing the wall with boredom in her retirement. She is happiest when she is bossing everyone about.”
Caroline went over and hugged Lucy as well. These friends, sisters of her heart, so willing to lend her their support, filled the well of her soul. The well had been dangerously close to running dry earlier this spring. All the meaningless banter, the endless smiling, the pressure to pretend she cared about the hunt for ahusband had sucked out all of her joy. This new mission, helping others, had restored her sense of purpose.
When she retook her seat, she turned to Grace. “You will help us organize our new charity endeavor, won’t you?”
Grace looked from Caroline to Emma to Lucy. Then she nodded. “How could I say no?”
Chapter 34
The sun streamed through the open curtains and across the bed. Cage rolled away from the window, burying his face in the pillow. It still smelled like her. He breathed in her scent and groaned. What had he done? Having an affair with Caroline Langdon was going to ruin him.
Exquisite, fiery, and clever, no other woman would ever hold a candle to her. Once she’d decided to have him, her curiosity had run rampant. Her hands and lips had roamed his body, exploring, nipping. And Lord Almighty, the way those gorgeous long legs wrapped around him as he’d sunk into her sweet heat…one afternoon would never be enough. He needed to see her again soon.
He swung his legs over the edge of the bed and crossed to the stand, which held a water pitcher and bowl. Splashing his face with cold water helped to bring him back to reality. He needed to remember their affair was temporary. Exactly as he always preferred. Have fun, treat the lady to the love affair she desired, and then end things amicably as usual. Cage went over to the armoire and pulled out fresh clothes. He needed to hire staff for the house; his stomach growled in agreement.
An hour later, he sat at the club having a beer and savory chicken stew. Hoping to avoid having to talk with anyone, he’d picked a table by the window on the far side of the dining room, his tactic a failure as he saw the Duke of Gilchrest stride toward him. A flicker of panic flared in his chest at the man’s furious expression. Did he know? No, how would he have found out?
“Wrotham,” the duke greeted him. “I hoped to find you here.”
Cage stood. “Your Grace, won’t you join me?”
The duke frowned. “Just call me Gilchrest.” He sat, then reached into his pocket and pulled out a folded piece ofparchment. “We received another love note.” He slapped it down on the table.
That explained the stormy expression. Cage reached for the letter. “May I?”
Gilchrest nodded.
Darling, you have been a naughty girl. Engaged to be married. I think not. You are meant to be mine. Mine to discipline, mine to possess, mine forever. I shall bind you to me and never loosen the knots. We will be together soon.
Cage’s hand fisted around the letter, crushing it. He forced out a long exhale. The club was no place to lose his composure. He met the duke’s gaze, gratified to see his rage reflected in the other man’s expression.
“So where are you in whittling down that list?” Gilchrest asked.
“I’ve narrowed it down to three. Hughes is an inveterate gambler, perhaps very upset about losing out on her dowry. Gaylord is a real sod. According to Caroline, he has a mean streak wide enough to include his horse. And Devonshire…well speak of the devil.”
Devonshire entered the room with a bravado that spoke volumes. “Good morning, gents.” He spoke at top volume, his smile wide. The room went silent. An older gentleman three tables down from Cage lowered his newspaper to see who had interrupted his mid-morning respite. On seeing Devonshire, he snorted in disgust and snapped his paper back up. Many patrons shot Devonshire looks of disdain as he walked through the room before turning back to their food.
Devonshire approached a table where Blythe and Danville sat. “Ah, thank goodness, some friendly faces. The atmosphere is a bit chilly in here today.” He moved to pull out a chair.
“You can’t sit here, Devonshire.” Danville put a hand on the back of the chair. “Listen, we can’t be seen with you. I’ve promised my wife. Sorry.”
Devonshire’s mouth fell open in shock. He turned to Blythe, who, instead of his usual affable grin, wore a cold expression. He nodded stiffly. “Really, man, beyond the pale. You’ve gone too far this time with the debauchery.”
A waiter rushed up to Devonshire. “Can I get you anything, sir?”
“No, thank you.” Devonshire cleared his throat. “If you will excuse me, gentlemen.” He turned on his heel and left.
Gilchrest shook his head. “My wife showed me the article about the party. I can’t believe I even considered letting him court Caroline.”
“Caroline knew. She didn’t like how Devonshire looked at her like he owned her body already. That’s what she said.” Cage frowned.
“Do you think it could be him?”
Cage shrugged. “No more or less than the other two. The man who wrote these letters is obsessed with Caroline. Our engagement has made him angry. Perhaps he will finally make his move. And we can catch him.”
“I want you to stick close to her. I don’t want to take any chances with her safety,” Gilchrest said.
“Not a problem. Actually, are you heading home?”
