“Sir Hammond.” Basil cut into the ugly tension building between Lex and Hammond. “It was good to meet you. If you will excuse us, we have a pressing engagement to attend to.”
He gathered his winnings and stood. Taking Lex’s elbow, he led him away. “What is going on with you?”
“That man is not to be trusted. He is a bloodsucker. And he has no right to hire mercenaries to patrol Epping! This is exactly why I am constantly raising my voice in the House of Lords. We must rid our kingdom of these disease-infested tenements, where crime and prostitution are a way of life and bettering oneself is an impossibility. He is a slumlord and preys on the misfortunes of others. And he has the gall to try to lay a trap for a girl who is trying to get by. We have no idea what that thief’s situation is.”
“That may be, but you don’t want to cause a scene at the Lyon’s Den. It will not further your cause with Mrs. Dove-Lyon. We don’t want one of her burly enforcers to throw us out by our collars. You came here to find a wife. Now, tell me about your arrangement with the Black Widow of Whitehall.”
“She’s arranging a dinner party.”
“A dinner party? Ah, that sounds promising.”
“I must tell you the truth, Basil.”
“The truth? What truth?”
“I met her and can’t get her out of my mind.”
“Have you been drinking? Dear Lord, I hope you’re not talking about the Lace Bandit.”
“No, of course not.” Although Lex now felt a protective instinct toward the gorgeous thief. If only to warn her to stay away from his neck of the woods. “Nor are my faculties impaired. I quite literally bumped into the most beautiful and captivating young woman, completely by chance, in the corridor on my way to meet with Mrs. Dove-Lyon. It’s odd, but I felt an overwhelming attraction to her, and what’s more, she is here to find a husband.”
“This is wonderful news. Who is she? Will she be at the dinner party?”
“I do not know if she will attend, and I know little about her, but what is most discouraging is that Mrs. Dove-Lyon does not believe we are suited.”
“Why the hell not?”
“Apparently due to my financial circumstances that is propelling my need for a bride. The young lady in question is opposed to an arranged marriage, which I can understand. And she is here at her grandmother’s insistence. I tell you, Basil, with only a few words exchanged, she has bewitched me, but I fear there may not be a way forward.”
“You must find a way. The first thing we should do is find out whothe lady is. I pray she has a large dowry to see your earldom out of financial straits. But the fact that she has so intrigued you leads me to hope that perhaps you could have both a love match as well as financial support. Let me have a word with Mrs. Dove-Lyon. I think I should attend this dinner party with you.”
“And why, pray tell, is that?”
“Hammond will be there.”
“How do you know this?”
“He told me he is in the market for a wealthy wife. He is a man whose first concern is money, and we can assume he is never satisfied—always wanting more. You two obviously interact like oil and water, and you will need me there to calm the waves, so to speak. Heaven forbid you lose control of your temper at Mrs. Dove-Lyon’s table.”
“God help him if I find he is after m’lady. I will kill him as surely as we stand here together.”
“That is precisely what I fear. No, you will not be attending this soiree without a second.”
“As you wish, Basil. But I warn you, I will not stand for this monster sniffing around her skirts.”
Basil contemplatively rubbed his chin. “We must find out who this young lady is.”
“I am determined to begin my own quest to find her. I believe she was just as taken by me, but I sense she opposes any matchmaking arrangement because she seeks love and respect. Of this, I have an abundance.”
Basil’s face lit up. “There is Mrs. Dove-Lyon now. Do not get yourself into trouble while I speak with her.”
“Have you no faith in me?” Lex chuckled.
“What I know is your propensity to find trouble. Remember the mission, my friend. We must save your earldom.”
Lex watched Basil, exuding the magnetism of a snake charmer,corral the unsuspecting Mrs. Dove-Lyon. Basil’s success was assured. By the time he was done charming the Black Widow of Whitehall, he would most certainly be attending the dinner party, most likely as an honored guest, and would find himself seated next to the lady herself. Basil had a penchant for older women and was aware of Mrs. Dove-Lyon’s undeniable charms.
In the meantime, Lex would comb the city for the enigmatic maiden who’d completely captivated him.
