“Perhaps nothing,” Rockwell admitted. “But we don’t need evidence yet—we only need to make Lockwood believe we’re pursuing his preferred course of action while we buy ourselves more time. Meanwhile, I’ll put my most discreet contacts to work investigating Lockwood’s affairs. The man is desperate for funds—he wouldn’t resort to blackmail otherwise. There must be debts, improprieties, perhaps even crimes that could counter his hold over you.”
“And what of Lucien? I’ll have to break the engagement or Lockwood will become suspicious.” Courtney asked, her heart aching at the thought of deceiving him, even temporarily. “What will Lucien think of me? I’m fickle and mean…”
A silence fell over the room as Rockwell and Farah exchanged glances.
“Once we tell him the truth, he will be ever so grateful,” Farah said gently. “He should thank you for protecting his family.”
“Agreed,” Rockwell said. “He’s already had a run in with Lockwood. I don’t want him doing something stupid like challenging him to a duel.”
Courtney twisted her engagement ring, conflicted emotions warring within her. “It feels wrong to keep him in the dark,” she murmured. “Who knows what Lucien may do if he learns what Lockwood is up to? If Lucien reacts badly, it will reveal all.”
“It is a difficult choice,” Farah acknowledged, sitting beside her and taking her hand. “But consider this—by giving us a few days to prepare, you’re protecting not just Lucien but Ava-Marie, Lauren, and Madeline. The damage Lockwood threatens would affect them all.”
“Actually,” Rockwell interjected, his expression thoughtful, “we may have more time than I initially thought. The Spring Assizes begin next week. I happen to know that Sir Wilfred Chambers—Lockwood’s primary creditor—returns from the North specifically to attend court proceedings. If my suspicions about Lockwood’s finances are correct, he’ll be particularly vulnerable once Sir Wilfred is back in town.”
“That gives us nearly a week,” Farah said, hope brightening her face.
“But still requires Courtney to maintain the pretense with Lockwood,” Rockwell reminded them soberly. “It won’t be easy.”
Courtney straightened her shoulders, resolve replacing uncertainty. “I can manage it. For Lucien, for Ava-Marie—I would do far more difficult things than tolerate Lockwood’s company for a few days.”
“You shouldn’t have to face him alone,” Farah insisted. “I’ll ensure that either myself, Tiffany, or one of the sisterhood is always nearby at any social event. We’ll create a signal. If Lockwood becomes too persistent or threatening, you can alert us.”
“What am I going to tell the ladies? They will be suspicious of my being in Lockwood’s company.”
“Nothing. You can’t tell them anything. That will just make it more believable for Lockwood. Besides, it’s not our secret to share,” Rockwell said firmly.
Rockwell moved to the writing desk, pulling paper and ink toward him. “I’ll contact my man of business, Mr. Harrington. He’s discreet, highly effective, with connections throughoutLondon’s financial and legal circles. I’ll also reach out to your brother Tarquin—he has acquaintances in less savory establishments who might know of Lockwood’s vices.”
“I need one more assurance,” Courtney said, her voice steadier now that a plan was forming. “Once we have stopped Lockwood, we do so in a way that ensures he has to leave England. If he stays here, I fear he could still ruin Lucien.”
“You have my word,” Rockwell said solemnly. “Once we’ve gathered sufficient leverage against Lockwood, we will put him on a ship going far away. Isn’t it lucky that I have such a fleet of vessels?”
“And in the meantime,” Farah added, “we’ll have to maintain appearances.”
“The prospect of deceiving Lucien, even briefly…” Courtney shook her head, her heart heavy. “It feels like a betrayal.”
“It’s protection, not betrayal,” Rockwell corrected gently. “Sometimes the most loving action isn’t the most direct one.”
The door opened then, and a maid entered with a tea tray. The conversation paused as she arranged the service and departed, but the brief interruption gave Courtney a moment to collect her thoughts.
As she accepted a cup from Farah, she contemplated the sapphire ring still adorning her finger. Despite her hurt at Lucien’s lack of trust, despite the shocking revelations about Ava and Ava-Marie, her love for him remained unshaken. If anything, understanding the burden he’d been carrying—the fear for his daughter’s future, the shame of having been so thoroughly deceived—only deepened her compassion for him.
“There’s something else,” she said suddenly, looking up at Rockwell. “Something that might help us understand Lockwood’s timing. He seemed particularly interested in whether I knew about Ava’s background—that she had workedin ‘certain circles’ in Dublin before meeting Lucien. Could he have evidence beyond simply the absence of marriage records?”
Rockwell frowned. “It’s possible. Lockwood has connections in London’s less reputable establishments. If Ava worked in similar places in Dublin, he might have learned about Ava from a woman working at such places.”
“Which means there might be people who could testify about her past,” Courtney realized, a chill running through her. “Making the scandal more difficult to contain if it breaks.”
“All the more reason to neutralize Lockwood quickly,” Farah said, setting down her teacup with determination. “We need to be methodical. While Rockwell investigates Lockwood’s finances and potential indiscretions, we can use our own resources to prepare contingencies.”
“What do you mean?” Courtney asked.
“Our investments,” Farah explained, lowering her voice despite the privacy of the room. “The profits from our mills and shipping ventures. If needed, we could establish a substantial trust for Ava-Marie, ensuring her financial security regardless of societal reaction.”
“That’s thoughtful, but money alone won’t shield her from scandal,” Courtney said, her heart aching for the innocent child who had captured her heart as surely as her father had.
“No,” Rockwell agreed. “But influence might. Between your family’s connections, Farah’s brother the duke, and my own standing, we could ensure that at least some doors remain open to her.”
