“I see. And would this friend be the daughter of a duke?” Lady Rebecca asked.
“Quite astute.”
“Thank you. What assistance do you require?”
Lucas studied Lady Rebecca, debating which approach to take with her. “Would you mind inviting your friend over to your estate on the morrow?”
Lady Rebecca nodded once. “Yes, but I highly doubt her father will allow it. He’s been quite overbearing, and I’ve not received my friend in several weeks.”
“Blast,” Lucas swore, then glanced at Lady Rebecca and apologized.
“It is of no consequence.” She waved off his offensive word.
“I still beg your pardon,” Lucas continued. “Perhaps you could send a missive? Would she meet you in the park, perhaps?”
Lady Rebecca nodded once, hesitantly. “It is possible, yet I wouldn’t expect her father to allow a missive to reach her without his approving of its contents first.”
“Is there anything the man leaves sacred?” Lucas asked with tight frustration as he led them around the perimeter of the ballroom.
“Not of which I’m aware, I’m afraid,” Lady Rebecca replied, then she gasped slightly. “Except . . .”
“Yes?” Lucas asked with unabashed interest.
“Meyer.” Lady Rebecca breathed his name reverently.
Lucas wasn’t surprised at her overly familiar use of his name. “Ah! Brilliant, my lady.”
“I do have my moments. Since the banns are to be read this weekend, it’s quite . . .” She swallowed and Lucas paused in their progress to give her time to collect her emotions. “Decided,” she finished. “Their betrothal, I mean.” She sighed deeply.
Lucas nodded, waiting.
“I’d be surprised if the duke didn’t even encourage correspondence between the two.”
“I see. Then I shall heed your excellent advice and speak with Meyer.” Lucas added. “And I thank you for your kind assistance.” He nodded gratefully.
Lady Rebecca squeezed his arm, as if unwilling yet fully expecting him to dart away. “Wait, I do have a few questions of my own.”
Lucas paused. “Of course.” He started their sedate walk once again and waited, tamping down the impatient desire to track down Meyer and set a plan in motion.
“What are your intentions toward my friend?” Lady Rebecca asked with stark honesty.
Lucas cut a glance to her. “Of a variety,” he answered cryptically, not certain how much information Liliah had imparted.
“Spoken like a rogue,” Lady Rebecca replied, but a grin softened the accusation. “I feel the need to impress, in the strongest fashion, that my friend is not one to be trifled with, Lord Heightfield.” She arched a delicate brow and awaited his response.
“How well you champion your friend, and well she deserves it,” he said by way of answer, neatly dodging the question.
“Yes, well . . . that wasn’t exactly a vow of your honor,” Lady Rebecca responded.
Lucas lowered his chin slightly, leveling her with his most intense gaze. “I’m not exactly a man known for honor, Lady Rebecca. But I can assure you that I wish no harm or assault on your friend’s character.”
Lady Rebecca looked as if she wished to question him further, but paused, then after a moment, nodded. “Then I cannot ask for more. I can see I will not gain any more from you.”
“Wise and lovely,” Lucas answered, lifting her wrist and kissing her hand to take his leave. “I thank you again for your assistance.”
Lady Rebecca simply nodded, and Lucas took his leave in search of Meyer.
He found his target conversing with the Earl of Lisness. Lucas had only met the chap once, and had disregarded him as a rather boring fellow with his overly curly hair and stodgy personality. So he rather considered himself doing a good deed in saving Meyer from the conversation. He nodded to the gentlemen, and waited till he had Meyer’s attention. “If you wouldn’t mind?” He gestured to the side.
