Ramsey paused his pacing and sighed. “All reasonable efforts have been attempted, so that leaves the more unreasonable ones. Is Lucas in town yet?”
“Next week. You came back early, thank God.”
“It’s nice to be missed.” Ramsey gave a tight smile. “But I must confess I don’t cherish the idea of dealing with the devil. Yet it must be done. There has to be some sort of underlying reason for him to single her out.” Ramsey frowned.
“That is what I suspect, but so far John has been unable to come up with any motive.”
“Aside from me, you mean,” Ramsey remarked.
“Yes, but what does Grace have to do with you? Nothing.”
“True. I don’t understand. Keep John on the task.”
Heathcliff nodded. “Any other suggestions in the meantime?”
Ramsey sighed. “Well, my social calendar just filled up. When is the next event you’ll attend?”
Heathcliff gave a shrug. “Tonight, of course, though I’d much rather rescind our invitation. No doubt the devil will be in attendance.”
“No doubt. Tell your ward that I’m in town and wish to have the supper dance. Ask Lord Greywick to dance with her for the second waltz; his wife, Lady Greywick was instrumental in your vouchers for Almack’s, correct? Certainly he will not mind.”
“I’ll send a missive to him directly once I get home. He’s an affable sort of fellow, I always liked him, not a thing like his bastard of a father.”
“I know all about that, sadly. The former Lord Greywick was a pain in the ass, nearly destroyed Lucas’s chances with his wife.” Ramsey shook his head. “I doubt a tear was shed at that man’s funeral.”
“I wasn’t there to witness it, but I’m of the same conviction. It’s a bloody boon that his son is a good egg.”
Ramsey nodded. “Good, that takes care of both waltzes, and that way we can stifle any chatter about a match. That’s enough damage control for one night. And it will buy us some time to try and ascertain his motives.”
Heathcliff nodded, his expression pensive. “One question, and I’m only asking because my wife will certainly ask and I want to hear it from you.”
“Go on.”
“Is it possible that Lord Westhouse has turned over a new leaf?”
Ramsey gave his most disbelieving expression and then sighed in a frustrated manner. “Does a leopard change its spots? Can you dress a pig and make it a lady? No. Since Eton he’s been a bastard, and there’s nothing material to prove he’s otherwise changed. Have John double check on that, if you wish for a second council on the subject. I’m sure he’s left not only ruin in his wake, but much more.”
“I’ll notify John as well. That’s a good idea, I should have thought of it.”
“You’re preoccupied.”
“Clearly.”
“Now, is there anything else?” Ramsey asked.
Heathcliff shook his head. “No, thank the Lord. Isn’t this enough?”
Ramsey gave a small smile. “Well, until this evening then.”
“Yes. We’re attending the Rohners’ Ball.”
“Ah, yes. I just tossed the invitation away. I’ll be sure to accept it immediately.”
Heathcliff paused and regarded Ramsey. “You’re a good friend, Ramsey. Thank you.”
Ramsey accepted the compliment, for the first time feeling like it might be true. “Thank you.”
With a swift nod, Heathcliff quit the room, leaving Ramsey with the unpleasant expectation of meeting an old enemy.
Apparently it was the season of facing the ghosts of the past.
But Westhouse was certainly one he could go without ever seeing again.
