“Do what?” Emma asked.
“Everything.” Gabby waved a hand. “Be a wife and mama and still have time left over for anything else. And Emma, you even do detection work.”
Detection work?Tessa’s ears perked.Blood and thunder, that’s something you don’t hear duchesses doing every day.
“I only take on the occasional case,” Emma said. “And no one can doeverything.”
“Even with oodles of servants and Mr. Garrity’s clearly detailed schedules, I can’t seem to manage very well,” Gabby said glumly.
Polly’s forehead pleated. “Mr. Garrity gives you schedules?”
“To help me organize my day. That way, I don’t forget anything. He’s ever so thoughtful,” Gabby said, her eyes dreamy.
Tessa saw the duchesses exchange a look that suggested they might use a different adjective to describe Mr. Garrity and his schedules.
“Is your husband here tonight?” Emma said.
Gabby’s red curls bounced against her cheek as she nodded. “He prefers we stay at home, but we’re here tonight because he had business to discuss with some clients.”
Emma’s brows rose. “Here at the masquerade?”
“Everyone is in need of money, and thetonis no exception. Mr. Garrity’s influence is quite far-reaching these days. Why else would Cits like us be invited to so elevated an affair?”
Gabby’s shrug revealed a streak of pragmatism beneath all that effervescence. And left no doubt that her husband was indeedthatGarrity: the one who might be plotting against Grandpapa. Was it a coincidence that Garrity was here at an event that De Witt was invited to? Tessa stiffened as another possibility struck her. Could there be a connection between Garrity, De Witt…and Ransom?
Apparently misreading Tessa’s reaction, Gabby said in a rush, “Beg pardon, that was vulgar of me to mention money, wasn’t it? Being the daughter of a banker and the wife of a moneylend—a man of business, I mean, I forget we aren’t supposed to talk about such things. I meant no offense.”
“I’m not offended,” Tessa said truthfully.
Gabby’s relieved smile gave her a twinge of misgiving. She couldn’t help but like the redhead; it would be a pity if her husband turned out to be an enemy of the Blacks.
A footman dressed in smart livery approached and bowed. “Mr. Garrity wishes to depart. He is waiting for you at the carriage, Mrs. Garrity.”
“Tell him I’ll be right there.” Turning back to the group, Gabby said hurriedly, “I must go, but Emma and Polly, will you please come to call tomorrow afternoon? I should like to visit with you ever so much. And with you, too, Miss Smith, if you are free.”
Tessa blinked. Couldn’t believe the opportunity that had just presented itself.
When the other ladies murmured their assent, she added quickly, “I’m free.”
“Splendid.” Rummaging in her reticule, Gabby produced a rather crumpled card and gave it to Tessa. “Here is my address. Look forward to seeing you all!”
She rushed off, a trail of yellow feathers drifting in her wake.
“Is she quite all right, do you think?” Emma murmured.
“We’ll find out tomorrow,” Polly murmured back.
Tomorrow, Tessa would have the opportunity to investigate Garrity in his own lair…as long as Bennett was willing to cooperate with her plan. She looked for Bennett in the crowd, bursting at the seams to share the new developments. The evening could not have gone any better.
Then a sonorous voice announced a new arrival.
“Sir Aloysius De Witt and the Honorable Miss Celeste De Witt!”
27
“Harry…is that you?”a voice like trembling silver bells asked.
Bloody hell.For an instant, Harry was tempted to deny it and continue down the carpeted hallway outside the ballroom. When he’d seen the De Witts arrive, he’d felt a surge of fury. Just as quickly, he’d locked away the emotion. Made certain to stay out of sight as he monitored them.
