“Of course,” Rosie said innocently. “When have I ever leaked a secret?”
Crumpets,Violet thought.I’m doomed.
Chapter Twenty-Four
After parting ways with Violet, Richard went in search of his brother. He found Wickham having refreshments in the main drawing room, and he was relieved to see the other paying court to Miss Turbett. Her father hovered nearby, watching the proceedings like a hawk.
Richard found a quiet spot in a corner, where he could better observe his brother and the general goings-on. To the casual onlooker, Wick appeared attentive and interested, his golden brown curls leaned close to Miss Turbett’s mousy ones. Richard, however, saw the subtle lines of strain on his sibling’s face.
In truth, Miss Turbett also looked far from content. Her pale green frock emphasized her pallor, and her lips were pinched. Every now and again, her gaze drifted from Wick to a nearby window with a view of the courtyard and amphitheatre. She looked as if she wanted to be a thousand miles away…
Richard wished that there was another solution to Wick’s money troubles. But he couldn’t worry about it now. At present he had his hands full dealing with his brother’s other looming problem.
“La, Lord Carlisle! Well met!”
He turned in the direction of the simpering tones and wanted to groan as Miss Anne Wrotham approached him in a determined flurry of lace and ribbons. She was accompanied by her grandmama, Lady Ainsworthy, a dowager countess and famed stickler amongst theton. Richard had a passing acquaintance with the pair—which, for him, was more than sufficient.
The dowager’s sour countenance conveyed her displeasure with her present circumstances. Richard had heard that she had deigned to attend the party because her son’s estate relied on the support of Billings’ bank. Even dowagers had to occasionally sing for their supper. Miss Wrotham, a tall and narrow spinster in her forties, had likely accompanied her grandmama since, by society’s standard, she was not only on the shelf, but at the very back of it, and thus had little choice but to descend a rung—or six—if she wanted a match.
“Lord Carlisle,” Miss Wrotham said with a breathy, affected lisp, “I wassohoping to see you.”
Richard didn’t like the predatory look in her close-set eyes.
“Why?” he said.
Her harsh laugh grated against his nerves. “La, what a wit you are, my lord. But I am quite certain you understand my meaning. We must stick together, we birds of a morerefinedfeather.” She cast a contemptuous look around the room.
Richard didn’t care for snobs. “I am content with the company, Miss Wrotham.”
“Content indeed. Hownaughtyof you to tease me, my lord.” She rapped her fan against his arm. “But I suppose such familiarities may be permitted since we are old friends.”
He’d never cared for empty flirtation. Since he couldn’t think of a polite reply, he said nothing. The awkward silence stretched until it was broken by his brother’s voice.
“There you are, Carlisle.” Wick appeared at his side, saying easily, “I was wondering if I could have a word with you. That is, if you don’t mind being deprived of such enchanting company?”
Miss Wrotham preened. “La, Mr. Murray, what a charmer you are.”
“Come, Anne, we will leave the gentlemen to their business,” the dowager said.
“Do come look for us when you’re done!” Miss Wrotham called as her grandmama dragged her away.
“Thanks for the rescue,” Richard muttered.
“Least I could do after all you’ve done for me.” Above the complicated folds of his cravat, Wick’s face was uncharacteristically somber. “I mean that, Richard. I know how much I am in your debt. For everything.”
“Brothers don’t speak of debts.” As he said the words, however, Richard thought of how Wick had misled Violet about him, and his gut knotted.
“You’re a bigger man than I am. A better one too.” Wick dragged a hand through his windswept curls, the signet ring gleaming on his hand. “That is why I wasn’t truthful to Violet about my debts, you know. I was ashamed of myself. And… envious of you.” He exhaled. “Because I’m not as good as you and never will be.”
Violet had been right about his brother’s motives for lying.
With a sigh, he said, “That’s not true, Wick. You have much to recommend you and a bright future ahead. You can change the path you’re on, have a fresh start. And you’re doing the right thing by courting Miss Turbett.”
“Too little too late, but it’s better than nothing.” Wick’s smile was lopsided. “Enough about me. So you and Violet… it’s serious?”
He nodded. “All I have to do is convince her to marry me.”
“Shouldn’t be too difficult. The two of you are a perfect match.”
