“As you observed, Miss Doyle was a smashing success last night and I anticipate callers.” Saying it out loud was more uncomfortable than thinking about the possibility and his stomach actually tightened.
“Of course. You might even marry her off.” Pickmore laughed.
Henry did not share the same humor. While it was usually the position of a guardian to want to see his ward wed, Henry could think of no candidate worthy of her. Of course, he didn’t know all of the bachelors in London, but those he was aware of would never do. Eve required someone special. Someone who was intelligent and would appreciate her mind, as well as her beauty. One who would not be intimidated by her wit or anger. Anyone seeking a simpering miss would do better to call elsewhere. Of course, given Eve’s performance last evening, it was unlikely anyone was aware that she was so much more than she presented.
“But we must not shirk our duties either.”
“Us?” Pickmore questioned.
“Well, me, but I’ll need the Devils’ assistance.”
Pickmore leaned forward. “How so?”
“We will investigate any suitor before Miss Doyle even walks with them. I’ll not have her waste her time if the gentleman isn’t up to snuff.”
“Isn’t that for her to decide?”
“Of course not,” Henry argued and got up from his desk. “What does she know of men? She’ll not be able to make the right decision unless we guide her toward it. I’ll not have her settle simply to be settling. No, we must be very careful in who we allow her to give consideration to.”
Pickmore leaned back and studied him. “Exactly what are your concerns?”
“Vices for one, such as gambling or drinking too much.”
Pickmore nodded.
“Nobody in debt, of course, nor can they have disreputable reputations or questionable family ties.”
“Anything else?” Pickmore asked with the raise of an eyebrow.
“Nor can they be in trade. He must be a gentleman, not necessarily titled, but well enough off that Miss Doyle will not need to worry where she might rest her head at night or if she’ll eat the next day.”
“I see,” Pickmore said slowly as he studied Kilsyth.
“And, no bachelors with clinging mothers.” Which would put Mr. Francis Hilliard out of the running immediately. That whelp had the audacity to dance with Eve twice last evening, and Henry was bound and determined to end that courtship before it began.
“With all of the restrictions, it’s unlikely you’ll approve of anyone who wishes to court Miss Doyle.”
“Perhaps,” Henry admitted. “But I’m certain there is a respectable, well-to-do gentleman in London. They can’t all be bad.
“But you intend to have the Devils investigate these gentlemen.” Pickmore asked slowly. “Don’t they have other duties.”
“Not at the moment,” Henry dismissed. “They’ll do this, or I’ll do it myself if I have to, but it will be done much quicker with their help.”
“I’ll send word around later, after you have a list of potential candidates,” Pickmore assured him.
“That’s the spirit, Pickmore. I knew you’d see matters my way.”
“What of your other plans?” Pickmore asked. “Might those be impeded if there is a suitor or husband involved?”
Henry frowned. “What other plans?”
“To find and inform on French sympathizers?”
“Oh that,” Henry dismissed. He’d forgotten that he’d not told Pickmore as to his change of plans. “I’ve dismissed the idea. I’ll not put Miss Doyle in danger.”
“Danger? At a ball?”
“We don’t know who might learn her real purpose, and if they do, she could come to harm. I won’t have it so I’ve decided against using her in such a manner.”
