“What is this about?”
“What do you know of the gentlemen who called today.”
Augustus shrugged. “Suitable enough I suppose. Some are titled, others are younger sons.”
“What do you know of their reputations?”
“Little. I am leaving it to Leopold to determine the worth of any gentleman who may show an interest in either Aurora or Sabina.”
Octavia crossed to the sideboard and poured herself a glass of brandy and one for Augustus as well.
“What are you about, Octavia?”
“You are aware that my marriage was not pleasant.”
“I have been led to believe such, just not how unpleasant.”
“Kepple could be, um, difficult. He also kept mistresses. He had one when we wed, and rarely was without one.”
“It is the way…”
She held up her hand to silence her brother.
“Kepple shamed me in my home when I did not provide him with his heir. He further shamed me by telling me how many male bastards that other women had given him. I will not allow my sisters to marry a gentleman who would share his affection outside of the marriage.”
Her tone was hard and serious enough that Augustus did not think to argue with her again.
“Leopold will concern himself with a family reputation, connection, wealth, all shallow reasons when determining if a gentleman is worthy enough to be considered as a husband for one of his sisters.”
“It is likely.”
“What I want from you is a list of rakes.”
“Why? They will show no interest in either Aurora or Sabina.”
“If they are titled, they will need to marry. And even if they are not, some may wish for a wife for any number of reasons. I want to know the name of every rake in London so that if they begin to show an interest in either of our sisters, I can discourage them. I will not allow them to suffer as I did.”
“That is not your decision, but Leopold’s.”
“I will handle our brother. You simply need to do this little investigation for me.”
“A list of rakes,” he clarified.
“Yes, with any details you can learn.”
He studied her.
“This is important, Augustus. You do want your younger sisters happy when they settle do you not?”
“Of course.”
“Then do this for me.”
He studied her for a moment, then offered a slight nod. “Very well.”
She had not lied to her brother because Octavia would not allow either sister to marry a gentleman who could not be trusted. What Augustus did not need to know, however, was the other purpose such a list would provide.
Angelo sipped his brandy while contemplating how he might gain the attention of Lady Kepple. To approach and renew an old acquaintance would be too obvious and noted upon by the ton. Her first rule was discretion after all. He also couldn’t very well let on that he had eavesdropped on her conversation and was offering his services to be her lover.
