“I am working on it, Lady Julia.”
If anyone could get it, her maid would. Hamlin had a way with words, which included the ability to manipulate men into doing her bidding. She had always been a valuable asset, and Julia would be lost without her.
“There.” Hamlin stood back and admired her in the mirror. “Though I hear the gathering tonight is an informal affair, you will be the prettiest woman in attendance.”
Julia knew men admired her, yet she ignored it mostly. But starting this evening, she’d have to rely on her physical attributes to attract the right man, not her intelligence. Otherwise, she’d be at the mercy of her father and whoever he chose for her.
“Please,” she said. “Get that guest list so I can find out what eligible men will be joining us.” If she could get the information, perhaps she could find the perfect match for Willa, too.
Hamlin tucked her into bed and quietly left the room.
Chapter Twelve
For as longas Alonzo could remember, he had been a man of action, one who enjoyed the privileges his rank and wealth afforded him. He did so without regret most of the time, which allowed him to enjoy the delectable women he had entertained over the years. Yet somehow after only knowing Lady Julia for a short time, she had forced him to take a critical look at himself. He sat in his host’s library with a cigar and a finger of brandy, in company with the Earl of Ganes.
“Has your conquest arrived?” his friend asked, like any rake would.
The duke blew out a perfectly formed smoke ring and nodded. “Yes, she arrived earlier this afternoon with Lady Willa and the dowager countess.”
“Is that why you have kept to the stables and now the library?”
He smiled confidently and refused to be annoyed by his friend. “I will let the lady know of my presence soon enough.”
“It isn’t as if you have a choice, old chap. We’re all guests of the duke’s and are housed under the same roof.”
Alonzo leaned forward in his seat. “Why are you pushing the issue, Ganes? Perhaps you feel if you got me out of the way, it would help your popularity grow in London.” He arched his brow in inquiry. “Though I doubt you’d admit it.”
Ganes took a swig of his brandy and grinned arrogantly. “There is plenty of room at the top of thetonfor both of us.”
Alonzo gazed about the comfortable library, noticing and admiring the ancient, mullioned windows. Though he owned an opulent country estate, this place had never failed to inspire him. Perhaps the venerable facade, untouched by the latest architectural fads, left him feeling as if he were truly sitting inside a knight’s keep. His host, the duke, had chosen wisely to leave this magnificent home in its original state. “This is a charming estate,” he observed.
“Yes. I believe the duke is quite proud of it. Why? Are you looking to make an offer on it? I am sure the duke would never consider selling it.”
Graham never knew when to be quiet. In fact, he always seemed to be competing for the favor of the people who hosted their performances and begged them to their parties.
“If I were interested in pursuing anything concerning this place, you would be the last one to know about it,” Alonzo said quite smugly. “You, as I am quite sure you are aware, have been accused time and again of being a major contributor to the scandal sheets.”
“Truly?” His friend gave a lopsided smile, bereft of denial or innocence. “And what could I possibly stand to gain from such an arrangement?”
Alonzo strutted across the chamber, stared out one of the windows, then back at his friend. “A blind eye.”
“Perhaps you could clarify what you mean by that.”
The duke cleared his throat and shook his head. “You are an intelligent man, are you not, Ganes?”
“I am many things… most I will not admit to.”
“You would betray your own mother if…”
“Now see here…” Ganes shot up from his chair, his controlled manners suddenly gone.
“Ah.” Alonzo grinned in satisfaction. He knew how to exasperate the mildest of creatures, and his friend was no exception. For in reality, the earl loved his mother dearly. “I sought only to get a rise out of you, old friend.”
The earl blew out a harsh breath, then sought another gulp of his brandy. “You are the devil in finery.”
“With the voice of an angel,” Alonzo reminded him, seeking to ruffle his feathers more.
“You seek a confession from me? That I will gladly do whatever it takes to remove you from direct competition of the ladies I wish to pursue.”
