“It was her natural grace, my lady, and little to do with me.” With a final bow, he strode from the room.
Several of the pups rose to follow him. Lanora stood, rooted to the spot. She frowned, then hurried out. She must know more. This was absurd. Why was Lord William giving the impression of a man courting her? She, who all knew didn’t wish to be courted, being pursued by a man all knew didn’t wish to wed. Ridiculous.
Remembering Grace’s earlier mention of spying on gentlemen, Lanora used the servants’ stairs to retrieve a purse of coins from her room. Quick steps brought her to the footman just returning from opening the door to Lord William’s carriage.
“Joseph, did you hear where he instructed his driver to go?” she asked.
“Yes, my lady.”
Lanora held out the purse. “Follow him. Discreetly, of course. I want to know everywhere he goes today.”
Joseph bowed. “Yes, my lady.”
Later that day, when Grace returned with Mrs. Banke’s coin, Lanora listened to her tale of bargaining at theTimesand then imparted the details of Lord William’s visit. That evening, they both sat up in the parlor, waiting for Joseph’s report on Lord William’s doings. It was late when he finally came in, but not so late as Lanora expected.
“My lady. Grace,” he greeted.
“I hope your day was not too long, Joseph?” Lanora said. “Please sit.”
A London servant, Joseph failed to hide his shock at the offer. “No thank you, my lady. I prefer to stand.”
Lanora doubted that, but didn’t press him. “What have you to report?”
“Lord William went to Whites and another, less savory club. Gambling, I believe.”
She nodded. That was to be expected.
“He took a ride in the park. Fine horseflesh he has, handles it well, too, my lady.”
“Well, that’s good news,” Grace said, looking pleased.
“As if riding well makes a man a worthy husband.” Lanora rolled her eyes toward the intricate plaster molding on the ceiling.
“You’ll want to live in the country.” Grace folded her hands in her lap, her words crisp. “You want a man who can ride.”
“Do not marry me to the rogue yet, Grace. Continue, please, Joseph.”
“I returned because Lord William went to, ah, visit a friend, and I don’t think he’ll be out anytime soon.”
“A friend?” Lanora asked sharply, alerted by Joseph’s tone.
Joseph rattled off an address, dropping his gaze.
Lanora went cold. “I see.” The street was so notorious for housing the mistresses of the wealthy, it was colloquially called Mistress’s Row. “And you believe he will remain for some time?”
“I watched for a spell, my lady. He was still inside when I left.”
Lanora nodded.
“It doesn’t have to mean what you think,” Grace said, her tone tentative.
“Doesn’t it?” Lanora shook her head, surprised by the strength of her disappointment. “Was that all, then, Joseph?”
“There was one other thing, my lady. I followed Lord William all day after he left here.” Joseph’s face was perplexed. “Thing is, some other bloke was following him too. I stayed out of his sight. He was still watching that house when I left.”
Lenora hesitated. That was strange. “Thank you, Joseph. You’ve done well. I’m sorry to ask you to make such a long day of it.”
“It’s no trouble, my lady. We all want you to marry well.”
