She paused and sipped her tea. “First, determine exactly how errant my son has been. You have helped with that, but I need a great deal more verification. Second, find out without a doubt who the miscreants are and what they have done. From there, I will examine what is within my power to wreak vengeance.”
The calmness with which Judith made these pronouncements both unsettled and intrigued Mark. “Can I presume you no longer consider me one of those miscreants?”
Her mouth pursed a moment. “Let us say that I find your side of the tale somewhat more believable than Edmund’s.” Her expression smoothed and she took a bite of a small cress sandwich. “But I must ask. Why did you call in his debts?”
“A business decision, not a personal or social one. When I reviewed the accounts of the establishment before I bought in, it became clear that he had amassed debts greater by far than his annual income, and I knew his investments and possessions would begin to tumble next, especially when I discovered his debts to other organizations. Prudence dictated collecting while time remained on our side.”
“Is that why you agreed to meet me?”
Mark shifted in his chair. “Partially. I was curious as to Edmund’s motives. But you also intrigued me.”
“How so?”
“Your reputation.”
Her eyebrows arched and a smile played on her lips. “You mean as a wanton harlot.”
Mark laughed, then groaned as his ribs ached.
“My apologies.”
He grinned at her. “No need. Laughter may make my ribs sore, but it is good for my spirit. And not much has been these last few weeks.” He paused for a sip, then went on. “According to my mother—and others—you came out of mourning like a racehorse freed from its stall. Balls, soirees, long discussions at Gunter’s with some of the most prominent members of theton. Visits to the Royal Society lectures. Afternoon calls on friends you had not visited in months. Everyone believed your goal was remarriage, but after a year and no acceptance of potential suitors—even turning down some admirable prospects—you seemed more keen simply to enjoy life than improve your situation. You are known to take lovers, with no obvious confirmation as to who any of them are. The mystery that remains woven in their certainties makes thetonmost intrigued and speculative. And rather gossipy, if I may add. You are fascinating to those who conform to all social guidelines.”
Her eyes gleamed as she ate a few more bites. “Indeed? I had no idea anyone paid that close attention.”
“Bollocks. You know it and you adore it.”
This time her laugh sounded genuine. “I have to admit I did. I do.”
“And you would have continued had Edmund not pissed on it all. Another reason I despise what he has done.”
She focused on him. “And why is that?”
“Because obnoxious bets aside, after only one dance, I truly wanted to know more about you. And to bed you, had the opportunity arisen.”
Her eyes widened, the pupils dilating. “Somewhat presumptuous, do you not think?”
“Not at all. I had already made plans for our paths to cross often.”
“By attending more balls with your mother?”
“As I suspected encounters in the theater would be more scarce, I intended to court you.”
Her gaze turned sharp for a moment, then softened slowly. “And if I were not interested?”
He reached for her hand. She did not offer it but nor did she resist as he took it, holding it between both his own. “Then I would have had to convince you that the two of us have far more in common than we have with the young waifs and pinks of the Beau Monde. Experience that could make our time together enticing, arousing, and memorable.”
She bit her lower lip. “You are not suggesting marriage.”
He released her hand and leaned back. “No. Which I believe is something else we have in common. An extended courtship is allowable, as some of the patronesses of Almack’s can attest.”
She laughed, a low chuckle that sent a shot of heat into his chest. “You are quite incorrigible. Like a boy who can never quite surrender his toys.”
“Butmytoys, dear lady, make a great deal more money.”
Judith hesitated, a finger circling the rim of her teacup. “Did you really go to the Americas?”
Mark blinked, startled at the change in topic. After a moment, he nodded. “I did. And I plan to return. My father and uncle had their own involvement with a transportation company. I went several times on my father’s behalf, and after my uncle’s death, my cousin Gordon and I went over to survey that part of the company—and the country. We traveled through the colonies, down to the West Indies. I came home. Gordon stayed for almost ten years. Why do you ask?”
