A soft chuckle came from behind the veil. “Between the three of us, then.”
“In that case, you may rest assured.”
“The young lady’s name is Lydia. Lydia Jane Page.”
The name stirred something in Edward’s brain. “Page,” he murmured. “I know the name, but cannot place it.”
“Page Imports. Wine and liquor mostly, but some sugar and tobacco as well, I believe,” Mrs. Dove-Lyon replied. “He did business with many of your peers, but liquidated his interests a couple of years ago and invested his gains wisely. Hence his daughter’s inheritance.”
“Page Imports.” Edward nodded. “Good Lord, yes. I recall seeing the name on Goshawk’s ledgers. Were you a customer of his? Or was he a visitor to the Lyon’s Den?”
“He was an old acquaintance,” she replied. “Now, if you’re serious about this introduction, we have work to do.”
“Oh, I’m definitely serious. How should we proceed?”
There followed a few moments of silence in which Edward imagined the wheels turning in the Black Widow’s head.
She spoke, at last. “Are you in London for the duration of the Season, my lord?”
“Probably.” Edward shrugged. “Till Parliament is in recess, at least. Lady Eskdale loves the city and is quite happy visiting with her friends. Why do you ask?”
“Well, it occurs to me that a young lady with a respected sponsor would be more readily accepted into the folds of Polite Society. Would you and Lady Eskdale be willing to take Miss Page under your wing? I’ll explain to her that you have kindly offered to do so.”
“I should like to discuss it with Harriet, of course,” Edward replied, frowning, “but I believe we have enough influence with our peers to make it work. Pendlewood, however, will not be fooled. He’ll suspect it’s a ruse.”
“Which is why you must tell him the truth, or a version of it.”
Edward huffed. “Doing so will send him running back to Elgin Park.”
Mrs. Dove-Lyon leaned forward, giving Edward the impression of veiled eyes locked with his. “Not if he’s given the option to choose, my lord. With yourself and Lady Eskdale acting as chaperones, the young lady will be escorted to whatever society events you deem appropriate. Obviously, Lord Pendlewood must also be present at these events, but Miss Page mustnotbe introduced to him, informally or otherwise. Instead, allow him to watch her from afar, to form his own opinion. Nopressure, no obligation. The choice to make himself known to Miss Page must be his. Entirely.”
“I see,” Edward replied, frowning as he mulled over the scenario. “Mmm, yes, an excellent idea. And Miss Page, I assume, will be none the wiser?”
“She will not know his identity initially, but she must be made aware that her prince is, at least, present. That is, of course, if Lord Pendlewood agrees to this plan.”
“Herprince?”
“Like many young ladies, Miss Page is hoping for a fairy tale.” Mrs. Dove-Lyon sat back. “And I promised to try and find her a prince. Knowing he is potentially somewhere in the crowd will sharpen her perception. Of course, nothing is guaranteed. Miss Page may decide he is not for her or Lord Pendlewood may decide she is not for him. Bear in mind, my lord, he is not the only eligible man in the realm, gentry or otherwise, and I intend to make that very clear to Miss Page. Indeed, the odds of finding a suitor other than Lord Pendlewood are very much in her favor. You said yourself, her suitability for marriage is excellent.”
“Yes, indeed, and I shall make that clear to him.”
“And Lady Eskdale will be amenable to all this?”
“Oh, she already knows I’m up to something. Considering Lord Pendlewood’s past efforts, I daresay she’s going to thoroughly enjoy this little payback game.”
A soft chuckle came from behind the veil. “As will I, my lord, but first things first. You need to convince Lord Pendlewood that Miss Page is perfect for him while assuring him that he’s free to ascertain that for himself. Assuming he agrees, and I confess to having doubts, then you and Lady Eskdale must arrange a meeting with Miss Page. When the time comes, please let me know where and when, and I shall advise Miss Page accordingly. We’ll continue from there.” She rose, scraping her chair back. “Now, my lord, as I’m sure you’re aware, I’m a very busy woman.I appreciate your time and especially your donation to the Lyon’s Den coffers. Please give Lady Eskdale my regards.”
Edward, feeling rather like a peddler who had just been summarily dismissed, also got to his feet. “I will, madam,” he said, not quite sure whether to be insulted or amused. “Thank you for your time and the exceptional cognac. I shall be in touch.”
Chapter Six
“You asked meto come to London and I came,” Ambrose said. “What more do you want?”
“You’ve merely exchanged one room for another.” Edward glanced around the study. “And this one is smaller than the previous one. What Iwantis for you to go out. To mix. To talk to someone other than your dog and your staff.”
“I’ll have you know I was out this morning,” Ambrose replied, bending to pet Flint. “Took Flame for a canter along Rotten Row. Ask Walston. We chatted for a while. He’s looking for a bride, apparently.”
“As you should be.”
