“Well, that must be very frustrating, my lord. I don’t see what any of it has to do with me.”
“It’s all going to be a great rush, according to your cousin,” Heathfield said. “Since receiving the letter this morning, I’ve determined her sisters are planning some kind of little cheap fete in a day or two here at Blackburn’s home and then they’ll leave for Castleton Grange right after for the nuptials. I wouldn’t lower myself to acknowledge any of it, of course, but you—youcan.”
“Acknowledge it? What good would that do?” Alexander asked.
“You’d put yourself close in order to take care of the problem.”
“Take care—what does that mean?” Alexander asked and very much wished he hadn’t eaten today because it all felt like it might come back up at present.
“Please don’t be obtuse. That suits your cousin more than it does you. I’m saying you will intervene and break up this foolish engagement. Make it clear to him that he’ll getnothingfor his fit. Make it clear to her she’ll not be successful in elevating herself and getting her grubby hands into my money. End it. Get the mercenary little bitch out.”
Alexander staggered back a step. “You think I have that power, Grandfather? Laurence is entirely ungovernable and cares little for what I think of him.”
“Laurence is spoiled.”
There was no point in reminding the old man that he, himself, had created that particular monster. He shook his head instead. “I don’t know if I can do this. I know less if Iwantto intervene.”
Now his grandfather’s expression grew hard as steel. “Youshouldknow, boy. You’ve asked me for a boon and I will tell you that your mother will get not a farthing from me unless you stop this wedding.”
And there it was. The threat. Worse, Alexander was to blame for it. He’d shown his underbelly by coming here and asking for the favor, now his grandfather would use it against him, if not now then later. What was worse was that if he denied the old man, Heathfield could actually make things harder for Alexander’s mother. He’d tried to help her, and now it seemed he had put her further into a corner. Put himself there, too. For a brief, powerful moment, he despised the man before him. But he schooled that reaction from his features and sighed.
“I happen to agree that this is not a good match for my cousin.”
“Oh, Isohoped you’d agree.” The earl’s tone dripped with sarcasm.
Alexander ignored it. “If he’s done this, it must be on some foolish whim. And while I haven’t spent much time with Miss Comerford and haven’t seen her to be mercenary, it doesn’t mean you’re wrong. The whole thing could collapse spectacularly and do a great deal more harm than good to all involved.”
He was talking himself into this. Badly, though. Even if all these things were true, he didn’t want to be part of them.
“I suppose some further investigation and perhaps some intervention wouldn’t be inappropriate.” His stomach turned as Heathfield’s face lit up. “I’m certain I’ll be invited to this fete and if I’m not, I’ll be sure to get an invitation to it and to the countryside wedding. What happens after that, I cannot say. But I’ll do my best to intervene if the situation requires it.”
Heathfield smiled. “You see, you are clever. Excellent choice, Alexander.”
He swallowed hard, hating himself and this situation beyond measure. “It isn’t a choice, Grandfather. We both know it.”
And yet he would do it, weak fool that he was.
CHAPTER 5
Julia didn’t know why Arabella had invited her to her home when the party to celebrate her engagement was being held at Evelina and Vaughn’s London estate. But as her carriage pulled into the drive, she saw quite a few other rigs tucked to the side and off at the stables. Had she misunderstood the situation? She wouldn’t be surprised. In the few days since her engagement, she hadn’t exactly been thinking clearly.
She tried to smile and be happy when she was with others. Or at least she tried toappearhappy. But every night once her maid had left her, she found herself crying herself to sleep.
But that was just nerves. Who wouldn’t be nervous when their life was about to change completely? All this had happened so quickly.
As she was helped down from the carriage, the front door to the house opened and she was surprised that it was Arabella who rushed to greet her rather than servants.
“Julia!” she burst out, and embraced her hard. “You look gorgeous.”
Julia looked down at her gown. Laurence had been very picky about what she should wear tonight. He’d reminded her over and over that she was no longer a courtesan and she hadto begin to dress more appropriately. In response she’d made some adjustments to a blue gown she’d always liked and now it covered her more fully. It didn’t feel like it fit but she was pleased the effect was correct.
“So do you,” she said, and almost laughed because Arabella had never changed her style one iota after marrying Silas. She still looked bold in her daringly cut and brightly colored gowns. She also looked chic and beautiful, not one person would dare say otherwise. “But why are all these people here?”
Arabella took her arm and led her inside without explaining. They made their way to the ballroom and when they entered Julia nearly fell over. It was filled with her courtesan friends, all of whom let out a great cheer for her as she entered, like she was a returning hero from battle.
“I thought you might like to see the girls before you’re all proper and separate,” Arabella explained in a whisper. “We’ll have an hour or so here and then head off to Evie and Vaughn’s party as planned.”
“Is Evie here? And Silas?” Julia lifted on her tiptoes.
