“They set a good table and are generous hosts. I’ll send a note letting them know you are coming.”
What could Jack say? “Thank you.”
“I’ll also have Talbert set the meeting you have requested. It will take some time to arrange.”
“I am happy to wait and completely at your disposal.”
Gavin gave him a thin smile. “You will need to be seen with the family as often as possible. At the balls, musicales, whatever. We want to overcome the impression that you do not value your heritage.”
“Understood. Thank you.”
“Well, it is our bargain. You help me win my ladylove and I shall give you your meeting.”
“I would like to believe you want to arrange the meeting to avert a war between two countries,” Jack insisted mildly.
“That as well.” He pulled the horses to a halt at Menheim’s front door.
The tiger was waiting for them. Both Jack and Gavin jumped down, and the servant took the reins to drive the horses to the stable.
Together, the twins entered the house. Their mother was happy to hear Jack would be joining the company for dinner and he was pleased he had agreed.
Later that evening, over port and after the ladies had excused themselves to leave the men to their business, Hurst and the other gentlemen around the table listened reluctantly to Jack’s overview of American concerns. Encouraged by Gavin, some asked good questions.
The duke also received a quizzing by both men and women about Lady Charlene. Apparently the papers had noted Gavin’s interest and gossips had been busy at work.
Jack would wager they would be even busier on the morrow after the ladies around the table went calling. He’d even overheard mention of Elin’s name and realized that among outsiders of the family, the consensus was that she had jilted the duke.
For that reason, the next day, Jack decided it was time he had a talk with Lady Charlene about her lifting of purses. It was clear Gavin was more than infatuated. If the lady was a brazen criminal, Gavin needed to know now so that he didn’t find himself made a laughingstock. Or worse, married to a woman who practiced avarice.
Considering the sharing of confidences, and all that Gavin was doing to help his mission, Jack believed he must do what he could to protect his twin.
After a meeting with Russell to discuss the dinner with Lord Hurst, Jack took off for Mulberry Street. It was late afternoon. The day was overcast but cold and dry.
Quickly covering the distance, he was close to his destination when he noticed a familiar character walking in the opposite direction from where he was heading.
He also realized that, now that he knew what to look for, Lady Charlene’s shapely legs were hard to disguise in breeches. Nor was she traveling alone. Two street lads flanked her. They appeared a rough-and-tumble crew.
What the devil was she up to? More criminal work?
He followed to find out.
Chapter Nine
Leo wants to see you.”
Charlene had stared at Danny standing on her back step as if she could make him disappear.
“I’m not alone,” she had warned. Lady Baldwin was in the front room, snoring so loudly she could be heard in the kitchen.
“The other woman who lives here is gone,” Danny had answered. “And you have left before when the old lady in feathers is here.”
How did they know? Were they watching her? Probably.
“My aunt might be back,” Charlene had answered.
Danny had shrugged. “Leo means for you to come now.”
Char had known she must be careful, especially now that the duke was apparently involved in her life.
