“In addition to the letter from the last king, I regret to say she has a promise from this one, obtained in Edinburgh. The entire matter promises to be a potential embarrassment to His Majesty. A very big one. It is vital that the whole story does not be bandied about.”
Eric wanted to laugh. Davina MacCallum had the King of Great Britain all but hiding in the cupboard to avoid her. His estimation of her rose immediately.
“Haversham, all of this is interesting, even entertaining. I regret that I do not know the lady well enough to influence her, however.” He stood. “My advice is that the king just give her the land. I suspect he is no match for her.”
Haversham bolted to his feet. “My reasoning exactly. Not the part about whether he is a match—I would never be so disloyal as to agree to that—but about returning the land. Much cleaner. No embarrassments. There is only one problem. Someone else now holds that estate. He is not likely to think our solution is so clever.”
Finally they were down to it. “I will speak with him on the king’s behalf, if that is what is wanted of me. Who is he?”
Haversham licked his lips. He offered a trembling smile. “You.”
Chapter Two
In late afternoon Davina entered the house on Bedford Square that served as the home of the Parnassus Club. Established by the Duchess of Stratton a year ago, the club only had female members. Davina had been inducted upon her arrival in London, on the day a month ago that she came to meet Mrs. Galbreath, the editor of the journal who had purchased two of her essays.
As exclusive as any club, this one required a vote for admittance and fees from its members. However, she had been included as a charity case—Mrs. Galbreath did not put it that way, of course—and the membership turned out to be quite democratic. While there were many ladies who stopped by to relax in the salon or gamble in the room set aside for that, some women were not ladies at all.
And a few, like the club’s treasurer, were important ladies now, but had not been well born. Davina assumed everyone recognized that latter quality just as she had, but unlike many others it relieved her. As a result, she and the woman born Amanda Waverly and now the Duchess of Langford had formed a fast friendship.
Amanda sat at a writing table in the library when Davina arrived, her dark-haired crown bent over a pen. She wore a simple linen apron atop a luscious dress the color of amaryllis.
“Are you working the accounts?” Davina asked. “Or writing a letter?”
Amanda looked up and greeted her. “The accounts.”
“You do not care to use the office?”
“The office normally suits me fine.” Amanda glanced aside to where three women sat near the fireplace. “But Mrs. Bacon’s gossip suits me better. I can eavesdrop from here.”
“Naughty woman. I will not interfere with either activity. However, at the party I overheard something myself. The duchess spoke of visiting today to meet with Mrs. Galbreath. Has she done so?”
“They are in Mrs. Galbreath’s chamber.”
“Does the duchess normally leave immediately after they chat? Or might she avail herself of the club’s amenities?”
Amanda set her pen into its holder. “Why do you ask? Do you want to speak with her?”
“I thought if we greeted each other in passing, perhaps a few more words could be exchanged.”
Amanda’s smile stretched more with every word she heard. “I have a better idea. When she comes down I will tell her you wish to speak to her.”
“I do not want to impose on her.”Again, she almost added. She had imposed quite a lot when during a casual conversation she had asked for that letter to the king.
“I don’t think she will see it that way. I didn’t when you addressed me.”
That was different. Davina caught the words. This new duchess might be insulted at the implication she was not as ducal as the other duchess.
Humor lit Amanda’s eyes. “She is not going to eat you, Davina. I am sure she will be interested in whatever you want to tell her.” She cocked her head and looked at the door. “In fact, I hear them coming now.”
Feminine chatter preceded the two women down the stairs and into the library. “After the meeting on Tuesday we will vote,” the duchess said to her companion. She then noticed Davina. “I am so glad you are taking advantage of the club, Miss MacCallum. I like to think you have found a sanctuary here.”
“I have, Your Grace. It is not far from my residence, so I can avail myself of the peace here any day I want after my duties are completed.”
“I have told her she must visit the booksellers and choose a few medical books and tracts for the library,” Mrs. Galbreath said. Mrs. Galbreath, a fine boned, elegant blond woman, lived here and served not only as editor ofParnassusbut manager of the club.
“She came today because she wants to talk to you about something, Clara,” Amanda said.
“Do you? Well, let us find a quiet spot so you can.” She gazed around the library and pursed her mouth when she saw the three women ensconced near the fireplace. “We will go to the dining room, so no ears overhear by accident.”
