“Farnborough is here tonight.” Ash glanced over his shoulder. There was no one within earshot. “My man, Peter, followed him to a tavern in Seven Dials on Tuesday, called the Three Bells. An unlikely place for him to visit. Two men joined him there, and they talked for over an hour. Peter said it wasn’t particularly friendly, although he couldn’t get close enough to overhear what was said. After they left, they went off in different directions, making it impossible to follow them.” He related their rough appearance to Reade. “One had a scar running the length of his cheek to his chin. The other had the broken nose and the cauliflower ear of a pugilist. From Peter’s description, the men are not known to me.”
Reade shook his head. “Nor I, by the sound of it.”
“Have you heard who’s newly arrived in Town?”
“My inquiries have not been successful,” Reade said.
“Keep an eye out….” He clammed up as the baroness came to join them.
Ash bowed. “Lady Reade.”
“Heavens, Grainger, why stand on ceremony?” Jo said with a smile. “I have not seen you for an age. Are you well?”
Ash took in Joanna’s pink cheeks and bright green eyes. Her slender form revealed no sign of her condition. “I am, thank you, Jo. You appear to be in splendid health.”
“Indeed, I am.” She darted a fond glance at her husband. “I am hoping to persuade Gareth to remain in London for another month.”
Ash’s gaze sought Reade’s pained one.
“While I enjoy your splendid company, far be it for me to interfere between a husband and wife.” Ash bowed. “I shall wish you luck in your endeavor to persuade him and take my leave.” He paused. “There is something you might do for me, Jo.” He looked over to where Miss Tothill now danced the quadrille. “The young lady in the white muslin with the lavender bows is Miss Tothill.” He laughed at Jo’s expression. “This is not a matter of the heart. Might you know a mutual acquaintance? I would be grateful if you could befriend her. I require an introduction. I believe she has some information she wishes to impart to me.”
Jo nodded. “Reade told me a little about this business. It is intriguing.”
“And dangerous,” he warned.
“I know my husband,” Jo said with an impish smile in Reade’s direction. “While there are some negotiations I might win, wishing to involve myself in this affair would not be one of them.”
Ash laughed and left them. As he moved through the crowd moving around the fringe of the ballroom floor, he observed Miss Tothill, who was a delight to watch. Her partner certainly thought so. He doubted she could have learned something of interest from wily Farnborough, who showed an unhealthy interest in her. How the devil could Ash keep her safe from him? It had just become far more difficult. What was the rogue up to?
Chapter Four
While Thea fannedher hot face after the dance, an attractive, red-haired lady approached her, stunningly dressed in green silk, with emeralds at her throat and ears. Thea remembered seeing her earlier, talking to Grainger.
When Grandmama greeted her, the lady smiled warmly. “Lady Trentham. How well you look. And how nice to find you here this Season.”
“And you, Baroness Reade. I prefer rusticating to London life, but I’m called upon to chaperone my granddaughter. I admit I am enjoying catching up with old friends again. Allow me to present Theodosia Tothill to you.”
Thea rose to her feet and dipped into a curtsy.
“I am pleased to meet you, Miss Tothill. Are you enjoying the Season? Or is it too early to say?”
“It’s nothing like I imagined,” Thea admitted. “So very exciting.”
“Viscount Grainger has expressed a wish to dance with your granddaughter,” the Baroness said to Grandmama. “If it is agreeable to you, he requests an introduction. Shall I tell him yes?”
“But of course.” Grandmama smiled. “I knew his grandfather, the earl, quite well, although I have not seen him in an age. He was a good friend of Trentham, my second husband.”
Lady Reade smiled. “I believe his lordship much prefers the country these days.”
“He has suffered a terrible loss, so I understand. There is only so much excitement an older body can stand.”
Thea wondered what the loss might be. His wife, perhaps? She glanced at her grandmother. Would she want to stay here until the heat drove thetonfrom London during summer? She must not be a trial to her, although that might prove difficult because of Farnborough.
The baroness summoned Grainger with a wave of her fan. He crossed the floor with an easy stride of his long legs, making Thea sit up straight in her chair and fiddle with her fan. Really, she must not allow him to affect her so much. It was vital to remain calm, focused, and not lose her nerve as they dealt with Farnborough.
Grainger bowed before Grandmama, and they exchanged pleasantries before he turned to her. “Will you grant me the pleasure of the next dance, Miss Tothill?”
“I shall be delighted.” The coat he wore this evening matched his eyes. So very blue above the stark whiteness of his cravat, tied in an intricate knot. His blue and silver striped waistcoat had engraved silver buttons. He seemed effortlessly elegant, but his relaxed demeanor didn’t fool her. He wished to learn something from her. Unwillingly, she remembered how he’d first seen her. What must he think of her, baring her legs in the chestnut tree? A warm flush spread up her neck. He would never consider her an elegant lady, only a hoyden and possibly a nuisance. A muscle jumped in his jaw. It was doubtful whatever he planned to tell her during their dance would please her. But that might change when she gave him her news.
