“That’s terribly kind of you,” Marianne replied. “But I’d be dishonest if I didn’t tell you I’m not certain I’m ready for Society. In fact, I’m not certain how you two found out where I was staying.”
The two young ladies gave each other knowing looks.
“We do hope you aren’t cross with us,” Lady Julianna replied, “but gossip travels quickly in this town.”
Miss Wharton nodded. “When we discovered that you’d once been a lady’s maid to Lady Courtney, we made some discreet inquiries and learned the truth.”
Lady Courtney sighed. “Leave it to the gossip mills. I told you they’d be buzzing, Marianne.”
Marianne nodded. “Yes, well. I thank you both for your concern. Lady Courtney has been helping to teach me what I need to know…about Society, I mean.”
Miss Wharton gave her a sympathetic smile. “It can be overwhelming, to be certain,” she replied. “But we wanted to tell you that we will both do everything in our power to assist you. Though,” Miss Wharton winced, “as I’m certain you’re aware, as the daughter of a traitor, I’mpersona non gratain Society at the moment. While we’re on the subject, I’m terribly sorry for the things my father did, Lady Marianne. I hope you can forgive me for my relation to the man who caused your brother’s death.”
Marianne reached out and squeezed Miss Wharton’s hand. “Oh, Miss Wharton. Please don’t think I blame you. You are not your father, after all. I was worried that you’d hatemefor having been a party to his arrest.”
“My father must reap what he’s sown,” Frances replied solemnly. “I am only concerned about my mother now.”
“Of course,” Marianne replied, replacing her hand in her lap and giving both ladies an encouraging smile. “I do hope we’ll be friends.”
“Thank you, Lady Marianne,” Miss Wharton replied. “You’re quite kind. Please believe I didn’t know anything about my father’s schemes. Looking back, I do recall Albina asking me to teach her how to write last autumn, but I certainly had no idea what she meant to do with the knowledge. I should have asked more questions.”
“You couldn’t possibly have guessed,” Marianne replied. “And of course I believe that you had no idea what your father was planning. Just like I had no idea my father was an earl, apparently. Fathers can be quite sneaky when they choose to be.”
All four ladies laughed.
“The good news for you, Lady Marianne,” Miss Wharton continued, “is that Lady Julianna here is one of the most highly regarded members of Society and engaged to a duke. With her by your side, you are certain to be readily accepted in Society.”
“I don’t intend to allow Society to shun you either, Frances,” Lady Julianna said to her friend. “And as thefiancéeof an earl, you have Kendall’s name, Worthington’s name, and my backing.”
“Mine too,” Lady Courtney offered. “God knows I’ve had a few relatives who’ve done things I couldn’t countenance.”
“Thank you so much, Lady Courtney,” Miss Wharton replied. “I’m also forgetting Lord Bellingham. Lucas tells me he’s offered his support as well.”
At the mention of Beau’s name, Marianne’s back stiffened.
Lady Courtney glanced worriedly at Marianne before turning her attention back to Julianna. “You said there was a second reason you came. What was that?”
“Yes,” Lady Julianna replied, turning to face Marianne once again. “Speaking of Lord Bellingham, we’ve come to tell you that he has been beside himself, trying to find you, and we’d like your permission to tell him where you are.”
CHAPTER FORTY-ONE
Beau was sitting behind the desk in his study. He’d moved the brandy decanter—mostly there for show or for the occasional guest—to the desk in front of him, along with a glass.
He’d been staring at the liquid for the better part of an hour, but he was no closer to deciding whether to take a drink. The only thing he knew was that he’d never been more tempted to do so in his entire life.
He’d nearly torn London apart the last two days, looking for Marianne. First, he’d gone to Clayton’s house to visit her brother. David had no longer been dressed as a solider, and he was considerably cleaner and less bruised than the last time Beau had seen him. The earl had cleaned up quite well, actually. He’d looked to be no more than Beau’s own age. Beau was nothing but pleased to see the captain looking so hearty.
Beau was finally able to see the resemblance to Marianne as well. While the new earl had dark brown hair and no freckles to speak of, he had Marianne’s bright blue eyes and dark lashes. And the smile he’d afforded Beau when he’d walked into Clayton’s study was reminiscent of his sister’s.
But David had been ridiculously loyal to her, refusing to tell Beau where she was, even when he explained that he was in love with her and wanted to ask her to marry him. Davidhadpromised to tell her that Beau wanted to see her, but Beau had left Clayton’s house nearly frustrated enough to punch his fist through the bloody stone wall out front.
Next, he’d gone to see Grimaldi again. The general knew exactly where she was, Beau had no doubt. Grim, however, was even less forthcoming than David had been. At least David had appeared chagrined and apologetic when he informed Beau that he would not be able to help him. Grim seemed to enjoy his anguish.
“If one of my very best spies cannot locate one woman in London, I’m not certain I want to know about it,” Grim had said with a wry smile.
Beau had left the general’s office, wanting to punch his fist through the general’s face.
Beau had gone to every pub, every club, and every meeting place he could think of in an attempt to hear gossip that might lead him to Marianne. The entiretonwas ablaze with the news that the Earl of Elmwood’s heir was back and that he had a sister. The entire city seemed to be talking about Marianne, but no one seemed to know where she was. It was maddening.
