“Mr. Laurent is regarded as a somewhat coldhearted man, Carenza,” Maude said. “And there are many people in society who don’t like him and would relish the opportunity to see him brought low.”
“Then how can we support the Cartwrights and Mrs. Mountjoy and draw attention away from Julian?” Allegra asked.
“We could hold a charity ball or a concert on their behalf,” Carenza said. “And show society that we all support these reputable institutions.”
“That’s a good idea.” Olivia nodded. “I’ll ask my godmother to head the committee. No one will argue with a duchess. I’ll visit her this evening and secure a date for our venture.”
“Are you sure she will agree?” Allegra asked.
“Yes, she gets terribly bored and loves a challenge,” Olivia said. “Now, what can we do about Percival, whom I’m fairly certain is the source of all these rumors?”
All the ladies fell silent.
Carenza frowned. “I hate to admit it, but I suspect we’ll need a man to deal with Percival. He’s not going to listen to us, and if we do get involved, he’ll wonder why, and that might make things even worse.”
“I agree with Carenza,” Allegra said. “I wonder if Aragon might help us?”
“Aragon? He’s not exactly the cleverest of men,” Olivia said.
“I think you underestimate his loyalty to his brother,” Carenza said. “If Aragon was … carefully coached”—Olivia snorted—“I think he could deal with Percival, who is an incredibly weak man.”
“But what could Aragon say to discredit Percival?” Maude asked.
“Percival is incredibly thin-skinned,” Olivia said slowly. “He is afraid of being overlooked and supremely conscious of his status in life; hence, his hatred of Julian ‘stealing’ his fortune.”
“Perhaps we could threaten to reveal how he treated his great-aunt,” Carenza suggested. “Julian said she’d been badly neglected by her family. Percival would hate that to come to light.”
“And Aragon might know about such treatment if he visited their aunt with Julian.” Olivia looked at Carenza. “Do you want to approach Aragon, or should we do it together?”
“I think we should do it together,” Carenza said.
“Excellent. Then invite him here tomorrow for tea, and I’ll make sure to attend.”
“What about Lady Brenton?” Allegra asked. “Have you all forgotten about her?”
Olivia made a face. “I had hoped that bringing her to Mr. Laurent’s house party might persuade her to confide in Julian as to Percival’s plans for him.”
“Why would she do that, when she’s actively plotting against him?” Allegra raised her eyebrows.
“Because I thought she still cared for him and that if he was … kind to her, she might regret her allegiances and confess all.”
“You thought Mr. Laurent should pretend to care for her again in order to secure her confidences?” Carenza stared at Olivia.
“Yes! I already told you that.” Olivia glared back. “Except he refused to do so.”
“That’s hardly surprising. Whatever you may think of men and him in particular, Olivia, he isn’t that cruel.”
“He’s a man,” Olivia stated. “He is capable of anything.”
“And did Mr. Laurent speak to Lady Brenton as you requested?” Allegra looked at Olivia.
“He did.”
“And?”
“He got the impression that she is actively involved in the attempt to blacken his reputation and had no intention of stopping. She said he’d made her a laughingstock by sharing the story of the end of their affair.”
Maude frowned. “I am fairly well connected in society, and I’ve never heard anyone mention it.”
