“I promise I won’t say a word about it,” Carenza assured her. “In truth, I doubt we’ll get any replies at all.”
Olivia walked over to the desk, dipped her pen in the inkwell, and started writing. “I’ll get my maid, and we’ll walk around to the newspaper offices on the Strand. I’ll send her in with the advertisement and the money, and make sure that no one recognizes me at all.”
Struck by a sudden qualm, Carenza addressed her friend. “There is no need for such haste. Perhaps I ought to consider the matter before I come to a decision.”
“It takes you an hour to pick which gown to wear every single day,” Olivia objected. “And that was when you were wearing unrelieved black. If I wait for you to make up your mind, we’ll both be another year older, and you’ll be turning into one of those bitter dried-up widows we used to laugh at when we were debutantes.”
“That’s rather harsh,” Carenza tried to protest. She looked over at Maude, who was listening with a smile on her face. “What do you think I should do?”
“If you are careful, I cannot see any harm to it,” Maude said. “You are a widow, and there is nothing wrong in having a little fun now and again.”
“Allegra?” Carenza turned to her sister, who was looking rather dignified.
“I have already expressed my thoughts on this matter. I request not to be involved in the slightest.”
Carenza looked out of the window and attempted to gather her thoughts. She did miss being bedded. If she could find an unexceptionable man to give her his all, why shouldn’t she?
“All right. I’ll do it.”
Olivia clapped her hands. “Excellent news. I’ll just call for my maid, and we can stop at the Strand on our way home.” She winked at Carenza. “If things go according to plan, you’ll be well bedded in a week!”
The Honorable Julian Laurent made his leisurely way through the entrance hall at White’s, pausing only when his progress was impeded by a crowd gathered around the infamous betting book.
“What on earth is causing such a hubbub?” he murmured to the overexcitable heir to a dukedom who happened to be standing next to him. “Has Prinny died?”
“God forbid.” The hapless youth grinned sunnily at him. “This is far more exciting.”
“Somehow, I doubt that.”
“There’s a bet been placed about the identity of the so-called ‘lady’ who paid for the advertisement!”
Julian raised an eyebrow. “How thrilling. Please excuse me.”
He eased past the excited throng and made his way into the dining room, where he was due to meet his younger brother. He smiled slightly as Anton rose to greet him.
“You’re early,” Julian said.
“You’re always late,” Anton replied as they shook hands. He was sporting a rather fine and luxuriant mustache in the style of many cavalry officers. “And the military has made me very punctual.”
As Julian joined his brother at the table, he noted that he looked well in his new uniform. Julian would never tell him so, but he was proud of his brother. After their widowed mother had applied to Julian for funds, he’d happily bought Anton his new commission.
The waiter took their order, and Julian set his napkin on his lap. “When are you off?”
“Three days.” Anton grimaced. “I’m not looking forward to the journey.”
“It’s a long way to India,” Julian acknowledged. “But you wanted this advancement, yes?”
“Of course. It’s the only way for a man to get ahead now that the war with France has ended.” Anton frowned. “Don’t you approve?”
“I’d rather you were closer to home,” Julian said easily. “But that’s mainly because, as her second-favorite son, our dear mother worries about you so much.”
“Which means she’ll be directing all her attention at you.” Anton grinned. “You’ll constantly be at her beck and call, which will leave you no time for dalliance.”
“Oh, I suspect I’ll manage somehow, and we both know she far prefers the company of Aragon. As the heir, he is the only son who truly matters.” Julian poured them both some wine. “Just promise me that you will write to her on a regular basis, and all will be well.”
“I’ll do my best. It’s the least I can do.” Anton held up his glass. “Thank you for everything you have done for me.”
“I can hardly take credit for everything.”
