“Mr. Cartwright did mention an organization they worked with who helped with that,” Carenza said.
Allegra consulted her notes. “Oh yes, Mrs. Mountjoy. What do we know about her?”
Carenza aimed for a neutral tone. “Julian told me that despite family opposition, she married a friend of his who was a physician. Unfortunately, he died, but since his death, she has continued his good works.”
“Who would’ve thought Julian knew such peculiar people?” Allegra marveled. “It seems very unlike him.”
“I’m pleased to see him devoting his attention to worthy causes,” Carenza said.
“Well, it’s obvious why he picked that particular worthy cause, isn’t it?” Allegra closed her notebook.
“I don’t know what you mean.”
“Miss Cartwright.” Allegra raised her eyebrows. “Didn’t you see the way he looked at her?”
Carenza considered their morning visit anew. Julian had shown a marked partiality for Miss Cartwright. However, Miss Cartwright had offered him only cool politeness.
“I thought she was far more interested in the welfare of the children in her care than in courting potential benefactors or flirting with Julian,” Carenza said. “In truth, she was almost rude at times.”
“She certainly grew impatient with my questions,” Allegra said. “Which leads me nicely to my other concern. If we did agree to financially support the institution, how much say would we get in how the money would be used?”
“Probably none, if Miss Cartwright has her way. She bristled at the slightest hint that her standards weren’t perfect.”
“Julian didn’t seem to mind,” Allegra said slyly. “In fact, he rushed to agree with every word that came out of her mouth.”
“She’s not interested in him in the slightest,” Carenza said.
“Are you jealous, sister?”
Carenza snorted. “Hardly. I have no claim on him, but they would not suit. She has no sense of humor at all.”
“Mayhap he’s tired of women who laugh at his jokes and seeks someone with a more serious frame of mind?” Allegra suggested. “I must admit, I cannot fault him for such a choice.”
The butler came in and bowed to Carenza. “Mrs. Sheraton is inquiring whether you are receiving callers, my lady.”
“Please ask her to come up and ask Cook to provide some refreshments,” Carenza said. “Thank you, Jones.”
Olivia came in looking very glamorous in a dark green walking dress and a bonnet with peacock feathers to match. She barely waited until the butler left the room before turning to Carenza. “I have some bad news.”
“What has happened?”
“Mr. Cox has proved to be an unreliable keeper of secrets.” Olivia shook her head. “He’s now trying to blackmail me.” She sat down heavily in the nearest chair. “I’m not sure what to do.”
“Mr. Cox also approached Julian,” Carenza said. “Julian came here the other day to warn me.”
“And what does he intend to do about it?” Olivia asked.
“He said he had the matter in hand and that there was nothing for either of us to worry about.”
“Obviously he was wrong,” Olivia said.
“May I suggest you speak to Julian directly about the letter you received?” Carenza said. “I’m sure he’ll be willing to help you.”
“For a gentleman who claims to be only dallying with you, Carenza, Julian Laurent is being extremely protective of your reputation, but I doubt he gives a jot about mine.”
“We grew up on neighboring estates,” Carenza said. “We’ve been friends for far longer than we’ve been lovers.”
“That’s all well and good, but there must be more to it.” Olivia snapped her fingers. “Of course! Mr. Laurent is annoyed because Percival is attempting to link him with the scandal and gossiping in the clubs.”
