“Why not?” Diana winked at Amber. “I gather you go there quite often.”
“I do,” Amber said. “But if you wish to go, pray have me alongside you. Just as I shall be very pleased to have you with me at Almack’s.”
Diana clapped her hands. “Excellent! We have a bargain.”
“We do not,” Elliott declared, but no one was listening to him.
Amber and Diana were smiling at one another, and Amber’s imagination had taken flight. Who might she dance with at Almack’s? Just think of the eligible gentlemen she would meet and perhaps marry! The very idea brought her gaze back to Elliott. Because she was certain, he would not dance with her. And never, ever marry her. Hadn’t he said that last night? And wasn’t that reinforced now by the way he was scowling at his sister?
Clearly, he did not approve of her ideas on social change. And he certainly didn’t approve of Amber dancing at Almack’s or potentially marrying into his ranks. Which was like looking at a wet blanket on a dreary day. Even the sight of him depressed her.
“Do you know what I think?” Diana asked brightly.
Elliott groaned. “What now?”
“I think you should take Miss Gohar for a ride around Hyde Park this afternoon. If she is to be one of us, then she should be introduced properly, don’t you think? And a tour about the park in the fashionable hour is just the way to show our support.”
“But he doesn’t,” Amber pointed out as she looked at his stunned face. “He doesn’t support me.”
“He will,” Diana returned archly. “He will if he wants me to keep Mr. Lucifer and all those new footmen running about.”
“They’re here to protect you,” he grumbled.
“I have been protecting myself long before you came to London.” Was there bitterness in her tone? Anger? Not exactly. More like resignation to her fate. But that didn’t mean she’d lost her spirit as she boldly challenged her brother.
“Will you support her, Elliott? Will you help her marry well?”
Her brother swallowed the last of his tea, then looked to Amber. It was the first time this afternoon that he had set all his attention on her. And far from having a devoted expression, he looked as if he had just swallowed poison. “It shall be my pleasure to ride with you at the fashionable hour.” His expression softened, and his words came out with sincerity. “But do you want to, Amber? Don’t let my sister use you if this is not what you want.”
“As opposed to how you are using me for your vote? And to dupe Lady Morthan into thinking her grandson isn’t the grandest idiot of them all?”
He flinched, but he kept his expression clear. “Even so,” he said. “I will only do this if you wish it.”
“I do,” she said with absolute truth. “I want to go to Hyde Park. I want to go to Almack’s. I want to marry a young lord and leave my gray cage forever.” She looked to Diana. “Even if I switch a gray cage for a gilded one, it is still an improvement. So yes, my lord, I shall be pleased to go riding with you.”
“Excellent,” Diana cried. “Now go away, brother. Amber and I have to discuss her wardrobe for this afternoon and then for tomorrow’s dance.” She winked at Amber. “And I shall talk to you about all the gentlemen who are likely to be present, who you should entertain, and who should be set aside like bad meat.”
Amber thought she had better information on who was a bounder simply because she knew who frequented the Lyon’s Den, but it was always good to know more. “I am at your disposal…Diana.” It was bold of her to use the lady’s given name after her deception had been revealed. But Diana smiled and then gave an arch look to her brother. “We shall expect you at four o’clock.”
Her brother stood slowly as he stared at her. “You will allow Lucifer and his men to remain here? For as long as I deem it necessary?”
Diana froze a brief moment, but then she nodded. “Yes,” she said softly. “I will allow it and…and attempt to be grateful for it.”
Elliott gave his sister a bow. “Then, I am content. And I will see you this afternoon.”
It was done. Amber’s wildest dreams were coming true all because she was a convenient bargaining chip between brother and sister, not to mention an instrument of social change and possible revenge. None of that sat well. She was a person with desires of her own. But beggars couldn’t be choosers, so she would take what she could and make the most of it.
And maybe, just maybe, she would meet her future husband today.
