As they made their way back down the street toward Lady Bagshot’s townhouse, Hyacinth couldn’t help but think he looked…oh, not like a murderer, of course, but his was an intimidating figure. He was so large and broad, and everything about him spoke of barely leashed power. His enormous hand on the head of his walking stick, the way he strode down the street—even his dark cloak billowed behind him with authority.
Lachlan Ramsey wasn’t a murderer, but Lady Bagshot’s butler, Forbes didn’t know that, and when he opened the door to them the second time and got a look at Mr. Ramsey, he blanched.
“Good afternoon, Forbes.” Hyacinth gave no indication she and Isla had been here not five minutes earlier, but offered only a bland smile. “Miss Somerset, Miss Ramsey, and Mr.Lachlan Ramseyto see Lady Bagshot.”
There was no sign of the silver tray this time. Forbes scurried off down the hallway toward the drawing room as if Prinny himself were standing at the door.
Forbes was gone for quite a while, and Hyacinth held her breath and crossed her fingers the entire time. If this didn’t work—if Lady Bagshot refused to see them—then there was an end to Isla’s season. If her chances should be ruined, it would be Hyacinth’s fault, and—
“Lady Bagshot is pleased to see you.”
Oh, bless you, Lady Bagshot, you incorrigible gossip!
As Forbes took their wraps and led them down the hall, Hyacinth released the breath she’d been holding in a silent sigh. They’d made it as far as the drawing room, but that was only the outermost circle of these particular circles of hell. Limbo, as it were. She’d have to handle the situation with the utmost care if she intended to get any further—
“Miss Somerset. How delightful to see you. Why, I don’t believe I’ve ever seen you look so well.”
Hyacinth resisted the urge to point out Lady Bagshot wasn’t looking at her at all, but at Lachlan Ramsey, her beady eyes wide open with horrified relish. Instead, Hyacinth bit her tongue, and offered her ladyship a polite smile. “Good afternoon, my lady. How kind you are.”
Lady Bagshot dragged her gaze to Hyacinth’s face with an effort. “Yes, well, I was terribly concerned for you, after that unfortunate incident at Lord and Lady Huntington’s ball. Such a dreadful business! Why, I can’t imagine what it all meant, but you’re very kind, my dear, to come and tell me all about it, and reassure me.”
Hyacinth’s smile remained fixed to her face, but she felt it growing a bit brittle around the edges. Lady Bagshot intended to have the whole story before they left her drawing room, no matter how unsubtle she had to be to get it. That was how thetonworked. Lady Bagshot had permitted them to enter, and now it was Hyacinth’s turn to uphold her end of the bargain.
“But then you’ve always been a favorite of mine, as you well know, dear,” Lady Bagshot added, her avid gaze darting between Isla and Lachlan.
“You’ve always paid me that compliment, my lady, and that’s why I’ve come straight to you. I haven’t called on a single soul since that ball, because I knew I could trust no one but you with thetrue story.”
Hyacinth hid her smile as Lady Bagshot let out a delighted little gasp. Yes, that was very good. Flattery, followed at once by the promise of exclusive gossip. Unless she missed her mark, it was the perfect approach to take with Lady Bagshot.
She hadn’t missed her mark. Her ladyship’s eyes were already gleaming with greedy anticipation.
“Oh my, yes, my dear,” Lady Bagshot breathed. “I won’t repeat a word of it to anyone. As you know, I’m the very soul of discretion.”
“I do know that, my lady. May I present my friends? But oh, dear, I’m afraid I’ve…well, perhaps I’ve mislead you, because they’re really not myfriendsat all. They’re much more than that. They’re myfamily.”
Hyacinth lowered her eyes with becoming confusion, but she peeked through her lashes at Lady Bagshot, and saw the final word of that sentence had had just the effect she wished for.
Lady Bagshot’s eyes and mouth went wide, and she patted her fingertips rapidly against her chest. “Family? My dear Miss Somerset, did you sayfamily?”
“I did, indeed. That is, they’re not my direct family, but my brother-in-law, Lord Huntington’s family. Lady Bagshot, may I present Miss Ramsey, and Mr. Lachlan Ramsey, Lord Huntington’s sister and brother? They’ve another brother, as well—Mr. Ciaran Ramsey—but he and Lord and Lady Huntington are calling on Lady Hayhurst this afternoon.”
“Sister and…” Lady Bagshot clutched at the arms of her chair, breathless with ecstasy. And no wonder. This was far better than just a plain murderer. A brother and sister, popping up out of nowhere? The brother and sister of the Marquess of Huntington, no less? Why, there were bound to be all sorts unsavory details tied up in this business. Secrets, lies, adultery, and—if London was lucky—the stain of illegitimacy.
“Brother, my lady. I’m Lord Huntington’s younger brother.”
Lachlan stepped forward and bowed with surprising smoothness over Lady Bagshot’s hand. His mouth was tight, and Hyacinth could see he was disgusted by the whole business, but he held himself carefully in check, and Lady Bagshot didn’t seem to notice.
“Mr. Ramsey. My goodness.” Lady Bagshot gaped up at Lachlan as if she’d never seen anything like him before. “That is, I’m pleased to make your acquaintance, Mr. Ramsey, and Miss Ramsey.” Lady Bagshot nodded at Isla. “Well. Lord Huntington’s brother and sister. Well, my heavens, how extraordinary. Was Lord Huntington expecting your arrival in London?”
“He was not,” Hyacinth said, before Lachlan or Isla could say a word. “It’s all been quite a surprise, but Lord Huntington couldn’t be more pleased by it, and of course Lady Chase, and Lord and Lady Dare and I are equally delighted to welcome the Ramseys into our family.”
Hyacinth paused to let Lady Bagshot absorb her meaning.
My entire family intends to support the Ramseys.
“I see. Well, how…wonderful for you all.”
Hyacinth allowed herself just the tiniest breath then—just a small sip of oxygen to calm her pounding heart.
