“Maybe that’s today, Papen’ka. You have a toast to give soon. And I’m not going to miss a moment. I know you’ll fix him, and I’ll help.”
She holds out her hand, and I take it—father and daughter are ready for war.
Chapter 45
JAHLEEL—THETRUESTRATEGISTHAS TOWIN
Lydia and I share whispers as we return to the ball. The musicians wind down Sir Roger de Coverley’s furious tune. The tempo makes me tap my feet. From the drawing room doors, I watch couples gathered across the chalked dance floor. People switch partners, weaving in and out and sweeping under joined hands.
My barrister heads to me as Lydia goes safely to her mother. “Torrance, how did your appointment go?”
“My daughter had to hear.”
Wincing, Lord Ashbrook shakes his head. “Palmers is full of venom. But you didn’t hit him.”
“He’s alive, if that’s what you are asking. It’s one thing to take sneers. Another thing for my daughter to hear.”
“But he didn’t take the deal, Your Grace.”
“That’s correct, but now I know how much he wishes to injure Katherine and Lydia. He’s dangerous. I must contain him to protect my family.”
“It’s a tricky situation. You need your marriage to be valid for Lydia’s sake. As I’ve advised, Lord Hampton is dead, but his parents making a scene tonight could invite legal scrutiny. Lady Hampton could be fined or imprisoned.”
“This is why all threats must end while I’m healthy and can fight for her.”
Ashbrook nods. He’s a dashing figure in his court frills, but tonight, he’s dressed in an elegant tailcoat, the jet material sparkling with a subtle stripe. “My wife and the Duke and Duchess of Repington have now left. His military colleague William St. Landon has also gone. They don’t need to be asked to witness what comes next.”
“You sound prepared, Ashcroft.”
“My wife, Jemina, offered me her fan.” He flicks it with a one-two-three beat. “I’ll turn around like a doctor appearing at a duel. I’ll not be held to testify.”
“A fan, sir? That’s going to help?”
Ashbrook closes it up. “Don’t fret. My aunt, Lady Shrewsbury, gets me into a great many situations. She’ll help get Lady Hampton out of Bedlam if necessary.”
Chuckling, he looks over to where my mother and Katherine sip champagne. “My wife had a wonderful time. She said this felt like one of the few gatherings she remembered from Jamaica. She and the Repingtons enjoyed the festive mingling.”
“I’m glad Lady Ashbrook and your friends had a good time.”
“It’s more than that. Jemina sat with Lady Hampton and the Duchess of Repington. Those remarkable women will ensure she’s welcomed again into society. They and my aunt have a heart for women who’ve made mistakes or had the courts take their children.”
I turn to my friend. “All will be settled tonight. I love Katherine. I’ve always loved her. Now I will show her how much.”
He pats my shoulder. For a moment, his bronze hand catches on the braiding of my coat. “Then get to it.”
I look toward the door; Mr. Steele has the deputized servants ready for the blessings. One quick wave and it all begins.
A series of things happen all at once.
Lord Mark, on the pianoforte, begins playing God Save theKing. Everyone stands and stills. I walk to the center of the room. Familiar faces smile. Others look on, but part like the Red Sea.
“I have a presentation for my daughter, Lady Lydia Jahleelovna Charles. Come forward, my child and my Lady Hampton; I need you two for the next part.”
My request draws a few gasps from the crowd. Everyone has heard something about Katherine, about us.
If Katherine is nervous, her confident posture gives nothing away. The mums in her hair look like a crown, or the headpiece of a veil. The dress’s detail—draping her bosom, teasing at the shape of her hips—looks perfect. The silver and ivory material adorned with floral embroidery could be a wedding gown.
My Lidochka has worked her persuasive charm and ensured Katherine comes forward. She takes the spot next to me, leaving only enough room between us for Lydia.
