“Well?” She asked when the widow had been quiet for a spell.
Mrs. Wendel turned back to them. “Aye, this is one of your best yet. How the cocks will crow tomorrow. I’d best make a hundred more just to be certain.”
“Enjoy yourself,” Verity said as she accepted the small pouch of funds from Mrs. Wendel. She had convinced the widow to print two pieces separately last week after learning some very exciting secrets. Seeing everyone read at the ball had been such a heady feeling. “Thank you, Mrs. Wendel. Do take care of yourself.”
“And may the Good Lord do most of the work. Hurry home, my dears,” Mrs. Wendel teased. She was locking herself in the backroom before Verity and Lucy were out the door.
They returned home quickly. Feeling supreme satisfaction for her success with another promising journal and her kept secrets, Verity slept well with hope blooming in her chest.
CHAPTER 5
“Congratulations, Wycliffe!”
Coming to his club this morning was no longer the peaceful hub he had anticipated. Dominic nodded while yet another lord shook his arm. “Thank you for your felicitations.”
“An Ashbourne is a fine match. Large family, of course, so I’m sure you had your pick,” chortled the older Lord Dunn, the Baron of Kentworth. “I understand you accepted the eldest daughter. Didn’t care for someone more youthful?”
“The eldest was practically on the shelf. I don’t know if anyone has danced with her in eons. Until now, of course.” Dunn’s cousin was a country gentleman who, with African mines, had bribed his way into most doors of London. While Dominic had no qualms with new money like most of the ruling class, he didn’t care for anyone speaking ill of his intended. “You’ve put a fair light on her, I must say.”
He dropped the gentleman’s hand after a short shake, surprising Mr. Dunn. “My intended duchess shines a light wherever she goes. Good day, Lord Dunn. Mr. Dunn.”
Perhaps it was late enough in the day for spirits. Dominic entered the hall to catch a servant for a drink. He checked the time after placing his order, finding he still had two hours to pass until his first appointment of the day.
At least it will be short. One hour for tea with Verity. And I cannot be certain that we will have any time alone. I only hope not all of her siblings appear.
“I can only be grateful dear Mary has long since passed so she mustn’t see me like this. Are you certain I won’t be sent to debtors’ prison?”
Though the gentleman hissed in a quiet voice, the hall was nearly empty and Dominic had nothing better to do. He turned his gaze toward an open window but not before catching sight of the two men exiting the billiards room.
“They would never send someone of your station. This is not the time to panic, I’m telling you. Don’t leave London. At least not yet,” his friend––or solicitor––hastily added.
“But what am I supposed to do? Blast it, I can’t even be here without you vouching for my every penny. Even the servants watch me with disdain. I’ve sold nearly everything I can by now. Except the bust.”
“My good man, it is time to sell the bust.”
“I love that Caesar bust. Shipped straight from Egypt, you know.”
A huff sounded. “Everyone in England knows the story. Even the one about your debts, which I don’t understand. I thought I told you not to tell a soul!”
“I only told my sons. They deserved to know!”
“Yes, and your eldest has a mistress with a loose tongue. I wouldn’t be surprised if she went blabbering to Lady Hemphill.”
“I didn’t think it would end up in a gossip journal!” The gentleman was growing irritable now, his voice raising. Dominic couldn’t help but look again. He vaguely recognized the portly baron. “Now I have no hopes of salvaging my debts here!”
When he slapped a nearby wall, his companion jumped and attempted to hush him.
“My lords?” A butler had appeared. “I do believe this conversation might be best maintained out of doors.”
The lot of them began to argue as another servant slipped by to deliver a drink to Dominic. He watched, intrigued over the matter. Lords gained and lost fortunes frequently enough, only it was typically quietly done. To have debt tied to a gentleman’s name could be ugly at times.
Had Lady Hemphill found out his secret? Was it Hemphill who told everyone or the journal? Perhaps they are tied together. To have a secret out so swiftly…
Dominic decided to take his leave when the baron raised his voice yet again, complaining he had a right to be there whether he was still a paying member or not. This was not something he wanted to involve himself in.
Rounding the corner of the next hall, he stopped short as a fresh face––and already drunk at eleven in the morning––appeared before him.
“Well, well. My new brother,” drawled Lucien Ashbourne. He dramatically tipped his head to the side; this let his dark wavy hair slide down over his brow. There was a curve to his lips and Dominic noted a small scar on his chin. “What a delight to see you here.”
