Page 52 of A Deal for the Duke’s Virgin

“Nevertheless, he can stay. He will leave shortly, I’m sure.”

The footman pressed his lips together in annoyance but apparently did not wish to risk contradicting Christian. He moved away, leaving the man free to slip into the seat opposite.

“Thank you,” he breathed.

“Don’t thank me yet, Samuel. I am about to throw you out myself. I only ever see you when you have a tremendously scandalous story to write.”

Samuel winced. “You know how careful I am with my newspaper. I don’t carry gossip.”

“Don’t you?”

“I came as a courtesy. There’s talk about a secret engagement.”

“I assume you didn’t hear this story from a young woman in burgundy?”

Samuel blinked myopically. “What? No. It’s simply talked about.”

“Good.”

“Good?” he echoed, confused.

Christian didn’t bother to explain. Samuel was a decent enough man for a journalist, but he could never fully be trusted. One could never be quite sure what he would write.

At least I know that Thalia and I have been convincing.

“Wait until Lady Pembroke’s fireworks show before writing anything,” he instructed. “I’ll make it worth your while. I shall tell you what to write when the time comes.”

Like any good journalist, Samuel would never accept a bribe in exchange for sitting on a story. However, the reason he had such control of his newspaper and the funds to write what he liked was all due to Christian’s help some years ago. In return, he was willing to bend the rules of conscience just a little if his benefactor required it.

He narrowed his eyes, pursing his lips. “I have written about Lady Thalia before. She’s a kind woman and greatly charitable. I don’t wish to destroy her reputation.”

“You won’t. Besides, I’m sure you meet a great many charitable women.”

“Not as many as you think. And Lady Thalia is charitable for God’s sake, not for the benefit of being seen to help. There is a difference, you know.”

“But no difference in the results.”

“You would be surprised.”

A brief silence fell between them.

Christian tapped his fingertips on the table, leaning forward. “Lady Thalia and I have an understanding,” he said. “There’ll be no destroyed reputations. We have spoken of this. However, you must wait a while before breaking the story.”

Wait until I know for certain that she will help.

Something tightened in his chest. If Laura returned of her own accord tomorrow, would he still fulfil his promise to Thalia? He’d be under no obligation to do so, yet he felt an uneasy tension in his gut at the very thought of betraying her.

Samuel eyed him for a long moment. “I will do as you say,” he relented. “But beware, I’m not the only writer in London, not by far. You can’t control what the other newspapers publish.”

“No, but yours is the most widely read.”

“You are up to something, aren’t you? I can always tell. Just don’t let Lady Thalia suffer because of your mischief. It is not fair.”

Christian lifted his eyebrows at the young man and gestured for a footman to approach. The man was at his side at once.

“Your Grace?”

“My companion is just leaving,” he said sweetly.