Page 22 of A Match Made On Duchess Square

Gwendolyn trusted them enough to confide her concerns about her lost betrothed. That was a point in their favor.

James had met Suzanna, who was Gwen’s cousin and married to John Bonham, several times now. Suzanna was clever as a whip, and not the sort to ever be fooled by a scheming husband. This put his mind at ease, for he’d also done his due diligence and felt this was a good investment led by knowledgeable men of honor.

Also on the list was an old family friend, Lord Berwick, one of the most honest and reliable gentlemen in London.

This day was starting out far better than yesterday.

He then met with his bankers to establish a separate account for himself for this new venture.

Afterward, he called upon Homer Barrow and got him started on investigating the disappearance of Andrew Clement.

“No one is to know about this, Mr. Barrow,” he insisted.

The man with a bulbous nose, pronounced jowls, and hawk-sharp eyes nodded. “Aye, m’lord. But this could be a bad business. I’ll make no judgments. However, if he is alive and has not bothered to contact Lady Gwendolyn in all this time, then he may be having second thoughts about marrying the lady. Do not get me wrong, sir. I have met the ladies who reside on Duchess Square, and they are a catch for any man. That he never attempted to contact her after the war ended gives me grave concern. Even the most elite Crown agents have occasional contact with their loved ones. This does not meet the Homer Barrow smell test, is all I’m saying.”

James nodded. “I know, Mr. Barrow. I heartily agree. But I do not think anyone can convince Lady Gwendolyn to move on until she has more information about him…any information, good or bad.”

It was just past ten o’clock by the time he reached Duchess Square and the now-familiar home belonging to Gwendolyn.

“Good morning, Biggs,” he said with a cautious smile when her elderly butler opened the door to him, for he was not certain what reception he would be given.

“Good day to you, m’lord. Lady Gwendolyn is expecting you.” The man led James into the parlor. “I’ll let her know you have arrived.”

Now left alone, he took a closer look around the room. Yes, her tastes ran similar to his late wife’s.

He was not really surprised.

He shook his head. He wasn’t looking for Jessica’s twin to marry. Gwendolyn was different in many ways.

First, she was more intellectual and academically knowledgeable than his late wife. Her mind was sharper, too. Not that Jessica lacked in intelligence, but she’d loved things domestic and had little patience for discussions about politics, history, or finances. He’d never held that against her, for most women were bored by such topics.

Jessica had excelled at making a happy home for him and his boys. Gwendolyn would do the same, he suspected, for she had a streak of kindness that ran deep in her.

He turned upon hearing the rustle of muslin as Gwendolyn approached. “What have you decided, Milbury? Have you given any thought to your guest list for the house party?”

He let out a breath. “Are you coming to Milbury Hill with me?”

“Yes, we agreed upon that yesterday.” Although she did not look too pleased. “I did consider changing my mind, but my friends have left me with little choice. Suzanna told them all about this house party idea, and they unanimously anointed me as your hostess.”

He arched an eyebrow and grinned. “Anointed? My, they were serious about getting you to join me.”

“Yes, quite.” She cast him a wry smile. “Suzanna threatened to tie me up, gag me, and then toss me onto the fastest mail coach to Brighton if I tried to beg out.”

“I knew I liked your cousin,” he said with a chuckle. “She’s as fierce as a Viking warrior.”

Gwen laughed. “She looks sweet and fools everybody, but yes. She is most determined once she sets her mind on a thing. I suppose she is right. A change of scenery might do me good.”

“It will, Gwen. I know you’ll love it there.”

She led him onto her terrace because the day had turned beautiful and sunny. “Have a seat, won’t you? It should be quite pleasant in the shade. There’s a gentle breeze and the roses are opening up now. If you breathe in deeply, you’ll catch their light lemon aroma.”

She then summoned Biggs to set out tea and refreshments. “At once, m’lady.”

Gwendolyn’s staff must have been prepared for his arrival, James realized. Biggs was back in a trice with a tray laden with all manner of treats that he set before them on the table.

Once Biggs had returned to his post by the door, Gwendolyn set about pouring James a cup of tea and cutting him a slice of lemon cake. “Now, let’s talk about the house party and who is to be invited. Are there any ladies who have caught your eye?”

Other than her? Bollocks. He hadn’t given it a thought.