Page 151 of From Rakes to Riches

Lola planned to spend the day with her sister before performing at Vauxhall this evening so he wouldn’t see her today. He’d told himself the time apart would allow him to focus on diffusing the situation with the Duke of Leinster and yet he was unable to concentrate, his thoughts at odds. He glanced over his shoulder at the papers on his desk.

He’d contacted his solicitor, a knowledgeable, trustworthy lawyer who facilitated Theodore’s investments and business dealings. He’d also written to respected members within the House of Lords, an influential archbishop, two competent barristers and a magistrate known for his openminded political principles. Keeping the information as discreet as possible, Theodore had explained the dilemma and requested advisement. Each of the gentlemen had written a lengthy reply. Unfortunately, they’d all stated the same result. Lola hadno recourse. The criminal charges would stand because, with the exception of the Prince Regent, Leinster’s word overruled everyone else’s.

Complicating the matter, Theodore had unknowingly angered the duke at Tattersall’s and that likely eliminated any chance of a civil conversation were he to visit His Grace. The situation seemed impossible and yet without a resolution, Lola would always live in fear of detection. She deserved a better life than one that forced her to walk the fine line between secrecy and discovery whenever she went out in public.

“My lord?”

Theodore turned to where Wyndham stood in the door frame. “Yes?”

“Lord Huntington has arrived. I had him wait in the drawing room.”

“Thank you. You may send him here to my study,” Theodore said, flexing his shoulders to ease the tension tightening his muscles.

A few minutes later, his friend whisked through the door with his usual jovial greeting.

“Essex, what has you looking glum this fine morning?”

“Everything,” Theodore groused. “I’m so bloody frustrated I can’t think straight.”

“What’s wrong?” Huntington’s grin disappeared and his voice became serious. “How can I help?”

“Do you remember last evening when I said I’d explain why Lola’s last name differed from her sister’s?”

“Of course.” Huntington took a seat in front of the desk, his attention on Theodore where he remained near the window.

“I know I can trust you, but it bears reminding what I’m about to share must be kept in utmost confidence,” Theodore said.

“Absolutely. You have my word,” Huntington replied without pause.

After he explained the situation, Huntington appeared equally confounded.

“What are you going to do?” his friend asked once the silence became unbearable.

“I don’t know.” Theodore wiped his palm down his face, exhaling his frustration. “Perhaps we’ll move to America. I have several thriving investment ventures there. We could create our own life away from High Society.”

Huntington’s sharp laugh resounded in the room until he turned in Theodore’s direction.

“Good God, you’re serious?” Huntington asked, his brows high with surprise. “You’ve just returned to London and Lola’s lived without her family for two years. She’s reunited with Anna now. You can’t leave.”

“I don’t want to leave, but I’m starting to believe we have no other choice.” Theodore dropped into the leather chair behind his desk. “What kind of existence will Lola have if she’s always worried someone will recognize her? Worse yet, what if we attend an affair and she comes face to face with that bastard Leinster? Neither one of us wants to keep our relationship a secret. I plan on asking Lola to be my wife, but I love her too much to condemn her to a life of subterfuge once we marry.”

Huntington didn’t say anything for several minutes.

“Well?” Theodore asked, impatient for any guidance his friend could offer.

“I’m sorry.” Huntington frowned. “I haven’t a single suggestion to help you. I’m worthless in your time of need.”

“I wouldn’t go that far,” Theodore replied. “Pour us some brandy and we’ll discuss it further because I’m not giving up until I find a way to save the woman I love.”

Lola loopedher arm through her sister’s as they strolled along the promenade within St. James’s Park. They’d chattered incessantly the entire morning, reliving the past two years and describing the events they’d experienced leading up to their unexpected reunion last night.

“My heart aches for you,” Anna said sympathetically. “You’ve been through so much.”

“It’s been difficult, but I’ve managed,” Lola said with a slight frown. “Theodore also suffered a loss.”

“Yes, what happened to his friend was horrible,” Anna said, her voice a concerned whisper. “There’s been so much grief.”

Lola drew a cleansing breath and tried to brighten their conversation. “That’s true, but it did bring Theodore and me together. I would never have met him otherwise, which means I would never have attended last evening’s masquerade and thereby?—”

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