Page 53 of Romanced By the Orc

She tried to pass him, but Reginald held her gaze with that keen glint. “Do wait another minute. I hoped to speak with you.”

“Hoped? You are familiar with my usual routine? Are you tracking me like a hound does a fox?”

“Forgive me, but you are hardly full of surprises, Lady Higgins. Your father is rather predictable as well. His Lordship has always been one to share any news that puts himself in a better light widely. So I am given to understand that your sister, Lillian, is out of the country. In Chamberly?”

How curious that Reginald should mention the trip. “Lillian has always been a generous soul.”

“And a fine-looking woman, I might add. May I ask after her well-being? Chamberly is such an unstable land to visit. Frankly, I am surprised your father granted his blessing. Especially given that she does not have a husband to accompany her. How unfortunate she has not yet made an appropriate match.”

“I’m sure it is only a matter of time,” Diana told him.And none of your concern.

“Your sister should not hide from Society. Particularly not after all that has occurred.”

Heads turned in their direction. Any hope of quietly purchasing the pastries gone, Diana pressed her lips together and angled her head toward the door. Reginald ambled alongside her, and the bells jangled behind them as they exited the shop.

“What do you wish to speak to me about, Sir Reginald?”

He took in a bit of snuff from the yellow-gold box palmed in his hand, attar of roses scenting the air.

“I have too long been a bachelor. Perchance you will see fit to help me on that front? Might you do me the honor of putting in a good word? With your sister, I mean. I intend to pursue her hand.”

Diana’s mouth felt suddenly dry, like wood shavings covered her tongue. “My sister makes up her own mind on such matters.”

“Does she, now? Nevertheless, I'd consider it an honor to guide her through this life. It is the gentlemanly thing to do. One wouldn’t be surprised if Lillian’s poor mind has become a bit of a muddle after the stress of her experiences last season.”

“I shall thank you not to suggest such a horror. And you must be mad to think I would support this proposed match, let alone my father.”

“Your father and I should get on well. Lord Mercer will be glad to have his eldest daughter marry a dependable husband who appreciates the proper order of things.”

He drew nearer. His voice held a haunting note of anger. “Some might say she came off the worst in all that bother last season. Having her fiancé take an embarrassing interest in her sister. And even more embarrassing that her sister took an interest in him. My nephew still speaks of it. How you led him to believe advances would be most welcome. It ruined his career.And the recent nonsense inThe Postdestroyed any hope of a second chance as an MP. For that, he has you to blame.”

Sharp words landed on the tip of her tongue.Shame on you.Were he here, Albie would have challenged this gremlin over such an insult. Or made a cutting remark that would have done the job well enough. Reginald would never dare to say such a thing in her husband’s presence.

Why didn’t her new status as Albion’s wife frighten him?

“Do you know what Lord Albion will have to say about this?” Even as she spat out the words, she knew Reginald was too shrewd to have raised the subject without some covert advantage. “How dare you summon this ancient history?”

“You speak with an impudence you would be well advised to keep in check. Nigel was meant to be your brother-in-law. You brought a good man, near like a son to me, to ruin. Were it not for the favor of Miss Augusta Driscoll, he would truly be lost. Nevertheless, your cruel efforts to toy with his affection are difficult to forget. You embarrassed him and betrayed your sister.”

Diana drew a ragged breath. He’d prodded the guilt forever squirming inside of her until seeped through her veins like poison.

“I have never, nor would I ever, betray my sister.”

“You led poor Nigel to think you cared for him. And then played the prude after he acted on his feelings. But everyone agrees Lillian is the most tragic figure in this scandal. I offer her a fine station in life. And the protection of my good name.”

“I did not think you were one to be fooled by rumormongers and scandal sheets.”

“When a rumor spreads to the pages ofThePost, should we not consider it verified?”

“You shall have to address that question to His Royal Highness. He has agreed to favor us with his company atLord Mandeville’s ball. I will await such a conversation most enthusiastically.”

Scowling, Reginald tapped the snuff box and returned it to his pocket. “Granted, the wheel of fortune has turned in your favor, Lady Higgins. Perhaps I can compel you to put that fortune to a good purpose.”

“You want something more than a good word with Lil,” Diana said. “What is this about? Truly?”

“My dear, the devil himself could not fool you. I want your assistance in another matter as well. To apprehend the Phantom of Chamberly.”

Diana let out a yelp of a laugh. “How could I possibly help? More saliently, why should I want to?

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