Page 24 of Nothing Compares to the Duke
The truth was that she wanted an arrangement too, preferably with a reputable publisher who believed in her work.
“Ladies, we’re starting a new match if you wish to join,” the usually quiet Lord Wentworth called from the edge of the first wicket. He watched both of them cross the grass, but Bella noticed that his gaze fixed on Louisa.
“I suppose we all make bargains, don’t we?” Louisa mused as she walked beside Bella. “Is marriage itself not a deal of sorts?”
Bella narrowed an eye at her cousin. “You make me nervous when you become philosophical.”
Louisa laughed. “I promise I’m not playing matchmaker. To be honest, I’m dubious any of these gentlemen will suit you. Your mother meant well but she couldn’t choose as you would.”
“On that, we’re agreed. At least the field has narrowed to Hammersley and Wentworth.”
“And what is your strategy?” She grinned the way she did when Bella was on the verge of explaining a new conundrum.
“Do I need one?”
Louisa stopped, pulled Bella to a standstill and shot her a dumbfounded look. “You’re a puzzle maker, Bell. You always have a strategy. And you’re practically an expert at turning down offers of marriage.”
“Thank you.” Bella frowned. “If that was praise.”
“Oh it was.” Louisa smiled mischievously. “You must teach me that skill in case I need it during my first Season.”
“You won’t need it.” Bella knew her cousin’s first Season would be a grand success.
Louisa was lovely, clever, and eager to fall in love. No past hurt held her heart hostage.
“If I do, I’m coming straight to you for aid.” She glanced toward the men assembled near the first wicket waiting for them to start a new match. “Now, how may I help you with these three?”
Bella assessed the men too. “My only goal is toend all of this as soon as possible and get back to my work.”
“Do you not fear your parents will arrange for another Season?”
“Yes, but shall I marry Hammersley instead?” The fear of another Season chased at her mind relentlessly. But the fear of a life with any of the men standing on her lawn was far greater.
“So you must dissuade Nix, Wentworth, and Hammersley from any further pursuit.” Louisa pursed her mouth thoughtfully and tapped a finger against her cheek.
Bella knew the answer. She’d considered it last night, and the gentlemen’s earlier conversation made it clear how well it would work. They’d been appalled by Rhys’s unexpected visit, and it had apparently unsettled Hammersley almost as deeply as it had shaken Bella.
What would they say if Rhys joined them for dinner as an invited guest and danced with her at the musical evening her mother had planned?
“There it is,” Louisa said excitedly. “The gears are working. What have you come up with?”
“A bargain.”
Louisa tilted her head. “With one of these gentlemen?”
“No.” Bella drew in a deep breath and placed a hand over her middle. “He’d insist he’s not a gentleman at all. A scoundrel, some would say.”
“Claremont.” There wasn’t even a hint of surprise in Louisa’s voice. “But you sent him away last night, didn’t you? Why would he return?”
“He asked me for something.”
“So you’ll make a deal.”
Bella smiled and the fluttering in her belly eased. This wasn’t even a terribly difficult problem to solve. He needed her help and now she needed his. Rhys was reckless and completely impulsive, but he could be practical too.
“Are you joining us, ladies?” Nix’s impatient whine grated on Bella’s nerves.
Wentworth stepped in front of him and gestured Louisa and Bella toward the first wicket. “As it is your birthday, Miss Prescott, you must take the first turn.”
