Page 27 of The Mysterious Miss Lydia
“Precisely.”
“And you think they will not find you worthy.”
He shrugged. “You must admit, I am not exactly what any lord looks for in a son-in-law.” He ticked it off on his fingers. “The third son of a baron, with no title to speak of. My income is decent, but hardly the fortune she deserves. And then there’s my occupation...”
“There’s nothing wrong with being an academic,” he pointed out, defensive on his friend’s behalf.
“Perhaps not. But you and I both know I’ve gained quite a bit of attention for my more eccentric beliefs about welcoming women into the academic world alongside men.”
Luke wished he could argue, but the point was valid. His friend had become, if not a scandal then at least a notable figure for his beliefs. Though many in society admired him for his views, and all respected him for his great mind.
“And has the lady had any sort of say in whether or not she’d be horrified by your attentions?” Luke asked, because he already knew the answer.
Furthermore, Richard knew that Luke knew, and his response was to snort with amusement. “Yes, very well. Perhaps I ought to try and speak to her once more.”
“If she’s a viscount’s daughter, perhaps she’ll be at the masquerade this evening,” Luke said.
“No, thank you,” Richard said.
“All I’m suggesting—”
“You want an ally when the marriage-minded mamas realize the new Viscount Galena is in attendance, but I am not about to spend my evening being your personal bodyguard.”
“Fine,” Luke sighed.
“So, what is with this change of heart?” Richard leaned forward again, his earlier curiosity back in full. “Why are you really going to the masquerade?”
Luke considered hedging. He wasn’t in the mood for a lecture. All he wanted was to get to this party, prove to Sir Cedric that he has a leak that needs to be dealt with, and then seek out his mystery woman...
“Is it a young lady in particular who’s put that foolish grin on your face?” Richard said. “Admit it. You’ve met someone.”
“I’ll admit nothing,” he said.
Richard laughed. “So, I’m to believe that you’ve suddenly acquired a taste for ballrooms, is that it?”
“Of course not. I wish to attend a function at Sir Cedric’s house, that’s all.”
“Ah,” Richard said.
“Indeed.”
Richard pinched the bridge of his nose. “Are you sure this is wise? Didn’t Sir Cedric tell you to cease investigating this matter?”
“Yes, but—”
“And didn’t your father threaten nothing short of cutting off your every fund if you did not stop your work for the Home Office.”
“Of course, but—”
“As your most intelligent friend, it is my duty to tell you this is a foolish idea,” Richard finished.
Luke crossed his arms. “How many times has my father ordered me to attend society functions, hmm?”
Richard pretended to start calculating and Luke chuckled. “You see my point, I presume. In this, we can all be satisfied. I will make an appearance in good society, and dance with some eligible women while I’m at it...”
His mind filled with the image of one beauty in particular. Why would she be there? On someone’s orders to infiltrate Sir Cedric’s home?
Or would she attend in disguise, pretending to be an honored guest?
