Page 63 of A Rake's Redemption
“My father has mentioned several of the Prince’s set that might agree to marry me. I do have a considerable dowry since I have no siblings.” Caroline shrugged cynically. “And the Prince’s friends are fond of spending money.”
“I would wager, pardon the expression, that a lot of gaming halls hold the aristocrats’ vowels.” When Caroline didn’t smile at his attempt at a jest, Alex frowned. “Has your father mentioned anyone specifically?”
“Not yet, but they are all doddering old fools. I will not marry any of them.” Evans appeared as they entered the foyer, and Caroline lowered her voice. “America might not be so bad. I could take Inis’s place if you decide to woo and keep her here.”
Alex didn’t have a chance to respond since his butler had opened the door, but as he walked back toward the library, his thoughts were more jumbled than ever.
Wooing Inis was impossible. Out of the question. He had no right to take advantage. But she had felt so good in his arms.
Chapter Twenty
“Dancing?Dancing?” Miranda couldn’t believe what Fern had just told her moments ago when Leah had brought her to the drawing room. “Obviously, the girl is recovered from the ague.”
Fern snickered. “That was a ruse, my lady. Inis has not been ill.”
Miranda narrowed her eyes. Why would Caroline Nash have told them such a thing? The obvious reason was to keep inquisitive people away from the Irish slut. But why? And how well did Caroline know the little bitch anyhow? Miranda had not been concerned with Caroline before. All of Society knew she’d been besotted with George Ashley and he’d rejected her and that she still pined for him. But maybe Caroline had decided to set her cap for Alex instead? Although that did not make sense, either. Misery might love company, but why involve Inis O’Brien?
“What was the purpose of this dancing lesson?” Miranda asked.
Fern gave her a coy look. “I think there is a plot afoot.”
Miranda didn’t hide her irritation. “I am paying you to keep me informed, am I not?”
Fern’s face grew impassive. “Yes, my lady.”
“Then what is thisplanthat is afoot?”
Fern lowered her voice even thought they were the only two in the room. “I think Lord Ashley is preparing Inis for something.”
“For what, precisely?”
“I…I am not sure. But…I think his lordship is training Inis to act like a lady.”
“And Caroline Nash is helping him?”
“Yes, ma’am. She’s given Inis lessons in eating proper and walking proper and talking proper—”
“But why?”
Fern faltered, looking uncertain. “I only know what I see and can overhear.”
Miranda smiled at Fern. “But what do you think all these lessons are leading to?”
The maid practically preened at being asked her opinion. Miranda had found that sometimes there were small seeds of fact buried in opinions. And sometimes it was the smallest, seemingly unimportant comment that told it all. “Go ahead. Tell me what you think.”
Fern raised her chin and gave a little sniff that hinted she might have thoughts of aspiring to higher status herself. Miranda managed not to grimace. Stupid woman. Servants did not advance to upper class.
“As I was leaving the room, I happened to hear Miss Nash ask Lord Ashley something about taking Inis to his brother’s ball,” Fern said.
“Was there anything else you might have heard?”
Fern hesitated.
“Well, is there? Just come out with it.”
Fern took a breath before she answered. “Miss Nash asked Lord Ashley if he was going to take Inis to the ball as a visiting lady or someone he was courting.”
“What?” Miranda’s former elation was short lived.Damn it.The little bitch… Miranda took a deep breath herself and managed to sound calm. “And what was Lord Ashley’s response?”
