Page 59 of The Rogue's Last Scandal
The man they called Kincaid, roused himself. “If you’ll come with me, Laughlin, I’ll fill you in on where we have searched for Carvelle.”
Laughlin packaged up the dress and followed him out. Penderbrook went with them.
She opened her mouth to protest that she would like to know also, and said, “Where are they going?”
Charley leaned close. “I’ll tell you everything, but all it amounts to is the names of London inns where Carvelle might have been staying and the streets where he allegedly had lodgings. It’s basically of no use. His lair now will be one we’re unfamiliar with."
“Let us speak of the happy news, then,” Lady Sirena said. “Do share the details with Perry and me, James.”
Lord Bakeley smiled. “You and Perry and Paulette shall have a new sister. Charley and Miss Kingsley have become engaged.”
That brought a round of well-wishing and questioning, and planning on the part of the ladies.
“With a special license you can be married tomorrow, as we were,” Lady Sirena said.
She felt herself wobble. Charley’s hand slid to her waist and steadied her.
Lady Perry smiled. “And we can host another ball—”
“No balls,” Charley said.
His vehemence halted both ladies.
“You don’t mean to go to Scotland like Bink and Paulette?” Lady Perry asked.
“No flights to Scotland, either.” He squeezed her hip, sending a ripple of sensation through her, and released her. “Gracie is not of age. She’ll need her guardian’s permission to marry. That means we’ll have to wait for Father, and be damned discreet about getting a license if we don’t want Kingsley’s solicitors taking legal action to challenge us. Which means—”
“No official announcements.” Lord Bakeley said. “No articles planted in the scandal sheets. Can you trust the banker?”
A knock at the library door brought a footman and a whispered conversation with Lord Bakeley.
He closed the door and turned to them, eyes gleaming.
“Well?” his lady asked.
“Lord Kingsley is in the drawing room.”
