Page 74 of The Rogue's Last Scandal
“No.” He shook his head and stood, pacing the length of the small room. They could put whoever they wanted to it, it would not be him.
The woman in Llewellyn’s chamber nagged at him. In all his many meetings with the Duquesa, they’d never frequented a hotel, and for her to meet with an insignificant sea captain didn’t seem likely.
If Llewellyn’s guest was a lady bird, Charley had contacts on St. James Street who might know, or who might even have arranged the appointment.
And if he and Gracie were to announce their engagement, he must pay a visit to Bond Street.
He excused himself and headed downstairs.
Perry stood in the hall taking a note from the footman’s salver. She sent the man off and glanced at the wafer seal, frowning.
“Bad news?” Charley asked.
She handed him the note. “It’s for you.”
He turned it over, snapped the seal and scanned the writing, and made himself laugh at her glare. “It’s the rogue’s life, sister. I shall be off.”
After the modiste left, Graciela checked on Reina, who was napping, and sought out Charley. Instead, she found Lady Perry and Lady Sirena in the morning room going over household matters.
Charley had gone out, they said, and then both shared a glance.
The hair on her neck rose. “What? You must tell me.”
Lady Perry frowned. “Do you truly care for him?”
“I...”I love him. She couldn’t say that. She couldn’t allow herself to feel that. “Our engagement was a ruse, to get the banker to talk.”
“Yes, but do you truly care for him?”
“Ach, Perry, why are you pressing her? Are you concerned about Charley’s heart?”
“I’m concerned about hers, and yes, well, his also. I know my brother, Graciela, and I do think he’s smitten, however...” She took a breath. “He received a note a little while ago and went out.”
“A note?”
She nodded. “I passed it to him. And I recognized the handwriting and paper. And the perfume. It was from the Duquesa.”
