Page 53 of Avenging the Earl's Lady
Penderbrook needed a position, and soon.The steward’s job was a possibility, but the boy’s history of gambling was a concern.A minor bureaucratic spot in the government might be more suitable.“I’ll go have a chat with Farnsworth.”Farnsworth could make discreet inquiries in Penderbrook’s behalf.He might also know more details of Major Payne-Elsdon’s connection to the Duque de San Sebastian.If there was time, perhaps he would pay a visit to Lord Hackwell, who might be persuaded to evict his wife’s tenant.Though he suspected the strong-willed Lady Hackwell might overrule her husband.
Kincaid left, and Shaldon made his way to the breakfast room.As he arrived, he almost bumped into Lady Sirena hastening out.
He remembered his mission for her—to ensure Lady Jane’s presence at the Kennerly musicale.
“A word, Lady Sirena, if you have a moment.”
She blinked, glanced down the corridor toward the servant’s stairs, and smiled.
“Of course, Father.None of the others have come down for breakfast yet.”She dismissed the footman and poured Shaldon a cup of coffee before returning to her own full plate at the table.
She’d left her food to hurry out on some urgent mission.A message from Lady Jane?That would work to his advantage.
His stomach growled, and he filled his own plate.
“I’ve found Lady Jane,” he said.
She sawed at a piece of ham, frowning.“Did you speak to her, my lord?”
“I did.”
“I hope you were kind to her.”
He swallowed a chuckle.No exclamation of surprise or relief.Perhaps Sirena knew he had followed her to Hackwell House the day before.
“I’ve asked her to return to Shaldon House.”He seated himself and pinned her with a look.“I’ve proposed that she and I marry.”
Her head shot up, cutlery crashed, and a grin bloomed on her face.
“Have you indeed?”Her smile faltered.“I do hope you are sincere.Did she agree?”
“I am, and she did not.I should like your help, Sirena.I should like to make sure she attends the Kennerly musicale tonight.”
“I see.”She pressed her lips together.“And what do you mean to have happen there?”
“I should only like to spend a pleasant evening in public with her.”
“You mean to attend?”A laugh escaped her.“Oh, I do beg your pardon.I’ll do my best, I will, providing you remember that Lady Jane has a mind of her own.But if it can be done, I will do it and see that she’s properly turned out.”She fixed him with a stern gaze.“You don’t mean to force her hand in some way, do you?”
“I don’t know what you mean.”
She rolled her eyes and waved a slim hand.“Drop to your knee during the interval and propose marriage again in front of theton.”
He looked down his nose at her and watched the color rise in her cheeks.
She wasn’t embarrassed—she was fighting a smirk that bubbled up into a laugh.“Oh, very well.Jenny has come, so I will discuss the matter of a proper gown with her and make all the arrangements.When Gracie wakes, I’ll solicit her help also.Or…is it a secret you wish me to keep?”
He would do better wishing for a unicorn to appear in the back garden than to expect her to keep news of this sort from the other ladies.
“If you would but kindly tell Graciela to not share the information, I would appreciate it.”Charley’s colonial wife could be trusted.The girl was a locked pirate’s chest full of secrets, some he suspected, she’d not even shared with her new husband.
“Lady Perry might help also.Though I don’t wish to disturb their honeymoon, ithasbeen a few days since the wedding.I’ve been ever so tempted to pay a visit to the townhouse and see how they’re faring.”
“Best not.”The men guarding the honeymoon house reported that the newlyweds had kept mostly to their bedchamber.Another grandchild would be on the way soon.“But do send a note and let them know Charles and Graciela have arrived.”
She pushed back her chair.“I’ll do that immediately.Jenny can wait.She’s probably gossiping and feasting below stairs.”
An odd sense of relief filled him.The ladies would not oppose a match between him and Lady Jane, and he doubted his sons would object.
