Page 48 of Leap of Faith
Next was Montford. “You saved me from a night with the mater and sisters. Much obliged.” He was handed his own glass of brandy while they waited for Carew and Cunningham.
They were all relaxed with their restoratives before Dominic broached the topic. “You may have wondered why I called you here on such short notice.”
“Are we creating our own secret counsel? I rather like the idea,” Rotham said.
“Of a sort,” Dominic conceded.
“I gather this is about your charges? Already more than you can handle, are they?” Carew looked very amused.
“If you do not wish to assist, then by all means, you may leave.” Dominic waved his hand towards the door.
“No, no. I am vastly amused. However, I imagine they are more than you bargained for when you first set out to turn thetonon its ear.”
“What is the problem?” Freddy asked.
“Sir Julian. He means some kind of mischief. When I went into the card room at the ball, the room fell silent, and his face said everything. When I enquired of Sir Walter, he knew of nothing specific, but had overheard that Sir Julian had created his own secret betting books and wagers involving the Whitford sisters. I have no doubt they involve keeping them secret from me. I need each of you to do what you can to discover the details.”
“Everyone knows of our ties to you,” Montford remarked.
“But you are not me, at least, and the more of us who are trying to ferret things out, the more likely someone will slip.”
“Of course, we will do what we can,” Rotham agreed.
Dinner was announced, so they made their way into the dining room where Marco had outdone himself with a spectacular array of Italian dishes. Dominic would be sure to reward him, as if his exorbitant wages were not reward enough. Their discussions had moved on to the races through the first course of cioppino soup with exotic spices of fennel and saffron, mussels in lemon juice, salad with olives, cucumber and tomato, and fresh bread with a dipping sauce of olive oil and vinegar.
“Either you need to hold dinners more often or at least let me borrow your chef on occasion,” Freddy said appreciatively.
“By Jove, I would never dine out if I had Marco at home,” Carew remarked as the second course of meats and pastas with creamy garlic sauces and rich tomato-based ones were laid before them.
“There is one more thing. Sir Julian invited Miss Whitford out for a drive in the park today,” Dominic mentioned.
That silenced the room. His reputation was well known.
“That isn’t playing fair,” Freddy pointed out with a frown.
“Indeed. It is why I grew concerned and called you here tonight.”
Rotham blew a low whistle. “The blackguard, to indulge in such foul play. There must be a lot at stake.”
“Indeed. But what? It caught me by surprise, and I may have made a fatal mistake. I pulled up my bays alongside his curricle and required Miss Whitford to join me.”
“In the middle of the park?” Rotham asked in disbelief.
“It was not a crowded spot, but yes, he knows he has infuriated me.” Dominic was known for keeping his cool in all situations.
“If he was willing to cast aside his customarymodus operandito court a young innocent, then who knows what lengths he will go to,” Rotham continued.
“Precisely. And I further forced his hand by refusing my consent. Therefore, we must discover what he is about and quickly.”
“It has to be deep for him to risk getting his neck caught in a matrimonial noose,” Carew said.
“I agree, which is why I need all your help.”
“Shall we divide up each of the sisters so as to keep better watch?” Montford suggested.
“That will draw more attention to the situation. But perhaps, if we remain unobtrusive, it would be for the best.”
“I also think it worth warning Lady Westwood about him and his set.”
