Page 92 of When the Marquess Was Mine
Rob also lowered his voice. “What are we to achieve?”
Heath raised his glass. “To put him out of business, ideally,” he murmured under cover of sipping. “If nothing can be proved about his cargoes, the only option is to scuttle his whole enterprise.”
“Heath, is this a reasonable plan?”
His friend glared. “It’s working.”
“How?”
“Forester’s had to bring in investors to stay afloat.”
“So his business is still carrying on.” Rob sighed. “Isn’t this better suited to the Royal Navy?”
“The navy is powerless. Give it more time,” argued Heath.
“Perhaps.” He decided to be diplomatic. “What do you know about the Earl of Wakefield?”
“A nasty piece of work.” Heath finished his wine and set down the glass. “So we’re still on Forester?”
Rob lifted one shoulder. “Tell me more about Wakefield. In confidence, of course.”
Heath blew out a breath. “Suspicious, but greedy. The sort of man who wants to be the most powerful in any room. Doesn’t like opposition, always thinks his view is the only valid one, and so on. My uncle doesn’t like him—actually, no one likes him, as far as I know. A cold, abrasive fellow. Why?”
“He’s crossed someone I know. If you hear anything about him, let me know.” Heath nodded. “And Heath... don’t mention my interest, will you?”
Heath raised one brow. “Not a word.”
Georgiana was astonished how simple it was to persuade Lady Sidlow that they should attend Lady Demont’s masquerade.
“I don’t suppose it matters now,” said the chaperone morosely as they entered the assembly rooms, the windows and doors open to admit the warm summer air.
Georgiana wondered if she meant attending a masquerade, attending one at the public assembly rooms, or leaving the house at all. When she’d returned to Cavendish Square mere minutes before dawn, only Nadine had been waiting, sleepily, to let her slip back in, even though Lady Sidlow had the hearing of a hawk. Not one word of suspicion or reproof had come over breakfast, either. It was as if Lady Sidlow’s will to scold had been broken.
The masquerade wasn’t as risqué as it sounded. No one wore fancy dress, and the most potent drink was wine, which Grace Parker-Welby swore was watered. Georgiana didn’t mind; she always relished the chance to see some of her friends of slightly lower rank, like Grace, and dance with more élan than usual.
Tonight, though, she was on a mission, and after an hour of chatting to friends, she spotted her quarry.
Sterling leaned in a doorway between salons, a glass dangling from his fingers. He looked flushed and brooding, and for a moment she felt a faint spark of appreciation. He was very handsome, and she’d loved him for so long.
After a few minutes she caught his eye. He went still, alert and startled. She gave a tiny smile and cocked her head questioningly. He nodded once, and walked off. Georgiana excused herself from Grace and the other young ladies, and followed.
She glimpsed Rob in the crowd, but resolutely looked away. They had decided, before he brought her home that morning, that their engagement should remain a secret for now. Neither had a solution to the Wakefield problem, but Georgiana had realized there was one way to discover more without too much trouble: her former fiancé.
Sterling disappeared down a long corridor, finally turning into a room. She made sure to compose herself before following. The small parlor was quiet and dim after the masquerade, even more so when Sterling closed the door behind her.
“Sterling.” She managed a small smile. “Good evening.”
“Georgiana.” He took her hand, bringing it to his lips for a tender kiss. “It’s good to see you.”
She tugged free as gently as she could. “I hope you’re well.”
“Now that you’re here, I am.” He smiled at her, as warmly as he’d used to do.
Too late she realized what her actions might have implied. He thought she’d changed her mind. Georgiana eased back a step, hoping she hadn’t made a dreadful mistake. “You’ve not told anyone our engagement is over,” she blurted out. “I heard there was a scene at the Vega Club.”
His smile faded. “Who told you that?”
“You know how rumor spreads,” she said evasively. “So it’s true, then?”
