Page 142 of Ironvine

“I need an introduction to the Duke. I would speak with him on an urgent matter.”

“What has that to do with me?”

“You said you’d help me, and you are acquainted with him.

“I did not agree to help you. Why should I introduce you to her husband when I know that you detest her? Surely she’s told him of your effrontery in my house. How shall I ever live that down with His Grace? It is a great mark against me.”

“I knew his last mistress, Frederica Ashton. We were acquaintances in town and in Bath. And you were correct when you’d remarked that this past season, there was no Frederica. On the occasions that he was in town, Oakley was only seen with the wife.”

“How dreadfully dull of him.”

“He’s always kept a mistress. He must have broken off with Mrs. Ashton. He is free. Surely, he must be in need of a new paramour to indulge his whims.”

“I’m sure he takes very good care of his needs and his whims, whatever they may be.” He cleared his throat.

“Mrs. Ashton had a very generous allowance, a house of her own in town, and would live with him at one of his estates in the country where his wife surely did not tread.”

“That’s what you want, is it?”

“It is. And I’m going to get it.”

“I am in awe of your ambitions, Mrs. Treharne.”

“It is my perfect solution, and I am not ashamed of it, which is why I need to speak to His Grace directly and right away.”

“So you can seduce your lover’s lover as you had once remarked so eloquently? Or convince him of your suitability for the position by some other brilliant means before he quits Gloucestershire?”

“I’m not naive to think by simply offering myself he shall accept me. I have something in my possession that he would not want to be made public. I will show it to him and then he and I can come to a mutually satisfying agreement.” Was it the slight sneer that wafted over her lips for just a second that chilled his spine? The sudden hardness of her jaw? Scorn and contempt and utter confidence, a heady witches’ brew.

“You are going to blackmail the Duke of Oakley?”

“Such harsh language. After he sees what I have to show him, I assure you, in his eyes, his wife shall be disgraced, and I shall be exalted.”

“Brazen foolishness. I will not be a part of your schemes.”

“Come now, Lord Ryvves, think of it. Next season in town I shall make my debut at his side. What a thrill that shall be.”

“Your confidence is most admirable, but I will not be involved. Good day, madame.” He stalked away from her.

“Do you not wish to know what is I have in my possession to show him that will change how he looks at his wife?”

Charles stopped. He did want to know. He would want to protect the Oakleys.

He faced her once again. “What is it?”

A sly grin deepened over her lips. “I have a letter that will provide him with the truth about his whore of a wife. This is my great opportunity to not only sling her down where she belongs but alter my situation in life for the better.”

“A letter?”

“I cannot tell you more right now.”

“I am not assisting you in this madness.”

“If you do not, this could bode ill for your precious wife.”

“Are you threatening me?”

“Oh no, no. I’m promising you.”

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