Athena

Chapter 6

"Excuse me?" Athena had never met any of Swindon's relatives, and could not fathom why an uncle should be mentioned now, when they were discussing Lord Wexford and his mother.

"My uncle, Lord Thaddeus Fletcher," the duke explained. "Not only is he a handsome old bird, but he is a hardened gamester. And if there is one thing I've learned today about Lady Wexford, it's that she likes deep play. But I shall need your help."

"Mine?"

The duke smiled. "I can't leave just yet, and I'll need someone to tag along and keep an eye on Uncle Thaddeus. He's somewhat of a loose cannon."

"But I don't play at all!"

"I could teach you."

"But ... don't you want one of my sisters to help instead?" she persisted.

"Miss Charlotte is too honest, Miss Daphne too squeamish -- not to mention too close to the situation -- Miss Eve is too shy and Miss Francesca is too young. Although, I'll admit, if Miss Francesca were older, she would be perfect."

Athena wondered if he meant the game now, or something else. Was he willing to wait for Fran to gain a year or so of maturity? Then his words hit her.

"You are saying I would be a perfect accomplice because I am dishonest, unrefined, brassy and old?"

"Not at all," the duke said smoothly, experienced in handling women. "I'm saying that no one knows how to deal with people and delicate situations better than yourself."

"Oh. I..." He was rather easy with the compliments for someone in love with one of her sisters. Whatever else Athena was going to say was interrupted by a tall redhead in a revealing walking outfit of robin's egg blue.

"Cherie!" she cried and threw herself on the duke's chest.

"What are you doing here, Angelique?" he asked, muffled by the plumes in the woman's bonnet.

"I have come to cheer you up, darling!" She turned and assessed Athena with a woman's eye and found her lacking. "She may not watch," she said with a pout.

"There will be nothing to watch, Angelique, so it is a moot point. You must want something if you have come to visit now, after all this time."

"I do not want a thing!" she insisted, throwing covert glances at Athena. "I missed you and I heard you were here, so here am I! Oh, Miles, darling, you need a real woman to kiss it and make it better."

"If you wish to be of service, you can start by leaving."

"But I want to be your angel of mercy!"

"I have been here for several days and you are just now calling as an angel of mercy? Could it be you have learned I am in a house full of young ladies? Blast that Fenton!"

"You must not blame Fenton, mon amour..."

"I can only imagine what you promised in exchange for such information. So run along and give it to him, if you wish. Angel of mercy, indeed."

"But I am! I'm ready to attend to all your wants and needs..."

The duke coughed and nodded toward Athena, who was pink-cheeked and wide-eyed in wonder over the gall of this unwanted guest.

"I shall move in and take care of you..." Angelique announced.

"Oh, no, you won't!" He motioned to Athena to get help. Totally embarrassed at this display of wantonness in front of her, and not wanting to stay and invite comparison, she quickly obliged. Running downstairs to the servants' hall, she found the duke's valet, who had just returned from visiting with the Wexford servants.

"A female named Angelique has arrived and I do not think his grace is too happy with her at the moment," she said, and followed the valet when he turned pale and ran upstairs. She was discomfited by the arrival of what was obviously the duke's bit of muslin, but she wasn't going to miss everything that went on under her nose in this house.

The caterwauling of Angelique, protesting her love for the duke and refusing to leave his side, had attracted a crowd to the duke's bedchamber, with even shy Eve peeking into the room to watch as the valet physically removed the woman from the duke's chest. Athena had to pull Gabby out of the way as the courtesan was escorted out of the house, and then she sent everyone back to their own business.

After dinner, when the ladies had retired to the drawing room alone, the duke's mistress was the main topic of conversation. Instead of being shocked, however, the majority seemed to be curious, and eager to share their opinions.

"So that's what a barque of frailty looks like," Francesca said by way of introducing the subject to the room. She knew everyone else was dying to discuss this.

"That blue gown was beautiful," Gabby added.

"But definitely not suitable for a young lady," Aunt Florence admonished with a sniff.

"And those diamonds!" Mrs. Browne exclaimed. "Do you think he bought them?"

"If she wanted something from him," Charlotte said, having heard second-hand about the visit, which had occurred while she was with Beatrice, "she would hardly wear another man's jewels.

"If I had hair that color," Daphne said with a sigh, "Wexford might notice me."

"If you had hair that color, Wexford would jilt you!" Athena snapped. Everyone looked at her in surprise.

"Whatever is the matter?" Eve dared ask.

"She has put Swindon on a pedestal, but Angelique came along and knocked him off," Fran shrewdly deduced. "Honestly, ‘Thena, did you think he wouldn't have a woman under his protection?"

"I do not wish to discuss it, and neither should you. It's hardly appropriate talk for ladies." No one seemed the least bit chastened by her words.

"I wouldn't let it bother you, Athena," Charlotte said philosophically. "Adrian says His Grace was not pleased with the woman's playacting and has already severed the alliance."

"Truly?" Daphne's eyes were wide and she hung on every word. After all, should Wexford have a mistress, she needed all the information about the demimondaine she could get.

"I believe Angelique got the deed to her house and a tidy sum for today's performance."

"How much?" Daphne demanded. What if she could pay off Wexford's woman from her dowry?

"Several thousand pounds."

There were a variety of exclamations over such an amount, but Daphne, deflated, sank back on the sofa with another sigh.

"Adrian?" Francesca asked, recalling her sister's use of a first name for the duke's secretary. Charlotte had the grace to blush.

"Did you know he is the third son of a marquess? He was supposed to take orders, but His Grace offered him a position instead, and is grooming him for a political position..." Charlotte's countenance became positively dreamy at the thought of a career in politics, and the expression did not go unnoticed by her sisters. Except Athena, who excused herself while the younger girls and older ladies quizzed Charlotte about her obvious tendre.

It was no use berating the duke for having a mistress, she thought as she went up to her room. Gentlemen had them and that was that.

She changed clothes, piled up her pillows, climbed under the coverlet and picked up her sketchbook.

To his credit, the duke had dismissed the female almost immediately, and he had not dropped in her sisters' estimation, only hers. And when did her opinion count for anything these days?

She outlined the duke's square face with her pencil and added his stubborn chin before feathering in his Windswept hair style, smudging the lines with one finger as she went.

It was a season of change - that was a certainty. Charlotte had a beau -- why else would Lord Adrian inform her of his employer's personal business? Eve had a secret of some sort and Fran seemed to become friends with Mrs. Browne overnight. The widow appeared to be in line as the next Lady Caldwell, and Daphne, should this problem with Wexford be resolved, was also to wed soon. Gabby, who had barely known their mother, was bound to get along with Mrs. Browne sooner or later, and Harry would no doubt get his tutor. This left Athena to fend for herself.

And so she would, she decided, sketching in Swindon's well-shaped lips. She would stay in London with Aunt Florence and paint.

On Tuesday, Charlotte was all in a dither -- it was the night of the lecture on social reforms and she and Lord Adrian were to attend together, along with Mrs. Browne, who had graciously agreed to act as chaperone.

Athena came down to breakfast that morning to find Charlotte already there, sipping tea with a strange look on her face. In fact, her face looked strange. She peered closer.

"What is wrong with your eyes?"

Charlotte actually preened. "Do you like it? Beatrice showed me how to use it." Her eyes were rimmed with khol.

"It's, er, different," Athena said diplomatically.

"I think so, too," She happily dove into a plate of buttered eggs.

Eve and Harry came in and ate quickly, so they could head over to Peter's house; Daphne sent down word that she had the headache and would stay in bed; and Francesca and Mrs. Browne had already left on a shopping expedition. That left Sir Edward, Aunt Florence and Gabby, but the lady of the house claimed she needed to confer with Cook, and the baronet gave his excuses and left.

"We could visit the duke," Gabby shyly suggested. Athena agreed with the plan.

"What took you so long?" Swindon demanded almost petulantly when they reached his room.

"Had we been summoned, then?" Athena asked archly.

"I was getting bored."

Gabby giggled, but Athena knew he could end his charade at any time and had no sympathy.

"Come, Miss Caldwell, Miss Gabrielle, let us play cards." He was shuffling a deck in his hands.

"Faro, perhaps?" Athena asked. The duke grinned.

"Do you play faro, Miss Caldwell?"

"No, but maybe we may relieve some of your boredom by allowing you to teach us?"

He looked at Miss Gabrielle and back to her sister.

"Are you certain?"

"Why not? Gabby actually is a very good player." She glanced fondly at the younger girl. "And would make an excellent partner."

The duke's eyebrow rose a notch. Suddenly they did not seem to be speaking of cards.

"I just thought she might be ... well ... a little young for that sort of thing."

So it wasn't Gabrielle he wanted. She was relieved on that score -- the girl was much too young, and he had not seemed the type to rob the cradle. There were so many things about him she did not know, and this could have been one of them.

Gabby was totally oblivious to the undertones of the conversation, but she brightened when Athena said she could learn the game. The duke asked her to bring him a long narrow tray from behind the door.

"I don't own a faro table, so we shall have to improvise." He took all the spades out of one deck and arranged them around the board in numerical order.

"Here are a few pennies for each of us to play with," he said, handing around a fistful of coins. "And yes, Miss Gabby, you may keep your earnings." She grinned at him.

"Place your coins on whichever cards you think will come up next," the duke instructed. "If you are playing in public, counters are used to keep track of which cards have been used, but we shall have to make do with our memories."

He patted the bed, inviting the ladies to come closer, and Gabby carefully arranged herself at his feet, leaving his side for her sister. Athena did not think Gabby planned it that way, but she was nervous just the same as she gingerly perched herself on the edge of the bed. Swindon's smile was just a little too knowing for her comfort.

"Now, the first card into play belongs to the dealer -- me -- and I get all the bets placed on that number."

The ladies placed coins down on some of the cards and the duke turned over the queen of diamonds. Athena had placed a copper on the queen and the duke chuckled as he took it.

"The winnings of the next deal go to those betting on that number, and the payoff is one to one. You earn another penny for every one you wager." He revealed a two of clubs and had to pay a delighted Gabby.

More pennies were distributed and another card turned over. A four. No one won. But the next time, when Athena won two coins for the two she had placed on the nine, the duke's fingers clung to hers when he paid her winnings.

The rest of the cards, save three, followed in quick succession. Gabby had the largest pile of coins, although Athena held her fair share, but she also knew which cards remained.

"All right," the duke announced. "If you can call these last three in their correct order of appearance, the winnings odds increase. Care to try, Miss Caldwell?"

"The ace of diamonds, the five of clubs and the ten of hearts," she guessed and turned to her sister.

"Ten, ace and five," Gabby predicted.

"Let us see who wins."

The ten appeared first, and Gabby's smile was smug. Not only had she called it, but she had bet two coins on the number. Swindon told her to leave her money where it was. If she guess the order of all three, she would be paid four to one. The next card, the ace, had her squealing in delight, and the duke had to ring for his valet to help pay the young lady.

"Thank you!" she said, leaning forward and kissing his cheek once she had collected all her earnings. "I think I'll go hide these somewhere Fran can't find them..." She scooted off the bed and ran from the room, followed by the valet, leaving Athena alone with the duke.

"And that, Miss Caldwell, is how one plays faro," he said softly.

"And butters up one little sister, as well," she replied. "It is easier than I thought."

"A lot of things are easier once one learns the rules," he replied, taking her hand in his and rubbing the top of it with his thumb. "Shall we play some more?"

"I..." She snatched back her hand but slid off the bed slowly, even though she was more than aware of his proximity and their lack of a chaperone. "I think I had better put my own earnings somewhere, too."

"Come back when you are finished," the duke requested. "We have much to talk about."

Chapter 7

"Come back when you are finished -- we have much to talk about."

Those words haunted Athena as she put her faro winnings in her room. A highly improper request, of course, but she found herself unable to resist the temptation. Perhaps she could bring her sketchbook and sit in the chair and they could have a rational conversation at a safe distance.

When she returned to his room, pencil and paper in hand, however, a portly older gentleman with a shock of graying blonde hair sat comfortably in the bedside chair sipping a glass of wine.

"Miss Caldwell," the duke called. "Come meet my uncle, Lord Thaddeus Fletcher. Uncle Thaddeus, one of my hostesses, Miss Caldwell."

The older man creaked as he rose and bowed over her hand and she suspected he wore a corset.

"Won't you take this seat, Miss Caldwell?" he asked.

Athena thanked him and wondered if the conversation the duke had alluded to earlier was to include his uncle. Apparently so.

"I invited Uncle Thad here to discuss your outing to Mrs. Cartwright's establishment."

"Mrs. Cartwright?"

"It's the gaming hell preferred by Lady Wexford because it does not offer, ahem, other services," the duke explained.

Athena blushed.

"She's a pretty one, nevvy," Lord Thaddeus remarked. "I can't imagine why you'd allow her to be exposed to such hardened gamesters like myself."

"Because the lady's downfall needs to come from a Caldwell." He explained the situation to the older man, who could only agree in the end.

"Shall we pick Wednesday then?" Lord Thaddeus suggested. "When everyone will be at Almack's?"

"Excellent idea," the duke said, but looked to Athena for approval. "It will involve some deception on your part, Miss Caldwell."

Athena refrained from making a sarcastic comment concerning his own duplicity and pasted a smile on her face as she agreed to make an excuse to avoid Almack's. When she realized she didn't really want to attend the assembly, her smile became genuine.

"I say, nevvy -- you've fallen into clover at this house, haven't you?" Lord Thaddeus said, dazzled by Athena's sudden radiance.

"That I have," the duke agreed, equally affected by her smile.

They were joined by Francesca, who wished to show his grace her new gown, the one she was going to wear to Almack's.

"Mrs. Browne has obtained vouchers for us to join Athena and Eve!" she said with excitement, tossing a dress box up onto the bed. Athena was forced to make introductions when it seemed the duke was preoccupied with Francesca and her gown.

"Pleased to meet you," Francesca said in the direction of the older man, but she was really watching the duke's reaction.

"It is truly perfect for you," he told her as she pulled the lacy white gown out of the box. "And if I could attend the assembly, I would ask for a dance."

"And I would grant you one," Francesca coyly replied. "Swindon told me what would suit for a gown, you know," she admitted to her sister.

"No one has better taste in women's fashions than Miles," Lord Thaddeus agreed.

"You should have seen the high flyer in here the other day," Francesca replied. "Her gown was so stylish."

"Ah, his beauteous Angelique."

"She is not my Angelique any more," the duke said blandly.

"No? Oh, how wonderful!" Francesca exclaimed, throwing her arms around him.

Athena did not realize she could become jealous of any of her sisters, but at that moment she would have gladly traded places with Fran. Swindon, however, needed to behave. Schooling her features into a cheerful expression, she gently extricated her sister from the duke's embrace.

"Why don't you run upstairs and have one of Aunt Florence's maids press it for you."

"Can't let it get mussed!" Fran readily agreed. She dropped the gentlemen a quick curtsy and scampered out, her gown and dress box in tow.

Lord Thaddeus chuckled. "I have to shove off, nevvy. I'll come around tomorrow evening after the young chits are off to the marriage mart." He shuddered. "Until then, Miss Caldwell..."

"He does not think much of young ladies?" she asked when he was gone.

"He has nothing against ‘young chits,' as he calls them, but he despises Lady Jersey, and so he avoids Almack's."

"And you -- do you like ‘young chits'?" she queried.

"Like Miss Francesca?" he asked.

"Yes, like Francesca."

"Come here..." he said softly and held out a hand.

"My youngest sisters are not old enough for you," she brought herself to say, even as she took his hand. Inwardly she cursed herself for giving in so easily to his commands.

"You think I don't know that, Miss Caldwell? As far as Miss Gabrielle and Miss Francesca are concerned, I am like a favorite uncle -- or an older brother. I am honored, of course, that they come to me for advice..."

"But..."

"But they have always come to you before now?" His knowing gaze brought roses to her cheeks. "The solution to that problem is easier than you suppose, Miss Caldwell."

She looked down at their intertwined fingers. "It is?"

"Of course. When they come to me, I shall insist you be consulted and we can help them together. Between us, I imagine there is not a problem we cannot solve."

He was offering a compromise, one that would serve them well until he and whichever sister he wanted were married.

"Deal?" he asked.

"Yes."

The butler appeared in the doorway and coughed discreetly.

"Yes, Pritchard?"

"A Sir Thomas Marlowe to see you, Miss Caldwell. I've taken the liberty of putting him in the salon. He has..." The butler cleared his throat and eyed the duke. "He has brought flowers."

"Oh?" Athena frowned, knowing Eve had her eye on the handsome widower.

"An admirer?" the duke asked, intensely curious.

"I suppose." She followed Pritchard out of the room, but glanced back at the duke as she disappeared through the doorway.

Athena found Sir Thomas standing in the middle of the salon with a bouquet of freesia, and she relaxed somewhat. The flowers stood for friendship; she had been worried that he carried red roses or something else that meant love.

"Good day, Miss Caldwell. I ... these are for you," he said shyly, thrusting the posy into her hands.

"Thank you. What brings you to call?" she wondered, cutting to the chase even as she sat and invited him to do the same.

"Er ... I wanted to thank you for making my son so happy. I haven't seen him so cheerful in ages."

"All credit must go to my brother and sister, then, not me. But I am happy to hear of your son's improvement."

"I thought..." A thumping noise could be heard upstairs, giving him pause.

"Mice," Athena said whimsically, wishing Eve would show up and hoping the noise meant the duke was out of bed.

"I've never heard mice so loud," the baronet said seriously, apparently not appreciating her humor.

"Rats, then," she said with a shrug. Or one very large ducal albatross.

Sir Thomas looked alarmed. Fortunately, Eve came in search of Athena, and she jumped at the chance to be saved.

"Eve! Sir Thomas has brought us flowers. Isn't that lovely? He is thanking us for making his son happy."

Sir Thomas could only smile and remark that he was just leaving. Eve offered to see him out. Athena let them go with a sigh of relief and went upstairs to see what the sea bird was up to.

The duke was practicing with crutches and Athena, who knew he needed no such assistance, laughed when she saw him coming down the hall.

"Your tête-à-tête with Sir Thomas over so soon?" he asked brightly.

"I told him we had rats in the house and he did not understand the jest. Fortunately, Eve came in and she is seeing him out now." She sat down in a hall chair with a weary sigh.

"You do not wish the gentleman's attentions?"

"No, I do not. He is a handsome man, and his son is very nice, but I do not feel anything for them. I also would not wish to go directly to another household where I am immediately the main caregiver."

"You need time to yourself before you have children," he said, his voice tinged with understanding.

Athena looked up sharply -- she had been thinking that same exact thing. "Yes, I suppose I do. I would like to be the center of attention for once. Does that make me a selfish person?" she asked.

"Of course not." He sat in a chair opposite her. "You have given of yourself for years, Miss Caldwell. It is time you get a little of that back."

"Then that is what I shall do. Look for a gentleman who has no children and no immediate family with demands, and I shall let him shower me with attention for as long as possible. Do you know anyone who meets those criteria?" she asked playfully.

The duke stared at her for a long time and she grew nervous under his gaze. Had she said something wrong?

"I know someone, Miss Caldwell, but I am not yet at liberty to introduce him."

"Oh?" She was intrigued and disappointed at the same time, rather hoping against hope he had been going to offer himself for the position. Still, if she could not have him, she should like to meet his friend.

"You shall meet him someday soon. In the meantime, could you tell me why Miss Charlotte had cosmetics on her face this morning when she brought me tea?"

Athena giggled and gladly helped him change the subject. "She looks rather silly, doesn't she? Bea showed her how to use them because she wishes to attract... Oh, dear, perhaps I should not say anything..."

"Woodley," the duke surmised. "Don't worry, Miss Caldwell. I am not upset. In fact, I rather think the two of them suit. It is one of the reasons I introduced them, in fact."

"You ... introduced Charlotte and Lord Adrian?" One more sister was out of the running. That left only Daphne and Eve.

"I did. Woodley is interested in social causes; Miss Charlotte is involved in social causes. Woodley is a charming gentleman with a good job and an inheritance from his godmother. Miss Charlotte needs some romance in her life. What could be better?"

"What, indeed? I would never have guessed your grace as a matchmaker."

"No? Who do you think prodded Hayle into offering for Beatrice?"

Athena had never heard this story. "I did not think men had to be prodded into anything around Beatrice! Do tell!"

The duke laughed out loud, his outburst filling the hall. "Hayle and I were at a house party the year Lady Hayle made her debut, one in which your sister attended with a friend, Lady Conover. I do not know where your father and aunt were at the time, but they were not present that week. It was obvious to me that Hayle had fallen head over heels for the chit, but he was too shy to do anything about it."

"Shy? Hayle?" It was Athena's turn to laugh.

"Truly, he was! Your sister is a beautiful lady, and every time she looked in Hayle's direction, his tongue tied up in knots."

"I can scarce believe it. What did you do to push him in Bea's direction?"

"I decided to show interest in her, as well, and wagered that she would not look in Hayle's direction if she knew a duke was pursuing her."

Athena snorted. "If you knew Bea, you would know she is not like that at all."

"I could see that soon enough, but Hayle was besotted, and jealous, and before the end of the season, she was his. I was glad, actually, because as much as I like and admire your sister, I knew she was not for me."

Athena smiled and thought of Eve and Daphne. "And now you know who is meant for you."

The duke's return smile was secretive. "Oh, yes, I have known that for several days now."

Athena quickly excused herself and left the duke to his own devices in the hall, saying she had to make Charlotte wash that mess off her face before the evening's lecture. She did not want to be in Swindon's confidence. Not concerning that.

Chapter 8

"Athena!" Charlotte hissed. "Wake up!" She shook her older sister carefully, trying not to disrupt Gabby on the other side of the bed.

"Wha?" Athena opened her eyes to find her sister standing over her, candle in hand.

"Oh, Athena! I'm so excited and I have to share with someone!"

Her sister gave her a sleepy smile and rose to find her wrapper. Motioning Charlotte away from the bed, lest Gabby stir, she directed her to the window seat that overlooked their aunt's miniscule garden.

"What time is it?"

"Oh, midnight or so," Charlotte said airily, as if that was of no import.

"The lecture went on that long?"

"Oh, no! But Adrian and I -- that is, Lord Adrian and I -- were invited to a political salon and Mrs. Browne was so obliging as to agree to attend it with us. Did I tell you Adrian aspires to a seat in the House? There were a couple of gentlemen there tonight who strongly indicated he would have little opposition. I also met Lady Sweetwater -- it was her salon -- and she said with the right sort of wife, Adrian would go far. Oh, Athena! She said I would be perfect for that, and Adrian did not protest!"

Athena was a little more awake now, and she hid a smile, thinking Lord Adrian could hardly protest in front of the ladies without appearing rude.

"It sounds wonderful," she agreed, happy for her sister.

"Did you know Mrs. Browne is acquainted with many of the people present this evening?"

"Truly?" Athena was surprised. She knew the widow had social connections, but not political ones.

"Her late husband was an MP. I can't imagine her grooming Papa for such a life," she added with a giggle, and the two sisters shared a laugh.

"No, Papa would try to pass laws such as allowing fox hunting on Sundays or letting boys keep their dogs at school," Athena said.

Charlotte laughed. "Harry would like that, if he ever went back to Eton. I doubt if he will. He likes taking lessons with Peter Marlowe. Speaking of which, Sir Thomas was at the lecture and salon this evening..."

"Oh?"

"He asked specifically after you," Charlotte teased. Athena made a face.

"Eve likes him very much and I would not interfere with that, even if I admired Sir Thomas as well."

"But..."

"Did you know his grace likes either Eve or Daphne," Athena said, slightly altering the subject.

"Are you certain? Daphne is engaged and Eve is interested elsewhere. If the duke has developed a tendre for one of them, he will have to work things out on his own."

Work things out...

Athena thought about all this even after a happy Charlotte hugged and kissed her goodnight and went off to bed to dream about life in the political arena.

Was the duke arranging Eve's life to suit him by discouraging Sir Thomas, or was he trying to discredit Lady Wexford so that Daphne might cry off from her engagement? And why did Athena feel as if the duke was using her to achieve these ends? It was all very confusing and she finally dropped off to sleep without drawing a conclusion to the entire matter.

She did not have time to think at all the next day, because the household was in an uproar. Eve disappeared early, with Harry, but came racing back alone not thirty minutes later, in a pucker because Peter had told Harry that his father was to attend Almack's.

Athena, hoping Sir Thomas was not attending because he thought she was, said not a word about Eve's previous protests concerning ton functions, and the assemblies in general, and followed behind a frantic sister as she hurried up to her wardrobe.

"I don't have a thing to wear!" Eve wailed after giving her clothes a mere glance. "We don't have time to go shopping now!"

"We bought you several nice gowns that are more than appropriate for Almack's," Athena said calmly.

"Such as? And how do I decide which one?" Eve was clearly in a panic.

"Wait right here. I know how to resolve this," Athena told her. She found his grace's valet and made a request. He agreed and they went off to put things in motion.

Athena let Eve fret and flutter about the room until there was a loud thumping noise coming up the stairs, followed by a knock.

"His grace is interested in what you will choose to wear to Almack's this evening," the valet said when Eve opened the door.

"He can't come in here!" she squeaked.

"He shall be sitting out in the hall and would like you to model each dress for him," came the reply.

Athena thought this might spur her sister into making a decision without the duke's interference, but Eve surprised her once again when she giggled and rang for a maid.

"I shall wear them out to show both of you," she said, shoving Athena toward the door.

"Start with the mint green silk," Athena suggested as she allowed herself to be pushed out of the room.

"She doesn't wish my assistance?" the duke asked with some alarm as Athena took a seat on a curved bench at his side. He sounded almost put out about something most men would have gladly avoided.

"She wants to show us both." Athena rolled her eyes.

"Excellent! Then I will not have to brave the stairs again for awhile. Dashed difficult things, stairs."

"Oh, very," she agreed with a smirk, knowing the duke could walk without aid whenever he wished.

A maid appeared and was admitted to the bedroom Eve shared with Daphne. Swindon and Athena made desultory conversation while they waited, but Eve, entering into the spirit of the game, was quick, coming out shortly in a white sarcenet with a rose pink tunic over it.

"Not bad," the duke said as she glided down the hall runner to the stairs, and back.

Athena agreed. After all, it was one of several gowns she had chosen for the girl a few weeks before. "She has a rose cameo on a white ribbon to wear at her neck," she told the duke once her sister returned to her room.

"That would be a nice touch, although Miss Eve would never look out of place wearing pearls."

"She has those, too. I had Papa give her a single strand for Christmas."

"You certainly live up to your name," he complimented her, referring to the goddess of wisdom.

"Purely coincidental, I assure you."

"How so? You wisely knew your sister was to make her debut and tailored her gift toward that future. What did you arrange for Sir Edward to give your other sisters?"

Athena blushed, having been caught out. "Charlotte received subscriptions to several political and social publications; Daphne was given one of Mama's pairs of diamond earrings; Francesca was promised a trip to the races; and Gabrielle was given a puppy. I'm just glad she had the sense to leave him in the kennels when she came to town."

"On a cabbage cart!" he said with a laugh. "I have never been around such a delightful family in my entire life."

"Never?"

"I had a lonely childhood, Miss Caldwell. No siblings, no cousins and no young aunts or uncles like Hayle's children are blessed with. They are so fortunate to be members of such a large, loving family," he said wistfully.

"Hmpf! What I wouldn't have given to be an only child! No one borrowing your belongings without permission and then returning them stained, ripped or broken..." she retorted.

"No one to play cards with on rainy afternoons ... No one to pretend with in makeshift forts and castles..." he countered.

"No one to fight with over the last pudding ... No one to beat you to the best seat on the hearth..."

"No one to giggle with in church ... No one to keep you warm by sharing a blanket on a cold night..."

Athena sighed. She and Bea and Charlotte had often huddled in one bed, especially after Athena was old enough to leave the nursery. Even now, having to share with Gabby had its rewards -- companionship, warmth, togetherness...

"Ah, I see you are suddenly recalling the benefits of so many sisters," he said with a grin, watching her intently.

"I ... I suppose I am. But I thought I would never forgive Bea for breaking the head off my favorite doll."

"How old were you?"

"I was nine and she was eight," she said with a faraway look. "I tried to fix it, but it was never the same again. An ear was chipped, too, where her hair would not cover it. She had such beautiful golden curls..."

"Blue eyes?"

"Naturally. And a blue and white striped gown, and the most delicate fichu. It came off and sometimes I would..."

Eve came out of the room in a lemon yellow satin. "Well?"

"Lovely, dearest, but I think it's too low in the bodice. I don't recall telling the modiste to cut it so deep."

"It is the fashion," the duke remarked, giving the girl's décolletage only a quick glance.

"Not for one of my sisters. Bea may wear what she wishes now, of course, but I do not like the idea, Eve, of men staring down at your chest all evening."

"Neither do I," Eve declared and went back into the bedroom to put on another gown.

Athena did not realize she had been holding her breath, afraid her sister might kick up a fuss, until the duke leaned back in his chair and sighed.

"Another benefit of a large family. By time you have your own family, you will know what to expect," he remarked.

"Think that if you wish, sir, but I rather believe I shall be faced with all new problems by then."

He laughed. "No doubt. How long have you been mothering your siblings?"

"For the past ten years or so."

The duke whistled in amazement. "That long? No wonder you are ready for that man with no children."

"Only because it looks as if Mrs. Browne is about to become our new mother, and Daphne will not be long with us, I hope. Even Charlotte is well on her way to becoming a politician's wife. Isn't she?" she asked, suddenly concerned that Lord Adrian was not marriage material.

"If Woodley's complete lack of concentration this morning is any indication, I would say yes. Your suggestion to come upstairs saved me from having to bark at the lad for his inattention. I seriously believe he is still mooning about my room instead of returning home for a requested set of papers."

"Oh, dear," Athena sympathized. "Charlotte woke me at midnight to tell me what a wonderful evening she had."

The duke knew. His room was directly below Athena's and he had heard the soft murmur of their voices as he lay in bed wondering how much longer he could manage to stay with this lovely lady and her incredibly entertaining family. The family she had raised, he thought proudly.

"It sounds like a perfect match."

"She said Mrs. Browne had some serious political connections of her own."

The duke nodded. "I realized last night that Mrs. Browne's late husband had been a well-respected MP. I was sorry to hear of his passing, and then she disappeared a year or so ago from town."

"She has been letting one of our cottages, and now she and Papa are almost inseparable."

"I'm glad she had found someone new. She isn't planning on grooming your father for the political arena, is she?" he asked in some alarm.

"I hope not!"

They were still laughing when Eve appeared once more, this time in the mint green silk.

"Perfect!" the duke declared. "Miss Francesca will look like an angel in white, but you shall look like a goddess."

Eve blushed. "Do you think I shall attract a certain someone's attention? After all, Athena will be there."

Athena almost said she would not, but sudden pressure from the duke's foot on hers reminded her of their plans for secrecy. Not to mention that the physical contact quite distracted her from what she had been about to say.

Chapter 9

Athena is not going with us to the assembly this evening?" Francesca asked as they gathered in the drawing room after dinner.

Sir Edward was to escort them to Almack's, on Mrs. Browne's insistence, and he seemed startled by the news. The widow thought perhaps he had hoped to escape to the card room and leave his eldest daughter as the other chaperone. "The poor girl has the headache," she told him. "And no wonder, with all the work she puts into this family." She eyed them all rather intently and was pleased to see several of them flush, including Eve and Daphne. "Let the dear have an evening to herself," she urged. "And I've no doubt we shall see Lord and Lady Hayle, as well." Because she had sent Beatrice a note even before Athena had made her excuses.

Upstairs, Athena had gone through the motions of getting dressed for Almack's before crying off, and was now dressed to go out. Once she sent word of her headache to her family, she dismissed her maid, assuring the girl she would prepare for bed on her own.

Alone, she fitted a half mask in black velvet to her face and chose a matching evening cloak from her wardrobe. Throwing it about her, she went out a side door and waited for Lord Thaddeus' carriage in the mews.

"I could not let you stand out here by yourself," Swindon's voice came from the shadows. Athena could just make out his form, on crutches, in the dark.

"I'm rather nervous about all this," she admitted, pleased by his presence.

"You'll be safe with Uncle Thaddeus," he assured her. "How daring you are tonight, slipping out with an older gentleman," he teased.

"You needn't remind me," she said, her gloved hands rising to her warm cheeks.

"I admire your bravery, is all. You recall that if tonight is not successful, you may have to return. The goal is to buy up as many of her ladyship's vowels as possible. Only then will we have a bargaining chip with Wexford."

"I don't totally approve, of course, but I understand."

"You would not wish your sister to be unhappy in her marriage, or remain betrothed for life, would you?"

"No, I would not. I do think, however, that Daphne should be present when we confront the Wexfords."

"That may be arranged. Your sister is not quite the silly widgeon one thinks upon first meeting her, and she may need leverage in the future."

"She does love him, you know." Athena thought she should get that out into the open.

"I know."

"Then why are you doing this?" she wondered as a carriage was heard down the lane.

"Can't you guess?" he asked. Without waiting for a reply, he leaned over and kissed her forehead. "For luck."

"But..." Athena wanted to ask a multitude of questions, but he was propelling her toward the now-waiting carriage.

"If I could, I would go with you."

Something snapped in Athena. She felt suddenly as if he were purposely throwing her to the wolves. If he wished, he could stop this charade at any time.

"You could go with me," she said, her eyes glittering with anger, "but you won't quit playacting and get back on your feet." Her head held high, she started to sweep past him, but he stayed her with one hand.

"How long have you known?"

"Almost from the start."

"When you come home, we need to talk."

"Yes, we do. Which means you have a few hours to devise a good excuse as to why you tricked my family, don't you? Good evening, Your Grace."

He released her and she climbed into the carriage without a backward glance.

Athena put Swindon completely out of her mind, concentrating instead on the job she had to do. That part of his scheming she knew was probably going to work out right, although if she could have arranged it another way, she would.

Lord Thaddeus was quiet as they rode to the gaming house and she was grateful. She had to run over the rules again in her head and concentrate on playing a part. If she had been required to perform opposite a younger man and not the amusing Lord Thaddeus, she could never have done this.

The lower rooms were as she had expected - smoky and full of people. She and Lord Thaddeus were hardly noticed as they were relieved of their cloaks and ushered into the main room. Athena saw she was not the only lady attempting to remain incognito, but as many women were also unmasked. Lady Wexford was one of those.

They found that lady in a smaller room, seated at a faro table with a few others. Athena and her escort sat down across from her and pulled out their purses.

"Lady Wexford," Lord Thaddeus acknowledged.

"Thaddeus." She gave him a cursory greeting before raising one eyebrow at the female by his side. "Aren't you a trifle old for her?"

"I ain't dead yet," Lord Thaddeus said with a leer. Athena, thankfully, knew the older man was playing a part and she put a hand on his sleeve.

"Stake me, Thaddy?" she cooed.

He grinned in reply and gave her some of the ready to put down on the board. "Anything for you, my dear."

Athena had drawn the line at dressing like a courtesan, so she had to rely on words and actions to give a certain impression. With a false sort of glee, she made a big deal over placing money carefully on the numbers on the table. She clapped cheerfully every time someone won or lost, even if it was the dealer, and jumped up and down with delight when she personally won.

Underneath it all, she kept an eye on Lady Wexford, who ignored her or cast her painful glances in turn. Her ladyship was not having a good evening as far as gambling was concerned, and after a while, as she fell deeper into debt, Lord Thaddeus began a winning streak.

Athena watched as he quietly bought up the countess' vowels. She did her part by keeping the older lady distracted with her vacuous excitement and bubbleheaded comments.

By the end of the evening, Lady Wexford was beginning to win steadily, but when she tried to buy back her debts, Lord Thaddeus and his silly companion were gone. She did not worry overly much. She knew where Thaddeus lived and would pay a call on him on the morrow. Then she could pay him off and Wexford would not be the wiser.

In the carriage headed back toward the Caldwell house, Lord Thaddeus handed all of Lady Wexford's vowels over to Athena.

"She will come see me tomorrow around 11 o'clock," he predicted. "You go to his lordship then and I'll detain the old hag at my rooms." He chuckled evilly, as if he already had some idea about how he was going to accomplish that.

Athena was slightly worried about that laugh, and what it might portend, but she truly did not wish to know the facts.

Hayle and Beatrice made an appearance at Almack's, just as Mrs. Browne had predicted. The widow, Sir Edward and Lady Middleton were settled in plain sight when they arrived, and Charlotte, Daphne, Eve and Francesca ranged about them. Her hostess and the baronet were introducing gentlemen to the girls, especially a sparkling Francesca, leaving Mrs. Browne to deal with an indignant Beatrice.

"You did not need us!" she exclaimed. Her husband patted her arm, but she would not be deterred. "We could have stayed home! Where is Athena?"

"Athena deserves the evening off. And who better to take her place than her sister? Lady Middleton and I are going to say hello to an acquaintance of mine. You'll stay and keep your father out of the card room, won't you?" she asked sweetly. Without waiting for a reply, she nodded to her ladyship and they quickly disappeared from view.

"How do you like that?" Beatrice groused to her husband. He was saved from a reply when his father-in-law rose and tried to slip away. "Papa!" she said sharply. "Lord Denton wishes to be introduced to the girls! Sit!"

The baronet sighed and turned back to his children.

"Playing chaperone will not be a hardship," Hayle mildly noted. "I'll sit here and keep an eye on your father and sisters, and you may dance as much as you wish."

"No," Beatrice said with a martyred air. "I shall do my duty. After all, Athena deserves time alone -- or with Miles," she added conspiratorially, "and Mrs. Browne is not their mother. Even Aunt Florence does not have the familial obligations I do towards the girls."

"You would be better off, my dear, if you did this out of sisterly love and not a sense of duty."

Eve watched as the young men clustered about Francesca. It stood to reason her sister would be the most popular. Charlotte was speaking intimately with Lord Adrian, oblivious to anyone else. Daphne was considered spoken for, despite Wexford's continued absence. Eve had moved to the background. Francesca was enjoying her first assembly and her excitement was attracting a lot of male attention.

Eve had stepped back on purpose. She was on the lookout for Sir Thomas Marlowe, and she wanted to be the one to speak up when he came looking for Athena.

After Mrs. Browne and Aunt Florence left the group, she did not have long to wait. Sir Thomas approached, and before Beatrice could say anything, Eve stepped forward, hand outstretched.

"Good evening, sir. How is young Peter? Have you met the rest of the family?" She introduced everyone without waiting for a reply.

"What is wrong with her?" Charlotte whispered to Daphne.

"I think someone likes Sir Thomas," Daphne whispered back with a wink. They shared a quiet giggle, not wanting to scare Eve back into her usual reticence.

Eve, not noticing her sisters at all, was pleased with her efforts, especially when Sir Thomas asked if he might partner her in the first dance.

Beatrice had been surprised when Eve took charge, but she almost fell out of her chair when the gentleman solicited a dance. Sir Thomas Marlowe was not only extremely eligible, but he was not known to show preference to any female. It was thought he would wear the willow for his late wife forever. Hayle seemed equally surprised.

"Isn't that the well-known widower who just took our Eve off for a dance?" he asked.

"Yes, it is," Beatrice said smugly, as if she had been personally responsible for the pairing.

"She seems to be orchestrating all this on her own fairly well. But she is your sister, my darling, so I should not be too surprised."

"Are you implying that I manipulated you into marriage?" Beatrice asked, but her tone was teasing, not angry.

"Not a bit of it, love. You might have made sure we crossed paths," he teased, bringing one of her hands to his lips, not caring they were in public. "But I have never regretted it. I doubt Marlowe will, either, once your sister is finished."

"You make it sound like a project!"

"Isn't it?" Hayle said with a smirk.

Eve was floating on a cloud. The dance was a waltz and even though she was being held at a proper distance, she was still in Sir Thomas' arms.

"You are an exceptional dancer, Miss Caldwell," he said, as if he could not believe it. She politely refrained from remarking on his amazement, thanking him nicely, instead.

She searched her mind for some light-hearted conversation and finally lit on the subject of Peter and Harry, but he cut her off, albeit politely.

"If I had wished to discuss the lads, Miss Caldwell, we could have sat this dance out."

Eve tried to tell herself he was just now getting used to polite society once more, and she gave his terseness the benefit of the doubt until he spoke again.

"Won't you tell me about your eldest sister?"

Eve's usually-gentle eyes flashed with anger.

"If I had wished to discuss my sister, Sir Thomas, we could have sat this dance out."

He flushed with embarrassment. "I beg your pardon," he said stiffly, but Eve had her back up and she would not be easily mollified.

"May I ask why this interest in my sister, sir?"

"Young ladies these days are too loud and adventurous for me. My late wife was shy and retiring and such a gentle soul, much like your sister," he explained.

And me! Eve wanted to exclaim.

"I worry for the future, and should Peter..." He coughed, suddenly aware to whom he was speaking. "I wish to marry again and have more children," he added lamely.

"How admirable of you," Eve said sarcastically. "It sounds as if you want my sister to be your brood mare." She might be ruining her own chances, but this insult to her sister was greater than one to herself and all expectations must be nipped in the bud. Eve, like all her younger siblings, loved Athena like a mother, and to see her pursued by Sir Thomas for so wrong a reason was not to be borne. Not only that, but Athena must be preserved for Swindon. Now there was a man who saw her as a wife first and a mother second, if she did not miss her guess.

"When you put it like that, Miss Caldwell, it sounds so..."

"Crass? Isn't it? I thought I liked you, Sir Thomas," she said. In for a penny, in for a pound, after all, and if she did not speak up now, she might not get another chance. "I like your son, too. But we Caldwell ladies are no one's breeders. I'm not so sure letting Harry spend time in your household is a good idea, either. Some of that attitude might rub off on him. I'm feeling rather poorly right now, sir. Won't you please escort me back to my family?"

He nodded curtly and did as she bid.

Eve's nerves were strained to their limits the rest of the evening, and as soon as she came home she went in search of Athena. As soon as her sister, who did not appear to have been sleeping, opened her door, Eve burst into tears.

Chapter 10

Athena had just changed out of her evening clothes and into a plain gown, intent on speaking with the duke, when Eve knocked at her door. She didn't think she was going to get to speak to Swindon that night as her sister burst into tears.

"What is the matter, dearest?" she asked, gathering Eve into her arms and leading her over to the window seat. It was a blessing in several ways that Gabby had been placed in another bed already. Athena had done that so she could dress earlier without any questions, but now it seemed as if she could tend to Eve without any interruptions.

"I ... I danced with Sir Thomas tonight," Eve sobbed. Athena handed over a handkerchief, made her sister blow her nose and then pressed it into her hands.

Athena could not help but chuckle. "I thought you liked Sir Thomas."

"I do! I don't! He said the most insulting things!" She could still hardly believe it of the quiet widower.

"He insulted you?"

"No. He insulted you! He said..." Eve hiccuped. "He said you were just the sort of wife he was looking for: quiet, capable and able to give him more children."

"Well... I would be, I am sure, if I were interested in him," Athena said gently, and with no little confusion as to why Eve thought she had been insulted. "It's a mite crude, perhaps, but not totally degrading."

"But he doesn't love you! He just wants to use you!" Eve protested. "And I told him so."

"You did not!"

"I did!" Eve said proudly. "Someone had to defend your honor."

Athena hugged her. "You are a darling and I love you for defending me." There were times, after all, when a sibling came in handy. She would have to tell Swindon. Rising, she rummaged about in her bureau for a spare nightrail. "Let me help you get ready for bed," she offered. "You may sleep with me tonight."

"Oh, may I?" Eve offered herself up to her eldest sister's ministrations and Athena helped her change clothes, brushed out her dark hair, braided it and then tucked her into bed.

"You realize that I have just ruined all my chances with Sir Thomas," Eve said with a yawn. "But it was worth it." She snuggled next to Athena, who had climbed in beside her after changing her own clothes and blowing out the candles.

"Perhaps. One never knows with gentlemen."

"I won't hope," Eve sleepily replied. "Do I want to be his brood mare after I accused him of making you one?"

Athena opened her eyes wide. "You didn't!"

Eve giggled. "I told you I have completely ruined my chances. But I won't back down from what I said and I can't worry about him now. He is not worth it."

"I don't know about that," Athena said. "After all, there was something that attracted you in the first place."

"Perhaps I just feel sorry for him and his son. Must be it..." She drifted off to sleep. Athena, however, was awake forever wondering if it was worth worrying about another man.

She thought Eve was still sleeping the next morning as she dressed to meet with Swindon, but when Athena looked over, Eve was sitting up in bed with a wide grin upon her face.

"Dressing up for someone special?" she teased.

"In a way, yes." Athena inspected her pale blue gown with pleasure, knowing it was going to look even better when she called on Wexford later -- the darker blue spencer and bonnet matched her eyes. Not that she would give Swindon the satisfaction of seeing her in them. "Are you going to walk Harry over to the Marlowes' house this morning?"

"No, I don't think so. I'll ask the footman to accompany him alone."

"Good." Athena dropped a kiss on Eve's head. "Then you shall not look eager and you will be home if he calls to apologize."

"I knew you would understand, Athena, more than anyone." She stretched out her arms and hugged her sister's neck.

"Oh? How so?"

"You don't put up with nonsense from His Grace, do you?"

"But ... But that's not the same at all!"

"Isn't it?" Eve asked with wisdom beyond her years. "It's interesting to watch ladies handle their gentlemen and still be in love with them."

"Mrs. Browne, perhaps, but I'm not..."

"Aren't you?" Eve giggled.

Athena excused herself and ran out into the hall, Eve's laughter echoing in her ears. Could it be true? Was she in love with Swindon? And even if she was, what about him?

She ticked off her sisters' names on her fingers. Beatrice -- married to his best friend. Charlotte -- in the pocket of the man's secretary. Daphne -- betrothed and practically married now that they had leverage. Eve -- head over heels for their neighbor. Francesca and Gabby -- too young. That left...

Oh, no!

Storming down to the duke's bedchamber, she rushed in without knocking, only to stop dead in her tracks when she saw Swindon and her father with their heads together. Both stared in surprise.

"I ... I beg your pardon," she said in mortification. "I didn't mean to interrupt."

"Would you come back this afternoon?" the duke asked. Sir Edward nodded happily at this request, but Athena had too much to discuss. "Please?" the duke added.

"I ... I suppose I could..."

The duke made a show of looking at a clock. "Don't you have an appointment this morning?"

She squeaked when she noticed it was later than she had previously believed. "Yes, I do."

"Until this afternoon, then, Miss Caldwell."

"Papa ... Your Grace..." She curtsied and left the room. Not only had she been chased out of two rooms already that morning, but she had also been embarrassed twice. That would not do at all. She found Daphne alone at the breakfast table, desultorily buttering a scone.

"I thought we could pay a call on Wexford this morning," she said to her sister. "May I ring for a maid to bring down your bonnet and pelisse?"

"I can't visit Wexford in this old rag!" Daphne indicated her new blue-sprigged muslin. "Besides, Wexford likes me in pink."

"Then hurry up and change. You have twenty minutes or I shall leave without you."

"Why the hurry?"

"This is a business call," she patiently explained. "However, Wexford's business should be your business, too, so I would like you to come."

"Of course!" Daphne rose with alacrity and went quickly from the room, calling for a maid as she went. Athena rang for hot tea, asked someone to bring down her own outerwear and reticule, and settled down in a chair to eat a scone. She refused to dwell on either Swindon or Wexford at that point, in case either gave her indigestion while she ate.

"I don't quite understand what business you have with my fiancé," Daphne said a half hour later as a hackney took them to Wexford's town house in Portman Square. It was almost 11 o'clock -- perfect timing.

"I'll explain it all on the way," Athena assured her, thinking she was going to have to ask Daphne to adopt a certain attitude once they arrived.

"There's a lady to see you, guv'nor." Lord Thaddeus' cheeky little valet stood over his master's bed and clucked like a mother hen. He looked down to where the older man lay disheveled on the bed. "An' you not fit to receive her."

"Is it Mother?" The dowager countess made a point of meddling with her children and grandchildren, even those of an advanced age, such as his lordship. After dropping off Athena, he had spent the rest of the night carousing and had forgotten that Lady Wexford would most likely call that morning. "A young lady?" he enquired hopefully when the valet shook his head.

"An old gentry mort, your honor. A bit of a wrinkly prune."

"Lady Wexford," he groaned.

"That be her, your worship," the little man said happily.

"Well, don't just stand there! Send her in!"

"But Guv! Receiving ladies in your smalls? It ain't done, not even by you!"

"I owe this to my nevvy, monkey! Show the old girl in."

"Right-o! You can come in, my lady," he added, throwing open the door and beckoning to Lady Wexford.

"I cannot go in there!" Thaddeus heard her exclaim, and he chuckled.

"Get in here, woman! I won't bite." Not her anyway. Now, that toothsome chit of Swindon's... Well, no -- he didn't want Swindon to darken his daylights.

"It's not your bite I am worried about," Lady Wexford said tartly as she appeared in the doorway. She glanced warily about, in case he had his fancy piece with him.

"You should be, you old bat," he grumbled.

"What did you say, you middle-aged lecher?"

"I called you an old bat, you ancient crone. You need to be nice to me, though." He had forgotten his original plan of how he was to keep her away from her son and Miss Caldwell, but alternately insulting and taunting her would work just as well.

Lady Wexford paused.

"You know why," he teased. "Been playing a bit too deep?" he wondered.

"That is none of your business," she stiffly replied. "Just give me my debts and I'll be on my way."

"Not so fast. How do I know you've brought the blunt?"

Lady Wexford pulled herself up like an indignant hen. "Are you questioning my honor, Thaddeus?"

"Actually ... yes. You ain't exactly known for keeping your word, Regina."

She flushed, but she stood her ground. "I dare you to name a time when I have not."

"When you told your late husband about us at the Rivermont house party comes to mind..." He sat up straighter among his pillows, allowing the sheets to barely cover his body, and enjoying himself immensely.

"He accused me of infidelity! What else could I do?"

"You promised you wouldn't tell. I damned near got run through for giving you a harmless little kiss and I lost my best friend before it was all over and done. You could have lied and saved us both, Regina."

"So that's it? The only time I went back on my word?"

"It ain't me I'm worried about. Wexford and I made our peace before he died. It's his son who has been wronged this time."

"James?"

"Poor fellow is betrothed to one of the prettiest little chits in Christendom and you've given your blessing on the union. Now you keep him from her."

"Wexford knows he may marry whenever he wishes. If he wishes," she added with a sly look.

"Here now, you ain't going to pull the bung hole on his nuptials, are you? It ain't done, Regina!"

"My son listens to his mother. If I tell him to break it off with Miss Daphne Caldwell, he will."

"Fairly sure of him, are you? What if he finds out about your debts? What if the Caldwells sue for breach of contract?"

Lady Wexford snorted. "He is not going to find out about my debts and I'd like to see that family of nitwits organize itself into enough semblance of order to even attempt a suit. The father is inept and his eldest daughter is totally ineffectual."

Thaddeus chuckled. "You've been so busy gambling away your allowance, Regina, you haven't even heard the latest on-dits."

"Oh?" She came into the room and sat on a bedside chair. "What do you know, you old goat?"

"It's gonna cost you, crone."

"How much?"

"One kiss."

"What?" She shrieked and rose from the chair. "I don't have to take this from you!"

"I think you do..."

"All right," she said. "One kiss and then you fill me in on the news." She leaned over and pecked him on the cheek.

"Not good enough," he said innocently, and when she bent down to kiss his lips, he grabbed her and pulled her across his lap. Then he kissed her properly, leaving her to spit and sputter afterwards, sprawled on the bed on top of him.

"I'll thank you to help me up, sir," she said frostily when she had finished calling him every vile word she could imagine.

"No. Now, listen up, Regina, because I ain't going to repeat myself. Sir Edward Caldwell is practically betrothed to Patience Browne."

"Browne?" Lady Wexford turned pale. Everyone knew Mrs. Browne, and she was received everywhere.

"Lady Hayle is not without influence, either, and she's a Caldwell..." He was threatening her with social ruin and they both knew it. "And..." he drawled, "if Swindon don't catch Miss Caldwell by the end of the season, I'll eat my best opera hat."

"Swindon?"

"So you see how it is, Regina. The Caldwells could add the advantage of the Wexford title to their prominence, but they don't need it. Miss Daphne is a diamond of the first water with scores of bucks just waiting for Wexford to drop his suit. It wouldn't ruin her chances for a second, despite the gossip. But it will make Wexford an undesirable and he'll die without an heir and with a mama who put him in dun territory within a few years of the scandal."

"You should have been committed years ago!" she hissed, scrambling off him and straightening out her walking dress of mulberry silk.

Thaddeus cackled. "Now, about those vowels of yours, my lady."

"Yes?" she asked eagerly, wishing to conclude their business as quickly as possible.

"I don't have ‘em."

"You what?" she screeched. "Where are they?"

"I sent them over to Miss Caldwell this morning," he blithely fibbed. "I imagine she is presenting them to your son by now. I thought I'd make an early wedding gift of them to her and Miss Daphne..." At least that part was true.

Lady Wexford began beating him with her reticule, reprising most of the names she had called him earlier, and did not stop until the valet ran in and pulled her off his master.

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