“Apparently in thanks for a dance last night?”
“Ah, yes. Her dance card was definitely full, including Philby and three others who have been paying calls.”
“You have approved them?”
Rose nodded. “Cecily listens to me. We have sent most of the scoundrels who have tried to worm their way in scurrying back into their vermin holes. After the next two events, the frenzy should settle to five or six potential suitors, then the real work of sorting them out can begin. I have sent missives to my contacts in France, where Philby spent two years. I will hear back from them in a few weeks.”
“And how are things with Lord Newbury?”
Rose paused, her teacup poised at her lips. She took a sip, then set it down. “I must remember that you onlyappearnot to be paying attention.”
Her father laughed and set his cup aside, nodding to the footman, who cleared away the remaining dishes. “My concerns extend to all my children, my dear. Even the ones who have taken on far more than they should. The fact that you could not have married and had a household of your own to run does not lessen the fact that I sometimes ache that you are running this one instead. You are a woman, but you once bounced on my knees, sending your ringlets into a frenzy. I hold both of those females dear.”
“Yes, well, ringlets were about the only thing Nanny could do to tame—or attempt to—these curls.”
“You are also a woman who has gotten quite adept at avoiding questions you do not wish to answer.” He sniffed. “So. Lord Newbury.”
“We are working together. That’s the extent. Anything else is appearance for the sake of pursuing both our goals. I want to keep his role in this confidential. He would obviously be better able to acquire knowledge about his peers if they do not know he’s involved with me. As his brother pointed out, I’m the public face of the secrets.”
“So he is a man willing to let you bear the burden of this alone?”
Rose stiffened. “I was doing well without his help, Father. This was already my burden.”
“I cannot help but think the information he will provide will put you more at risk, however. His circles include some of the most powerful—and dangerous—men in society.”
“You do not think I take steps to protect myself or my sources?”
“I think you court scandal on a regular basis, but you do what you can to protect Cecily and this family. But once Cecily is settled—”
“Once Cecily is settled, I am bound for Yorkshire. We have discussed this. My goal has been to protect my friends and their sisters—my sisters—and that goal has almost been achieved.”
“Even if you have not wreaked the desired havoc on Bentley.”
Rose looked down at her plate, toying with the remaining kedgeree with her fork. “I have accepted that Bentley is beyond my reach.”
“Because he left Society.”
“Because he is entrenched in the world of business. His circles are in an arena that cares nothing for the protocols and scandals of Polite Society, and he surrounds himself with sycophants and solicitors who protect him. His wealth is his buffer, and I have no inroads there.”
“He’s still a member of White’s.”
“Yes. And he still gambles at Bill Campion’s hell. But never lets the debts run.”
Her father’s brows came together. “How entrenched is your source at Campion’s?”
Rose forced back a smile. She would not allow that particular bit of knowledge out to anyone. “Very. But there’s a limit to the risks he can take. Like most of my informants, he would like to keep his job.”
“And you will be content to let all this go?”
Rose gave up on the kedgeree and nodded to a footman, who cleared away everything but her teacup. “The truth?”
“Preferably.”
“I’m tired, Papa. I’m tired of the schemes and the scoundrels and the energy it takes to keep track of all the machinations of these men. I’ve been doing it for more than five years, and it has worn me down. They never stop and they never will. I’m beginning to feel as if I have made no difference at all.”
“But you have. And there’s a line of women for whom you have turned away scoundrels and found good husbands who would attest to that. But it takes a lot of determination to do what you have done. I have no doubt you are exhausted mind, body, and soul.”
“It has. I wanted to see Cecily out, but I’m truly looking forward to life in Yorkshire with Aunt Sophie. If I’m not meant to have my own household and family, then I can help her.”
