WHEN CARLISLE ENTERED THEdining room, a footman poured him a cup of tea. Last night had gone well. Not only had he been introduced to Miss Bainbridge, but he’d also made some progress in his hunt for an heiress. He’d met Miss Agnes Putnam at Vauxhall Gardens where he went after the Huntington Ball. She was a pleasant young woman, although she hadn’t said much during their stroll together. Her father, Sir Putnam, was a very wealthy member of the gentry and had bestowed a large dowry on his daughter. It was exactly the kind of arrangement he’d been looking for.
Sir Putnam had been extremely welcoming when Carlisle was introduced to his daughter. Obviously, he was trying to better his family’s position by having his daughter marry a title. Miss Putnam was passably pretty, but she couldn’t hold a candle to the beauty of Miss Bainbridge. He hadn’t been able to get her out of his mind since being introduced to the delicate beauty. He’d love to have her on his arm, but that was more than likely a fairy tale. Edgerton would make sure he never got near her again.
To make matters worse, his invitations totonevents were still not forthcoming, and only when he heard snippets at his club or from his valet regarding the next ball would he know where Violet was likely to be. He needed a ball that would be a crush so he could slip in unnoticed; otherwise, he feared he would be denied entry at the door. How dare thetonturn their backs on him? He was an earl. Although impoverished at the moment, he hoped to turn that situation around within a matter of weeks with a wealthy heiress on his arm. Then who would dare give him the cut direct? If necessary, he would settle for the timid young Miss Putnam, even though he desired Miss Bainbridge.
His butler entered the room with a silver salver. “My lord, this has arrived for you.”
Carlisle took the note and broke the seal. His lips tipped up in a smile. The note was from Richmond, who’d requested a meeting at eleven this morning. That could only mean the duke would agree to invest in his next shipping venture. Things were looking up this morning, and with his appetite much improved, he wolfed down the plate of eggs and bacon the footman had placed in front of him.
You’ll be sorry you crossed me, Edgerton. I have Richmond on my side now.
After breakfast, he climbed the stairs and headed to his bedchamber.
His valet, Stephens, was in the dressing room and heard him enter. “My lord, did you wish something?”
“Yes. I wish the navy jacket and silver waistcoat.”
“Of course. One moment.”
True to his word, Stephens had the requested items within moments.
“I’ve an important appointment today.”
His valet merely nodded. He was a man of few words, and Carlisle appreciated his reserve. It wasn’t long before Carlisle was in his carriage on the way to Richmond’s Mayfair house. Richmond’s investment would keep his shipping venture afloat until the next shipment arrived. There was no need to inform Richmond that half the cargo would be contraband. Things were looking up and he felt better than he had in months.
Richmond’s butler opened the door before Carlisle had a chance to knock. “You’re expected, my lord. Please follow me.”
Carlisle followed the butler down a hallway lined with expensive paintings to Richmond’s study, his heels clicking on the gleaming black-and-white marble floor. Everything about the house was understated elegance. The butler announced him: “Lord Carlisle to see you, Your Grace. Would you care for anything else?”
“No, that will be all.”
The butler exited the room, closing the door softly behind him.
“Carlisle, have a seat,” Richmond said, pointing to the chair in front of his massive mahogany desk.
“Thank you for seeing me, Richmond.”
Richmond nodded. “I’ve given your proposal a great deal of thought. You’ve not had much luck with shipments lately. I understand the last two ships never made it to port.”
Carlisle swallowed past the lump in his throat. “A bit of bad luck, that’s all. I’m expecting a shipment within the next few weeks, and with your investment, I’ll be able to finance another expedition.”
Richmond held up his hand. “No need for any more explanation. I’m afraid I’m not inclined to invest in such a risky endeavor.”
Carlisle’s mouth fell open. “Risky endeavor? Richmond, you’ve been misinformed. I—”
The butler opened the door, interrupting Carlisle. “Your Grace, your next appointment has arrived.”
Richmond stood. “We’re finished here, Carlisle.”
Carlisle stood, clenching his jaw. He was tempted to argue with Richmond, but perhaps when his next shipment came in, the duke would change his mind about investing. It would not be wise to make an enemy of the powerful duke at this time.
He was escorted out and strode down the street, his hands clenched into fists. The meeting had been a disaster, and he was out of options. No one else he’d approached was willing to invest with him. Damn those last two ships. If they’d made it to port with their cargo intact, he wouldn’t be facing such a financial disaster. In the meantime, he’d have to figure out a way to get his hands on some money and fast, or he wouldn’t be able to afford to stay in London to court Miss Putnam. Even if he proposed this week, her father might insist on having the banns read, and that was three weeks Carlisle could ill afford.
Chapter 11
VIOLET SAT IN THE FRONTparlor with her mother and sister. As usual, Emma was ensconced in the corner with a book in her hands. Several of her mother’s friends had already stopped by that morning, but so far, there was no sign of Lord Alesbury. Where could he be? He’d asked to see her today, and she hoped he hadn’t changed his mind. She was just about to lose hope when the butler entered the parlor.
“Lord Alesbury to see Miss Bainbridge,” Akers said.
