Emma walked over and sat on the sofa next to her. “If Mama persists, you must go to Charles. She won’t defy him if he approves of Alesbury.”
Violet grasped her sister’s hands. “Thank you, Emma. However, I don’t wish to burden you with my problems.”
“It’s no burden. I want you to be happy, and if Alesbury is the one you want, then you must not relent.”
ALESBURY FOLLOWED EDGERTON DOWNthe hall to his study.
“Care for a drink?” Edgerton asked as they entered the room.
“Yes. I could use one. I believe your mother quite disapproves of me. She brought Richmond’s invitation to escort your sisters to the museum to my attention during our visit.”
Edgerton poured two glasses of brandy and handed one to Alesbury before taking a seat in one of the wing chairs in front of the fireplace. “My mother can be quite forceful, but I won’t let her force Violet into a union she doesn’t want.”
“Thank you for your support. I hope to discover your sister’s feelings for me very soon.”
“Good. On another matter, I’ve received a note from Richmond. He has declined to invest with Carlisle.”
“Excellent news indeed.”
“I also paid a call on Lady Tisbury today. Seems Carlisle has captured the attention of a Miss Agnes Putnam.”
Alesbury rubbed his chin. “I’m not acquainted with the lady.”
“Nor I, but Lady Tisbury informed me this morning that she’s the daughter of a wealthy member of the gentry with a hefty dowry. The father wishes to better the family’s standing in Society, and marriage to an earl will suit his purposes admirably.”
“Should we be concerned?”
“I’m not sure, but Lady Tisbury has promised to pay a call on the young lady’s mother if it appears she’s becoming enamored with Carlisle. Our main goal was to dismantle his smuggling ring, and it appears we’ve succeeded so far, but a hefty dowry within his grasp could change everything. I’ve apprised Jeffries of the situation, and no further action needs to be taken at the moment. If and when Carlisle seems on the verge of proposing to the chit, the situation will need to be investigated again. We don’t know what he’d do with such a large influx of cash. What father would want his daughter to marry such a scoundrel?”
“A father who wishes to better his family’s standing can be quite an obstacle to overcome. Speaking of Carlisle’s operation, will you visit Blakely Manor soon?” Alesbury asked.
“Yes. I think a visit to the area is past due. I’ll talk to Courtney about hosting a garden party at Blakely. Staff has been hired for the manor and the mill, so if there are any rumblings about Carlisle’s operation starting up again, I’ll know about it. With the wages I’m offering, it would be foolish for anyone to side with Carlisle again.”
“That’s good.”
“There’s one more thing.”
Alesbury sipped his brandy. “Oh?”
“Jeffries hopes you’ll not give up operations altogether. He says it would be a shame to lose one of his best spies.”
Alesbury smiled. “That all depends on your sister.”
Chapter 12
RICHMOND CALLED PROMPTLY AT TWOto escort the Bainbridge ladies to the museum.
The butler led the way to the parlor and announced him. “The Duke of Richmond.”
All three sisters stood and curtseyed. “Your Grace,” they said in unison.
Lavinia came forward and curtseyed. “Your Grace, thank you for your kind invitation to escort my daughters to the museum.”
“It’s my pleasure, Lady Edgerton.”
“I don’t think you’ve been introduced to my younger daughters, Miss Emma and Miss Julia. Emma will be making her come out next year.”
The duke acknowledged the introduction with a bow, his eyes never leaving the young ladies. He admired Violet’s ethereal beauty, but her sister Emma was absolutely stunning with her sparkling hazel eyes and golden-brown hair. Her gaze never wavered from his, and he rather liked her boldness. It was refreshing to see a confident young lady, especially since he’d had nothing but simpering young women pushed into his path by their matchmaking mamas this Season. “Miss Emma, Miss Julia, a pleasure to make your acquaintance.”
