“Mr. Combs?”
“Who’d be wantin’ to know?”
Molton took in the greasy-looking suit and dingy neckcloth worn by Mr. Combs, who seemed only slightly less disreputable than his linen. “My name is Molton, Edgar Molton. I have recently returned from abroad and found that my niece, who has guardianship of my younger nieces and nephews, has become a woman of loose morals. I intend to file a suit in the chancery court, but I will need a man of integrity who can stand as witness to her depravity.”
Combs straightened a little. “That would be me. Where do I find this woman?”
“Berkeley Square, Mayfair, at Stanwood House.” He stopped to see if there was any change in the man’s demeanor. A slightly feral look crossed Combs’s face. Edgar wondered briefly what it meant, but didn’t bother himself over much. What did it matter? “Her name is Lady Grace Carpenter. I have been reasonably informed that she is Lord Worthington’s mistress.”
“Ten pounds now and ten later.”
The idiot had obviously taken Edgar for a flat. “Five now and ten later. If you argue with me, my offer will go down.”
Giving him a pained expression, Combs whined, “I have me expenses.”
Edgar looked Combs in the eye. “As do I. You may accept my offer, or I’ll find someone else.”
“Right then, you got a deal. When do’ye want me to start?”
“To-morrow morning. With what I think is going on, you’ll have to watch all night and into the next day.” Molton handed the investigator five pounds. “Don’t think to run out on me.”
“Wouldn’t dream of it.” The man pocketed the money. “I’m as honest as the day is long.”
Edgar didn’t believe that for a minute, but he’d make sure the man wouldn’t cheat him.
* * *
It was still raining when Matt ushered his party out of Stanwood House and assisted them into the town coaches for the short drive to Curzon Street. Word of his and Grace’s pending nuptials had apparently spread. Lady Featherton greeted them enthusiastically and wished Grace and him happy.
He escorted Patience and their sisters to a small sofa and chairs, then strolled the room with Grace. Approaching a group of gentlemen and their wives, they were shortly put in possession of the facts surrounding the couple who’d been attempting to elope.
“Would you believe it, my dear Lady Grace? They found the couple only a day from Gretna Green.”
Grace’s lips were pressed together. “Shocking and disgraceful. I sincerely hope it is not a romantic story. Who are they, Mrs. Stanley?”
“I fear you may be disappointed.” Mrs. Stanley’s dark brows drew together. “The girl is a Miss Snow, who was to make her come out this year. The gentleman is Alvanley’s youngest, Lord William Hunt. Lord William’s not got a feather to fly with, you know how it is with all the Hunts, and the young woman is an heiress.”
“I remember being introduced to her.” Grace placed a finger on her lips. “She was at Lady Bellamny’s party.”
Matt didn’t like the sound of that. If Grace had met the young woman, Louisa and Charlotte would have been introduced to Miss Snow as well. He hoped the girls didn’t find Miss Snow’s behavior acceptable. “I had no idea Lord William was so avaricious.”
Mrs. Stanley’s eyes rounded in shock. “Oh, my, no indeed, and I would not have believed it if anyone had accused him of being a fortune hunter. It appears the two have known each other since they were children. With Miss Snow’s looks and fortune, her father wanted a brilliant match for her. She is quite a taking little thing after all.” Being at the center of attention, Mrs. Stanley glanced at the others gathered around before continuing. “I believe Mr. Snow knew of the attraction and forbade them to speak. Then it was rumored that he was trying to arrange a match for his daughter.”
“As a result,” Grace said, in a disgusted tone, “Lord William is now cast in the light of her hero.”
“Well if Mr. Snow’s daughter is an heiress,” one of the gentlemen said, “I don’t doubt he’d rather not be related to Alvanley.”
“For my money,” Matt added, “the matter was handled very poorly.”
Mrs. Stanley continued, “Mr. Snow won’t have a choice but to agree that his daughter and Lord William wed. Before he caught up with them, they were seen at an inn by Lady Cavendish.”
Grace shook her head. “Well, if that’s the case, there is no hope of keeping it quiet.”
“Indeed, my lady.” Mrs. Stanley paused and smiled. “Oh, but I’ve quite forgotten to wish you happy. It’s a very good match for the both of you. And I hear you are going to marry quietly.” She smiled knowingly. “I daresay you’ll be busy with your sisters making their come outs. Worthington, you have your work cut out for you.”
Glancing in the direction Mrs. Stanley was looking, he stifled a groan. The girls were standing with a group of several young men and women. Only the increased pressure of Grace’s hand on his arm kept him from going over and making a cake of himself. And this was only the beginning of the Season. He’d be a wreck by the end of it.
Grace inclined her head. “Mrs. Stanley, no doubt we shall see you later in the evening. Thank you for the news.”
