The seventeenth day of March, 1817, Brownly Manor, Northumberland
My dear Constance,
I am happy to be able to inform you that M is doing well and beloved by all in the area. I depart in the morning but shall have this letter sent by messenger, so that it will arrive before I do. Soon it will be time to put the restof our little scheme in play. It is a shame young people need so much help these days.
All has been quiet here. and M appears to be safe. Have you heard anything of the ogre?
Your dearest friend,
A. Bellamny
Bridgewater House, London
Constance Bridgewater and her dear friend Lucinda, Dowager Viscountess Featherton, were sipping tea in Constance’s parlor when a knock came at the door.
“Your Grace.” The footman bowed. “This came for you by messenger.”
Constance flashed a grin at her friend as she took the proffered message. “Thank you.”
Once the young man left, she broke the seal off the letter.
Lucinda moved to the edge of her chair. “Is it from Almeria?”
“Yes.” Constance read the letter out loud, then handed it to her friend. “I knew Mary would carry it off.”
“Yes indeed.” Lucinda glanced up. “This is excellent news.Haveyou heard anything about the ogre?”
“No.” Constance shook her head slowly. “I spent most of the autumn and winter leading Gawain Tolliver a merry chase. Eunice’s children have reported seeing a strange man around who answers Gawain’s description.”
“How are they taking Eunice’s absence?”
“Most of them think she is with me. Even if they don’t, they may be dull, but they are not at all stupid. They know Mary has been persecuted by that cousin of hers and something is afoot. Eunice has had her correspondence sent to her solicitor, who forwarded them on.” Constance sat back in the chair. “Have you told your son yet?”
“In a roundabout way. Well,” Lucinda gave a sly smile, “truthfully, not everything. In fact, none of the details. I merely said I was looking for a good match for Kit. Although Featherton is in agreement that Kit must marry, and soon, he is fond enough of me to allow my folly, as he calls it.” Lucinda took a sip of tea and sighed. “My poor daughter-in-law would not be at all happy if she knew we werearranging a match. She would be extremely angry if she knew the details. I believe she is better left in the dark for the time being.”
“I take it she still doesn’t know the part you played in her marriage?” Constance chuckled. “I understand. I don’t think Barham has figured out that I arranged his nuptials. Fortunately he didn’t ask why I needed a few of his larger footmen in addition to mine. Ha! They all want to make their own love matches these days, but they will see. We old women know what we are about. An arranged marriage with love is the best option of all.”
Once again a knock sounded at the door. “Another letter for you, Your Grace.”
Constance took it. “From Eunice.” She perused the contents. “Mary plans to come to Town to husband hunt. Eunice will stall her as long as possible, but we need to send Kit up there sooner rather than later.”
“I agree.” Lucinda bit into a small cake. “I cannot wait until Kit and Mary realize they are just the thing for each other. I do think this is the best match we’ve planned so far.”
“Indeed, my dear. After all these years, finally our two houses will be connected by more than friendship.” Constance smiled to herself. “As soon as Almeria returns, we’ll spring the trap.”
CHAPTER FOUR
Kit stood motionless as his valet, Piggott, adjusted the back of his jacket. Easter had come and gone, and the Season was in full swing. Kit barely had a moment to himself these days, and still not one likely marriage prospect in sight, nor had he seen hide nor hair of Lady Mary despite diligently searching Polite Society’s entertainments without arousing unwanted interests. He heaved a sigh.
“Busy day, sir?” Piggott asked.
“Not as bad as some. I’ll take luncheon at my club, after which I am promised to my grandmother. She’s expressed a desire to be driven in my new curricle.”
“The dowager, sir? In your curricle?”
The corner of Kit’s mouth twitched in an attempt to curve into a smile. He was certain Piggott’s jaw would have dropped, were such a display not beneath any valet of quality. “Don’t sound so scandalized. She’s not a day over seventy. Been full of fun and gig her whole life.”
“Yes, sir. So I’ve heard.”
