She lifted her eyes. “Since I know you’re not a complete imbecile, I shall refrain from answering that I was dancing.”
“You said youneverdance.”
“I danced with you.” Augusta paused a fraction, as if considering the matter. “Ah, but of course that was different …”
He frowned.
“You forced me. The other gentleman did not.”
“Lady Augusta?—”
“I am teasing you, Lord Dunham. Does no one dare tease you, or are you the only one allowed to indulge in such behavior?”
“I am not in the mood tonight,” he snapped. Nor, it seemed, was he in the mood to picture some gentleman’s hand at the small of her back, or his gaze lingering on her bodice.
“Oh? Bit of a headache? Knee throbbing? Ribs feeling a touch sore?” she inquired with feigned innocence.
“It’s my patience that is frayed. Dangerously so. I should like to get down to business,” Marcus replied in a scathing tone. “That is, if you are not too busy having a good time.”
She folded her hands primly in her lap. “Then pray, do go on, sir.”
“I think I am in need of a glass of champagne first. May I fetch you something as well?”
“Yes, thank you. I shall spend the time that you are gone thinking of something creative to do with it.” She ran an appraising eye down the length of his person. “Let me see, burgundy and forest green—no, a splash will never show to best advantage on your waistcoat. But the cravat has possibilities. Could not you have tied it in a Waterfall for tonight?”
The earl had to choke down a bark of laughter.
Augusta smiled on seeing his scowl disappear. “That’s better, sir. It is much too intimidating trying to converse with you when you are wearing such a menacing expression.”
“Why is it I have a feeling that precious little intimidates you, Lady Augusta?” he murmured. “Most especially not my phiz, menacing or otherwise.” He signaled to a passing footman and returned in a moment with two glasses of champagne.
“Now that you have been coaxed out of your sullens, may I ask what it was that had you looking as if you wanted to plant someone a facer?”
He took a long swallow from his glass. “I suppose I was a tad out of sorts because I was thinking of someone from whom I have not heard in some time.” On seeing the look on her face, he made a wry grimace. “It is notthatsort of acquaintance. It is merely a good friend, someone I trust and whose wise counsel and insight I miss.”
Augusta’s face became rather pensive. “I, too—that is, I think I understand what you mean, sir. It’s so rare that we may be honest and forthright with our feelings, and so to find someonewith whom we can share our thoughts, with no fear of censure or ridicule, is special indeed.”
The earl stared at her, suddenly wondering just what sort of thoughts were hidden behind those intriguing hazel eyes. To his surprise, he also felt a slight stab of jealousy at the fellow lucky with whom she might choose to share them.
The intensity of his gaze caused her to drop her head in some confusion. “I … I hope that all is well with your friend and that you hear from him soon.”
For a moment she studied the tiny bubbles in her glass as if wondering what odd chemistry produced such effervescence between the two elements. “I take it you have had a chance to read the papers I gave you. What do you make of them?” she asked abruptly.
He moved closer to her chair and turned his back to the line of dancers capering through a lively country dance. “I assume you are referring to the columns listing transfers, dates and amounts of money?”
She nodded.
“Well, he seems to be talking of wheat, corn and rye.”
“Yes, but his estate raises only sheep!” she said with a note of barely contained triumph. “Those headings could be a code for something else. I have read of such things in … a book.”
One dark brow arched up. “The Dark Lord of Trieste? Yes, I’ve read that one too. Really, Lady Augusta, so youdoprowl the aisle with the horrid novels.”
“I never said I didn’t read them,” she muttered.
He gave a slight chuckle. “Well, in this case I am afraid that wheat means wheat. You see, Becton has just entered into a partnership with a Cit to trade with the Americas, though he’d cut off his right hand before he would ever admit it to his friends. You saw the condition of his garden, hidden away from the public eye. His father drained the family coffers and though he’sbeen struggling to keep up appearances, he’s in desperate need to replenish them. So, by teaming his connections with certain people in Boston with the merchant’s money, the two of them have a decent chance of being successful.”
“How did you find out about it?”
