“It was rather enjoyable.” Charles walked over to the drink cart and picked up the decanter. “May I ask why you look like death?”
“I don’t look that bad.”
“I contend that you do,” Charles joked.
“I’m afraid thetonhas discovered that Miss Bentley has no dowry, and now the rumor is circulating that she intends to marry this Season, by any means necessary.”
Charles poured two drinks and replaced the decanter. “How did thetoncatch wind that Miss Bentley had no dowry?”
Roswell shifted uncomfortably in his seat. “I may have said something to Lady Persephone.”
“You said that she intends to marry this Season, by any means necessary?” Charles asked as he picked up the two glasses.
“I did say that she had to marry, but I never implied she would be willing to trap someone into doing so.”
Charles walked over and handed him one of the glasses. “Did you speak to Lady Persephone about this?”
“I did,” Roswell replied, “but I found her explanation unsatisfactory.”
“I am pleased you are starting to see her for who she truly is.”
Roswell took a sip of his drink. “She does have some redeemable qualities, though.”
“Such as?”
“She is…” Roswell’s voice drifted off as he tried to think of why he had been interested in her in the first place. Finally, he settled on, “She can pour tea quite well.”
“Bravo, brother,” Charles teased. “I am sure you would have been happy with a young woman whose only admirable quality is that she can pour tea well.”
“Fine, I admit it,” Roswell said. “You were right about Lady Persephone.”
Charles smiled. “I have been waiting ages for you to say that.”
“Now that I have, can we get back to the matter at hand?” Roswell asked. “We need a way to salvage Miss Bentley’s reputation, and quickly.”
Charles’ smile dimmed. “I’m afraid that is rather impossible. Thetonis merciless.”
“I was afraid you were going to say that.”
“Miss Bentley just needs to weather the storm until another scandal comes along,” Charles advised. “Until then, I think it is hopeless.”
“There has to be another way.”
“We could hire a matchmaker,” Charles suggested. “Lady Berkshire and her sisters have been known to take on rather difficult cases.”
“Perhaps, but none of those cases dealt with tattered reputations.”
Charles shrugged. “I suppose our only other option is for one of us to marry her.”
Roswell’s eyes grew wide. “Are you mad?”
Charles put his hand up. “Just hear me out,” he said.
“I’m listening.”
“The only way to save Miss Bentley from Lord Worthington is if she weds, and I’m afraid the pool of suitors has dried up,” Charles said. “We are her last, and only, option.”
“Do you wish to marry the chit?”
