Toying with the collar of his shirt, he cleared his throat. “As a matter of fact, Cowasj will be my guest.”
A shock of stillness went through Pearl. The answers to her questions could be close if she accepted Christopher’s—well, Benedict’s invitation. She could also clear her name and prove she had nothing to do with the bankruptcy.
“As I said.” A self-satisfied smirk played on Benedict’s lips.
“And as I said, it’s not a holiday or a celebration.” Christopher’s tone was final. “It’s business.”
But maybe with a little push . . .
“What do you think, ladies? Would you like to join us?” Apparently, Benedict missed the menacing vibe coming from Christopher.
Julia touched Pearl’s arm lightly. “I don’t think we can come. We’d impose too much on the earl’s generosity.”
Yes, but Pearl must find her father. “I’d like to go,” she blathered out.
Julia’s fingers on Pearl’s arm froze. Christopher’s nostrils flared. Only Benedict smiled.
“It’ll be the perfect occasion to . . . know Lord Lyons better,” she added, aware that her words sounded as fake as her great-aunt’s teeth.
But it could work. Amelia didn’t need to do anything. Pearl would make her goodbye speech to Christopher after the holiday. She’d learn the truth about her father, and Amelia would be free to marry whomever she wanted. It was the perfect arrangement.
“Gentlemen.” Julia put her napkin on the table and rose. “Would you terribly mind giving us a moment?”
Benedict and Christopher stood up.
“Of course not.” Christopher took Benedict’s elbow and shoved him towards the door not too gently. “We’ll leave you alone while I have a chat with my friend.”
A shiver ran down Pearl’s neck at his words. It sounded like ‘a chat’ meant a good stab in the stomach.
Despite the fact that Christopher was limping, he crossed the room with a confident stride while dragging Benedict with him.
When the door shut behind Christopher’s massive build, Julia folded her arms across her chest. “Are you out of your mind? You aren’t supposed to go anywhere. This should be your first and last contact with Lord Lyons.”
Pearl held up a palm. “I really need to meet Cowasj.”
“Oh, please.” Julia pressed her fingers on her temple. “Don’t tell me you’re one of those husband-hunters who wishes to marry the Indian prince.”
It was better if Julia believed that Pearl was romantically after the prince than tell her the truth about her father.
She sank her teeth into her bottom lip. “I have to go.”
Let Julia believe whatever she wanted. Pearl didn’t have to give her any explanation.
“I can’t believe it. You’re putting Amelia and me into a very awkward situation. This wasn’t the plan.”
“You don’t have to come. Miss Cherrywood will find me another chaperone.”
Julia paced on the Oriental rug. Her gaze lingered on the chair where Benedict had been sitting. “Miss Cherrywood can’t find another chaperone that can be trusted with Amelia’s secret. We can’t involve too many people. I need to think about it.”
Pear didn’t. Her mind was made up. She’d meet Prince Cowasj . . . and spend a few days in the company of a brooding, intriguing earl.
