Page 12 of How to Best a Marquess

“Meanwhile, do you plan to continue your work with Violet Lasher?” Olivia asked.

Her sister knew about her efforts. Olivia never judged, and Ellie was grateful for her confidence. Olivia’s sense of adventure had aided Ellie. “I do. It is too important to set aside while I beat the Devil Marquess at his own game.”

“Good. I’ve met a friend. Lady Willoughby.”

“Baron Willoughby’s young wife?”

“Yes. Lady Willoughby…Samantha, as I call her…is my age. I had sent her an invitation to join me for afternoon tea. The baron appeared in the vestibule and caused quite a commotion. He insisted on seeing his wife. I believe he thought she was having a secret liaison. Samantha paled at the sight of her towering husband in the parlor doorway. I actually feared she would faint from fear. He fetched her in a most ungentlemanly way by grasping her arm and ushering her to his carriage.”

“You think Lord Willoughby hurts his wife?”

“I do.”

“Do they have children?”

“Thank heavens, no. Not yet. I suggested she attend the Raven Club with me one evening. She adamantly refused. She probably fears her husband will learn of her visit and punish her.”

Her sister’s words weighed heavily upon Ellie. Her breath turned shallow, and she swallowed the sudden lump that appeared in her throat. “You have done all you can.”

Olivia paled. “I dread it is not enough. If my suspicions are correct and harm befalls her, I fear I will never forgive myself.”

If Ellie had any say, that wouldn’t happen.