Page 77 of How to Best a Marquess

Chapter Twenty-Two

Hugh hadn’t planned on eavesdropping. He’d forgotten his hat and had returned to the club to fetch it when he spotted Ellie scamper down the stairs from her office, hurry through the casino floor, then slip out the back door.

If he weren’t hidden behind a stack of crates listening to Ellie speak with Violet Lasher, he would never believe it. From his position, he could see and hear the two women through a gap between the wooden slats of the crates.

“I had no choice but to summon you straightaway,” Violet said.

“Is it the baron? Has he found Samantha?” Ellie asked, her voice strained.

“Not yet. But he’s hired a private investigator, a man who came from St. Giles. My sources say he’s shrewd and cunning and has an uncanny ability to unearth information. Servants talk to him, whereas they won’t talk to a constable.”

“Are you worried?”

“I won’t lie. There is a good chance he may discern that the Raven Club had a part in Lady Willoughby’s disappearance, specifically that you had a hand in it.”

Ellie bit her lower lip.

Violet regarded her. “Is that a problem?”

“I…I just don’t know. It’s a dangerous proposition. We’ve never dealt with a hired investigator before. Perhaps we should go about this differently this time. Hire our own bow street runner.”

Violet looked horrified. “A bow street runner? They will do nothing and may return Samantha Willoughby back home. She will be far worse off.”

Ellie let out a breath. “You’re right, of course. This time, when Baron Willoughby returns to the club, I will be prepared.”

“And what of other women who come to me in the future?”

“I will continue to do whatever I can for them.”

Hugh had heard enough. He couldn’t believe it. Ellie would attempt to deal with Baron Willoughby and his hired investigator on her own. She couldn’t handle the baron last time, and now, the man would be even more desperate and dangerous. To make matters worse, Ellie still intended to work with Violet Lasher. Hadn’t she learned from the past? Didn’t she realize that she needed his help?

No, she’d never trust him enough. She hadn’t accepted his proposal, and finally, he understood. She’d never intended to accept.

This was what she wanted. Not him.

His thoughts were jagged and painful. He should have known. He’d lost his chance to be with her years ago, and nothing could change her mind.

His jaw clenched tight. He might never have Ellie, but he could still keep her safe.

…

Hugh ascended the Earl of Castleton’s front steps with resolve. It was the morning of the decision, and yet, he never thought he would have to make this visit. Not for this purpose. He couldn’t stop thinking about Ellie’s secret back alley visit with Violet Lasher. Both women were serious, and nothing would stop them. There was also a strong likelihood that Baron Willoughby would learn of Ellie’s involvement in the disappearance of his wife. He had no doubt that if Ellie continued with her reckless plans, things would end badly.

She could be maimed, crippled…killed.

Her actions had consequences, dammit. She had ignored his proposal, but she couldn’t continue on her path. He refused to let her.

He lifted the brass knocker and pounded on the door. Moments later, the earl’s butler stood in the doorway.

“The Marquess of Deveril to see Castleton,” Hugh said.

“The earl is expecting you later this afternoon, my lord.”

Hugh tamped down on his frustration. “Please tell him something important has arisen, and I require to have a private word with him now.”

…

The morning of the decision, Ellie sat on the outside patio and sipped a glass of lemonade instead of going to the Raven. Less than a week ago, she’d planned to study the ledgers and mentally prepare the most compelling argument for her brother and Grace. She would have left nothing to chance.