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“Gina is the Duchess of Girton,” Henrietta said, putting the stories together. “The woman who was engaged to your—to Marquess Bonnington.”

“Exactly. And I told you already about Carola and her husband Tuppy. They are together now and will be arriving tomorrow for a short stay. You met Helene, Countess Godwin. Her husband is utterly dissolute,” she said with a face. “Rees is now sharing the family home with a young opera singer. For a while, he had six Russian ballet dancers residing with him. Oh, and he’s Darby’s closest friend.”

“Goodness,” Henrietta said rather faintly. “Is Darby as flagrant in his personal life as his friend?”

“Oh no, Darby is discreet in everything he does. He and Rees have been friends since they were children. I do think you and Darby are very well suited. Since we are being quite frank, he needs your inheritance, and Josie needs you as a mother. I have to admit that I find that story you told Josie about little boots searching for their mama quite heartbreaking. I almost started crying in the midst of your tale.”

“That would have been a change,” Henrietta said with a touch of irony. “But as for marrying Darby, he’ll never ask me. He must believe that I am too ladylike even to consider this sheath. And I can hardly announce my understanding to him!”

“The real question,” Esme said, “is whether you wish to marry him.” She folded her hands in her lap and waited. Henrietta swallowed. “Of course I would like to be a mother to Josie and Anabel. Quite desperately, in fact.”

There was real kindness in Esme’s eyes, but she didn’t say anything.

“And I do have a fortune,” Henrietta said awkwardly.

“True. But marriage is difficult. Mentioning Carola and Helene reminded me of that fact. Are you quite certain that you would wish to marry Darby in particular? Because if you came to London for a season, we could find you a nice widower with children. In fact, I can already think of an ines-Fool for Love 177

timable gentleman, Mr. Shutts. He must have at least three small children, and—”

Henrietta discovered, to her dismay, that the very name Shutts put her teeth on edge, and so she stumbled into speech. “I should like to marry Darby. I would—I would quite like to marry your nephew.”

Esme seemed unsurprised. A tiny smile played around her mouth. “In that case, we need a plan.”

“What sort of a plan?”

“Men are fundamentally foolish and easily driven in the proper direction.” Esme dismissed the thought of Sebastian, who had ignored her explicit demand that he return to the Continent.

“I remember that your friend Lady Perwinkle wooed her husband, but I cannot woo Darby. It wouldn’t change the situation.”

“No,” Esme said with a dreamy expression in her eyes.

“You may not be able to woo him, but we can think of something. Just give me a moment.”

Henrietta waited.

Esme chewed on her lip. “The thing is,” she said, “Darby is a born rescuer. Do you know what I mean? He never paid any attention to his little stepsisters—well, who would?—

but when they were orphaned he instantly brought them into his household.”

“Did he have any other choice?”

“Yes, certainly. There are various aunts and uncles who on the face of it would have provided a better home for the girls than would a single man living the rackety bachelor life in London. But Darby would not allow it.”

“I don’t see how he can rescue me,” Henrietta objected.

“The only way a man can be forced to marry a woman is if he has ruined her reputation. So Darby has to ruin your reputation.”

“But everyone knows, and even so— why would he want to 178 Eloisa

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save my reputation when everyone knows I can’t bear a child? The two things are connected!”

Esme shrugged. “Not really. Of course, everyone will be scandalized at the idea that you behaved indiscreetly with him, and by that I mean that you bedded him, Henrietta. But as long as you marry with extraordinary speed, it will be a nine days’ wonder, and nothing more.”

Henrietta swallowed. “How am I going to get him to—to bed me?” she whispered. “Another kiss, perhaps.”

“Oh, we don’t have to go as far as that,” Esme said to Henrietta’s great relief. “We simply have to arrange for your reputation to be ruined, if you see what I mean. Then Darby will step in and rescue you!” She smiled brilliantly.