AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Byron decided not to respond. While he knew plenty of people in London, he wasn’t familiar with Lady Cadwalader. He supposed he would become familiar with her soon enough since the duke was in awe of her.
“The ladies in the group haven’t decided if I can be a member yet,” Lady Eleanor told her father. “I only listened to them one time at that tea party.”
“You mean, you talked with them,” her father said.
She shook her head. “No. I listened. Well, I did say who I was and answered a couple of questions, but I mostly listened while they talked.”
Her father gave her an encouraging pat on the arm. “You mustn’t say that. I have no doubt they thought you were a delight. They did ask you to an informal dinner party next week.”
Byron noted the way she grimaced, but her father failed to notice it. Byron wondered what the grimace was for. Did she feel inadequate in social situations, or was she dreading the upcoming dinner party?
“Lady Eloise used to lead the esteemed group,” the duke told Byron. “After her dismissal, the Duchess of Ravenshire assumed the head role. There was a brief time she was sharing the role with a lady married to one of Lady Cadwalader’s relatives, but that lady and her husband are no longer in London. They moved to America. One of her cousins made it rich in transportation, so he went to work with him.” His eyes grew wide, and he turned to his daughter. “You need a gentleman to escort you to the dinner party, don’t you?”
Her cheeks grew pink. “I don’t know anyone but you who’d take me.”
“Nonsense. We have the Runner.” He gestured to Byron. “He can be your companion for the evening. It’ll be a good way for him to see what happens when you’re in a private social situation. Then he can compare that to how things are when you’re in a public social situation.”
“I think that’s a good idea,” Byron agreed.
“Ladies of Graceis well established,” the duke told him. “You don’t want to give away why you’re there. I’d prefer for those in attendance to assume you’re a suitor.”
“I won’t mention the fact that I’m a Runner,” Byron said.
The duke didn’t hide his relief. “I’d hate for word to get out that someone might be trying to kill my daughter. If there is a murderer, it would be easier to catch him if he didn’t know we’re aware of him.”
Byron nodded. “I agree. I’ll pretend to be her suitor.”
“That will take care of the dinner party,” the duke said. “Now that you’re going to watch my daughter, I’d like for her to attend Mr. Jasper’s ball. He is highly influential at White’s. Everything he touches turns to gold. I benefit greatly from his financial wisdom. I’d love for him to marry my daughter, but alas, he is already wed. I’ll have to fill out my daughter’s dance card to make sure she has sufficient partners. I want you to come with us. It’ll give you a good chance to see if anyone there seems suspicious.”
“When is this ball?”
“Tomorrow evening.” He paused. “I don’t mean to be rude, but do you have attire that is suitable for the wealthier social engagements?”
Byron glanced down at his clothes. He had thought his outfit was already fitting for being in this section of London, but the expression on the duke’s face let him know it didn’t match up to the standards of the Ton. Ignoring the warmth that threatened to come up his neck, Byron said, “I’ll wear better clothes tomorrow evening. The clothes I have on now is what I wear when I’m masquerading as a Runner.” He winked to show he was joking, and though Lady Eleanor laughed, the duke didn’t seem to realize he’d made the comment in jest.
“I’m glad you can get better clothes,” the duke replied. “It’s important you fit in, or else people will figure out why you’re really around my daughter.”
“I’ll make sure no one finds out about this arrangement.”
Her father smiled. “I feel much better already.” His gaze went to his daughter. “Do you feel better?”
“I wasn’t worried to begin with,” Lady Eleanor replied. “I don’t think anyone’s trying to harm me. Those things that happened to me were just a coincidence.”
“It’s more than a coincidence, but don’t you worry.” The duke patted her arm. “I’ve hired the best man for the job. Soon, all of this will be over. If you’ll excuse us, I’m going to see our guest out.”
The duke gestured for Byron to leave the room with him, so Byron offered her a good-bye then headed down the hall with her father.
With a glance back to make sure his daughter wasn’t following, the duke whispered, “She’s trying to be brave for my sake. It’s a thoughtful gesture but also foolish. One can’t blame her for being naïve. If it were possible, I’d keep her from the dark side of life forever.”
Having seen all he had, Byron thought that was for the best. While he had told his sister about some of the things he had investigated, there were a few he’d never share with her. Two situations in particular even made him shiver. It was to his benefit he’d been born with a strong stomach.
“Thank you for coming by,” the duke said once they were at the front door. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
With a nod, Byron headed out of the townhouse. Now he had to tend to the first order of business: getting clothes that met up to the duke’s standards.
