Midnight Jewel (The Glittering Court #2)(43)

“I liked the looks of that one.” Beatrice beamed at that until Theodore added, “But I’m open to others if there’s a big enough price difference. I’m overdue for a wife, you see, and I intend to make sure I choose one worthy of my station. I make the finest rum and whiskey in all the colonies, you know.”

“Oh, yes,” said Jasper. “I’m well aware. Everyone knows your exceptional business.”

I believed Jasper. In fact, I believed he probably had a good idea of how much Theodore earned, down to the last coin. He spent a lot of time researching Cape Triumph’s well-to-do citizens.

“A respectable businessman needs a respectable wife,” added Cedric. It was a line he used all the time. “And it’s a good thing you’ve come to speak to us early. I mean, we aren’t brokering any deals yet, but we’ve had many, many inquiries.”

Jasper nodded along with his son. “I expect most of these girls to be spoken for before the opening ball is even over. We have fewer this year, you know. So unfortunately, some men are going to be disappointed.”

A small frown was the only sign of Cedric’s displeasure at the subtle reference to the Gray Gull, but he was still quick to play off his father’s lead. “That’s why making an early decision is going to be so critical. Those who delay are going to miss their chance. Why, we’ve even heard of men already moving assets and taking loans for their fees—isn’t that right, Father?”

“Absolutely. Of course, the girls have all season to choose, but if presented with an early, respectable proposal at our debut gala? Especially with surety money involved?” Jasper shrugged eloquently. “Well. I doubt these jewels are going to wait around.”

The Thorns would often try to upsell callers on a more expensive girl, but a line of delicate questioning soon revealed that Beatrice was right at the top of Theodore’s price range. So Jasper and Cedric went to work, pitching her hard and extolling her virtues and—of course—beauty.

“When is your opening ball?” he asked nervously. “I have an important trip to make to Bakerston in the morning. One that I can’t reschedule. I’ll be there for two days.”

“The announcement isn’t official yet, but I can say that you’ll have just enough time,” Jasper told him conspiratorially. “But don’t extend your trip.”

Theodore lit up. “I won’t, I won’t. And I’ll start looking into my accounts today.”

A trip to Bakerston. One he couldn’t reschedule.

My heartbeat quickened. It was exactly the kind of information Grant wanted: movement from a man under suspicion because of mysterious trips.

With everyone in the house so preoccupied watching our suitors, it was easy to slip off later on and sneak outside to the porch. “Hey,” I said, beckoning one of the mercenaries. “Do you know where Aiana is?” I didn’t know how else to locate her, especially since we weren’t supposed to have met yet.

The man hesitated, knowing the rules about talking to us. “No. It’s her day off. Now get back inside.”

My heart sank. I couldn’t expect Aiana to be at my constant beck and call, but it made using her as a go-between with Grant difficult. How critical was the information about Theodore Craft? Pretty critical, if he was leaving in the morning.

Before I could really ponder what to do with this problem, high drama swept the house when Warren Doyle, the governor of Denham’s son, arrived. Every girl in the house crowded close to the railing, trying to get a better look at the parlor meeting below. I could understand the buzz. Warren was handsome, polite, and quick to inform the Thorns that he’d actually just been appointed governor of his own new colony, Hadisen. Several girls near me clasped their hands in excitement. One offered up a prayer.

But it was in vain because Warren had already decided on one girl and one girl only: Adelaide. A visibly eager Jasper snatched the pitch from Cedric, rather than engaging in their usual volley.

“She is certainly incomparable,” Jasper said. Warren hadn’t just admired her from the decks; he’d also quickly learned about her excelling at every subject. Jasper again hinted that the ball was close and that Warren wouldn’t have long to wait before meeting her. Warren’s reaction was a little different than Theodore’s.

“I don’t really need to meet her,” said Warren. “I’m sure she’s exceptional. And I’d like to seal a marriage contract now.”

Cedric, who’d said little in the exchange, flinched. “That’s not . . . how it works. The girls meet all potential suitors in our social season. Then they choose.”

“I don’t want to risk losing her to someone who might woo her with a lot of flash and no substance,” Warren told him. “I’ll put out a price to make it worth your while for removing her early—one I might not be willing to match if I have to wait. One thousand gold if you do the deal right now.”

It was an unheard-of price. I heard gasps around me. Adelaide remained silent, but that was because she was holding her breath. Or maybe she just couldn’t breathe at all. I think there was a very good possibility Jasper might have changed the Glittering Court’s rules then and there if Cedric hadn’t been so adamant in his stance.

“It would be a breach of our normal policy,” admitted Jasper. “But I’m sure, given the circumstance, there’d be no harm in her at least meeting him now and—”