Loving a Fearless Duchess: A Historical Regency Romance Book(30)
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Nash was guided to the private room Edward had arranged at White’s. After ordering breakfast, Nash grabbed the coffee pot and poured.
He looked at Edward. “I had a sleepless night last night. Between Henry’s stupidity and Penelope, I ended up giving up sleeping and decided to stay awake. I went to my study and reviewed my investments.
“I’m going to talk with Wilson about selling me the investment portfolio that Avery has shares in. Wilson can take cash, or he can buy shares of my investments, whatever he wants. I studied the standard contract last night. I, as the lead and coordinator of the investment portfolio, have full rights to do what I wish. I would make sure Avery and all his investors make the same return as the Wilson investment would. His payout will be the same. But, in the short term, I would own him.”
“That’s brilliant,” Edward said with wide eyes. “Wait until Avery finds that out.”
Nash grinned. “Wait until he finds out I never knew about his investment until Henry told me.”
But then he sobered and looked at Edward. “I experienced something last night that I would like to experience every day in my future.”
Edward put up his hand to stop Nash. “I don’t want to hear about you and my sister kissing.”
“No, I could tell you about that, but I won’t. Nor will I ever.” Nash paused and smiled. “Last night she and I were standing around in a small group of people. We were laughing, and people were telling stories; Penelope told about the dog that got loose and was chased by several gentlemen until he was caught.
“I turned and looked at her and at the people we were chatting with, and I realized Penelope wasn’t hesitant to speak and draw our attention to herself, and the people around us treated her like a person without a scar. No one stared at it. No one prompted their spouse to look. No one acted weird around her.
“She had more fun at the musical for Patrice Dunham then she’s had any time I’ve been with her.”
Nash looked up at Edward. “This could work. She could be happy. We could be happy.”
Edward sighed. “Which brings us to the second revelation last night. Avery is in on it. He not only knows Henry’s trying to break you up … he put the plan in place. I didn’t stay up all night last night like you did so if you can tell me, why does Avery want to break you two up?”
Nash ate, ignoring Edward’s question for a minute. When he reached for another scone on a plate between the two of them, he looked almost surprised.
“Sorry. How long was I somewhere else besides in front of you?”
Edward shrugged. “Longer than it took to answer my question, shorter than I needed to jab you in the shoulder with my finger.”
Nash sighed and wiped his mouth with his napkin. “My guess, from about three o’clock this morning, was that he could keep Penelope quiet, and I know so little about what Henry has done that if we were a married couple, Penelope might tell me more Henry stories. Then, it wouldn’t be just the dog and the sheep. It would be the dog, the sheep, the animals in the woods, the village children, and so on.
“He can’t contain me, but right now, he has a better chance of keeping me in the dark about a whole host of other incidents. What do you think, Edward?”
Edward leaned back in his chair and took his coffee mug with him. “The only question I have along those lines is does it really matter how many incidents there are swept under the rug? Of course, you and I think they all matter, but will others? Is it all about his image?”
Nash put his elbows on the table and leaned in. “One time, maybe even two times, you can explain away the behaviour we’re talking about. Not much more. I think it’s about image, but I think people become sceptical of a man whose private life and public life are so different. It doesn’t feel good if you’ve had the wool pulled over your eyes. I think it would hurt him politically in this town. Who would want to serve next to him in the House of Lords? And, of course, the subject matter is salacious, so the news would spread quickly.”
Edward leaned forward. “So one or two incidents are acceptable for looking the other way, but multiple incidents are too many to ignore. You’re the threat of exposing multiple incidents. Henry was an only child and would inherit the dukedom from his father one day. If he were declared incompetent, all lands, income, and title would revert to the Crown. The Crown would appoint a new Duke as a reward to a loyal subject as well as garner a guaranteed vote in the House of Lords. Isn’t anyone she marries the same threat?”
Nash grimaced. “Yes and no. If she were to marry a different Duke with a good reputation and no qualms about taking on Avery, then yes. If she were to marry a milquetoast of low or no nobility, or easily manipulated by Avery, then no. All he has to do is find a penniless noble who is a drunk or a gambler, and his problems go away.”
“Wow. I should try staying up all night to solve my problems. What do we do?”
Nash massaged the back of his neck with his hand. “I don’t know. Avery could be out looking for someone who fits the description right now. I’d take her to Gretna Green today if I thought she’d let me. I don’t know what to do.”
The waiter came in to clear their plates and bring more coffee. Nash asked for another plate of scones. He looked up at Edward.
“I don’t know what to do. I’m afraid any day now he’s going to announce her engagement to someone she will be horrified to live with for the rest of her life.” Nash hesitated a moment. “Edward, I don’t want to pry, but I never understood this before. Why are you not her guardian?”