The Marquis and I (The Worthingtons #4)(28)



“Boxing match. Finished not long ago.”

Bugger it. That wouldn’t make his life easier. How the hell was he to find a gentry-mort and a gent with all these toffs around? “Been here all day?”

“Na.” The boy’s eyes didn’t stay still as he scanned the crowd. “Only here to help serve. I work with the horses.”

Damn, he might catch a break after all. “Ever heard of a Lord Braxton?”

“Wish I’d never heared his name.” The boy spit on the ground. “Didn’t even give me a ha’penny for takin’ good care of his horses.”

Burt fished a guinea from his pocket, handing it to the lad. “He here now?”

“Na.” The coin disappeared. “Had a pint an’ left for London.”

Which is exactly where Burt would go. Finding a toff in Mayfair wasn’t nearly as hard as finding one roaming around the country. The mort’d be there too. Probably where he snatched her in the first place. This time she wouldn’t get away.

“Get me a pint and some food.”

Grinning, the boy ran off. Morning would be time enough to find Lady Charlotte and take her to Miss Betsy.

*

Late the following morning, Con was in the library when his mother’s butler scratched on the open door. “My lord, Lord and Lady Worthington have arrived. I have taken the liberty of ordering tea. Would you like me to inform her ladyship that Lady Charlotte’s family is here?”

“Not yet, Dalton. I wish to speak with Lord and Lady Worthington first.”

“As you wish, my lord. I shall show them in.”

A few moments later, the Worthingtons were announced. For a moment, Con was shocked to see how much Charlotte’s sister looked like her. Would her ladyship have the same aversion to him as Charlotte did? He found himself holding his shoulders more stiffly.

“Kenilworth, thank you.” Worthington turned to the lady next to him. “My dear, may I introduce you to the Marquis of Kenilworth? Kenilworth, my wife.”

“Yes, indeed.” Lady Worthington smiled warmly. “I cannot thank you enough for rescuing my sister.”

“There is no need to thank me, my lady. I assure you, any gentleman would have done the same.”

“By God, man.” Worthington held out his hand and Con clasped it. “I’m not sure anyone would.”

Lady Worthington took a seat on the sofa, and Worthington took the place next to her. Although her face was drawn, she sat calmly with one hand in her lap and the other held by Worthington. When the tea tray arrived, she poured. “Cream or milk, my lord?”

“Milk and a lump of sugar.”

While she prepared her husband’s cup, he said, “I received the letter from you, and my wife received letters from Lady Bellamny and Charlotte.” Con nodded. “When we arrived back in Town yesterday, Mr. Addison informed us that his wife was here with our sister. Naturally, I went to Brooks’s to discover if any gossip had made it back to Town.” Worthington grimaced. “It had.”

“Braxton?” Con pressed his lips together. “That was to be expected.”

“How is Charlotte doing?” Lady Worthington asked with a concerned look.

“As well as can be expected. I believe Mrs. Addison’s presence is helping.”

“I would like to see my sister now.” Her ladyship finished her tea and rose. “I will leave this discussion to you gentlemen.”

Con rang a crystal bell, and the door opened.

“My lord?”

“Please escort Lady Worthington to Lady Charlotte’s chamber. After that, inform my mother that we have additional guests.”

After the door closed, Worthington said, “In her letter, my Charlotte said she would not wed you. Although she did not mention the reason. Have you been able to convince her otherwise?”

“No.” Con held up a decanter of brandy and Worthington inclined his head. “She still maintains that any man who keeps a mistress is abusing women, and she will not marry such a man.”

“Hell and damnation.” Worthington rubbed his face with his hands. “If only there had been a way to keep the stories about the brothel from her, she wouldn’t have even known about demireps. She is—” He paused for a moment. “I cannot say she is impressionable, but she tends to still view the world in terms of good and bad.”

Con had most definitely fallen into the “bad” category. He handed his friend a glass and took a sip of his own. “I do not suppose anyone would have mentioned to her that not all ladybirds are unhappy.” Worthington raised a brow. “No, of course not.” Con took a breath. “If you have any ideas how to change her mind, I’d be happy for a hint.”

“Unfortunately, I will have to leave that up to you.” Worthington held up his glass, looking at the amber wine. “I am told you have a great deal of charm. Surely you can find a way to make yourself acceptable to her.”

“I’m glad you have confidence in me.” Con wanted to groan. “At present, I can’t even get her alone. She is clinging to her cousin like a limpet.” He took another drink. “She also thinks you will support her desire not to wed me.”

Shaking his head, Worthington replied, “That is not an option she has open to her.”

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