Page 77 of A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Heirs

Line cast. Bait taken.

Once Lydia had scurried off,Victor escorted Aunt Kitty back to her seat with the other widows. Noticing Davies lurking around the refreshment table next to the Duke of Ashton, Victor caught Nash’s eye as he finished his dance with the Duchess of Ashton. Perfect timing.

Victor pulled out his pocket watch and tilted his head in the direction of their target. As Nash escorted Her Grace back to her husband’s side, Victor moved to join them. The natural turn of events couldn’t have been more perfect.

Victor bowed before the duke and assumed a position allowing him to discreetly watch Davies from the corner of hiseye. “Your Grace. Thank you again for sharing this special night with Miss Merrick and me. We’re honored by your presence.”

Davies chuffed an obviously derisive laugh.

Perfect. He could hear them clearly.

His back toward Davies, Ashton gave a wink. “How are the investments going, Nash?”

“Not as well as I’d hoped. We’ve taken on some heavy losses due to labor issues with the railway development. However, I have a new lead here in England that might be of interest to you. You as well, Pratt. Consider it an early wedding gift.”

“Oh?” The intrigued tone of Ashton’s voice couldn’t have been more sincere. “I’m not much of a gambler, as you well know.”

“This is no fool’s bet. And the proceeds could fund your clinic for years. Although I’d like to keep my investments close to home in America, this is too good to pass up. So I’ve contacted my old solicitor to handle things for me.”

“Pray tell.” Ashton lifted a hand in encouragement.

As Nash lowered his voice conspiratorially, Davies inched forward, his face a mask of focused attentiveness. “Excitement is growing with the anticipated opening of the L&MR later this year.”

“The Liverpool and Manchester Railway?” Victor asked, genuinely curious as to where Nash was going.

“Exactly,” Nash said. “And there has been increasing interest in building a line linking London and Birmingham and also with the L&MR. They’re keeping things very hushed at the moment, but I have a contact who is selling shares.”

“And do you trust him?” Ashton asked.

Davies edged nearer. Two more paces and Ashton would tread on him.

A gleam appeared in Nash’s eyes as they flickered toward Davies doing his utmost to appear interested in his glass ofratafia. “As much as I trust anyone. If I provide his name, you must promise to keep it in strictest confidences, Ashton. You, too, Pratt. They wish to limit new investors to half a dozen, and they’re only accepting investors with deep pockets.”

“Of course.” Ashton nodded. “You have my word.”

Victor joined in. “Mine, as well. The information will go no further than the three of us.”

With great solemnity, Nash spoke the name, “Harry Hudson.” He then jerked his head up as if only then noticing Lord Felix. “What do you want, Davies? This is a private conversation.”

“Pardon?” Davies turned, his expression as if Victor and his companions had materialized out of thin air. “Were you saying something to me? I’m afraid I was off in a world of my own.” He made a great act of scanning the room. “Ah, I have yet to dance with your betrothed, Pratt. And there she is without a partner for the next set. And for the waltz, no less. If you will excuse me.”

Victor’s body stiffened. How could he have been so careless to not realize it was time for his next set with Juliana? “Oh, no, you don’t, Davies. That dance is mine.”

Nash laughed. “You’d better hurry. I see Middlebury approaching as well.”

Damn.Victor mumbled a hurried, “Pardon me,” as he pushed past several guests to reach Juliana just as the orchestra was striking up the first notes of the waltz.

With a tap to Middlebury’s shoulder, Victor wedged his way in front of him. “This dance is mine, Middlebury.”

Juliana’s lovely blue eyes twinkled as Victor pulled her into his arms. “Thank you for rescuing me. I was worried you’d forgotten.”

“Never.” He pushed back the guilt, knowing he’d almost done just that.

The playfulness in her smile vanished. “Although I saw you speaking with Lord Nash and the duke. Is all well?”

“Oh, that. Yes. Yes. Nash dropped a bit of information in earshot of Davies, and I was just there to assist.”

Her eyes widened. “You’re helping Nash?”

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