Page 7 of The Marquess's Scandalous Game
Leopold’s mistake was not knowing what he was getting himself into. He was accustomed to thoroughly researching anything he sought: a lady, an investment, or a prized possession. Yet, on this occasion, he was ill-prepared and thwarted in a spectacular fashion. He did not like it. As far as Leopold was concerned, Miss Corbett had thrown down the gauntlet. He accepted the challenge. She appealed to him and he wanted her.
Leopold’s butler came in to announce his attorney, Mr. Lloyd, had arrived. Leopold went to greet him. He escorted Mr. Lloyd to the library, and he sat opposite Leopold’s large mahogany desk.
Once Leopold was seated, he went straight to the matter at hand. “Mr. Lloyd, I asked you here because I would like to make discreet inquiries into Baron Buckden and his daughter, Miss Emma Corbett.”
Mr. Lloyd did not raise a brow. He was the epitome of professionalism. “As you wish, my lord. What precisely would you like to know?”
Leopold paused for a moment and sat back in his chair. He crossed his feet at the ankle. “Anything and everything. If you provide me with all the details, I shall decide what is relevant.”
“Certainly, my lord,” Mr. Lloyd replied.
“Miss Corbett fancies herself a healer, so I would like to know more about these activities. Also, have any gentlemen in thehaut tonmade an offer for her hand.”
Leopold thought the attorney appeared pleased. Was he pleased that Leopold had shown interest in a lady? On closer inspection, Leopold thought he probably imagined it. Mr. Lloyd had been the family’s attorney before Leopold was even born. He was thorough and discreet. There was not much that could surprise him.
“Certainly, and Lord Buckden?” Mr. Lloyd asked.
“Most assuredly, all of his business dealings, as well as those of a personal nature,” Leopold replied.
Leopold would not be caught unaware when he made his next move. He would approach Miss Corbett again. It was just a matter of when and how. Last night, while lying in bed, Leopold’s desire had stirred in him even though Miss Corbett had embarrassed, rejected, and poured scorn on him. This had done nothing to cool his ardor. Miss Corbett distinctly mentioned that she did not wish to marry, but her parents may not agree with her assertions. Leopold must know if there were any suitors, or a paramour for that matter. He was trying his damn best to think of all the possibilities.
Leopold thought about the possible reasons why Miss Corbett would have refused to dance with him. He understood that something had changed within the short time he met her in the garden and when he approached her in the ballroom. He had come to the only logical conclusion. Miss Corbett had heard the rumors about him and readily believed them without giving him the benefit of the doubt. She did not think to ask him for his perspective.
“Is there anything else, my lord?” Mr. Lloyd raised a brow, eyeing Leopold quizzically.
Mr. Lloyd’s voice reminded Leopold that he was not alone. “No. That will be all. Thank you, Mr. Lloyd.”
The attorney excused himself, but Leopold remained in the library. As much as he was tempted to sit there and think of Miss Corbett, he had other matters that required his scrutiny. He turned his attention to a stack of correspondence that was awaiting his reply.
CHAPTER 4
Afortnight later, Leopold received a comprehensive report from Mr. Lloyd. He was rather efficient, which was one reason Leopold availed himself of Mr. Lloyd’s services. Leopold read the report with great interest. Miss Corbett’s father was heavily in debt. But why? He would need Mr. Lloyd’s services once more, but rather than inviting Mr. Lloyd to the townhouse, Leopold would go to his offices on Fleet Street. He needed to take some air. He would send a message to ensure the attorney could accommodate him.
When Miss Corbett had asked Leopold what he had been doing in the garden, he was not entirely honest with her. He could not tell her that he struggled to be among all the happy couples. Everyone else in thehaut tonseemed so joyful and untroubled. Leopold did not want to admit it, but he envied them a bit. Some would say that he should cherish everything he had rather than focus on what he did not have. They did not understand. It was not that he thought other people should not be happy; he just wanted to find his bit of bliss and hold on to it. His life had been empty for far too long, and it was about time that he felt something more than forsakenness.
Leopold felt isolated even in the crowd at the ball. Thoughts of the tragedy constantly seeped in. It was time for him to contemplate his life without this awful paradox.
Leopold would change before seeing Mr. Lloyd. As he climbed the stairs to his bedchamber, he whistled a tune. He was feeling optimistic. After considering Mr. Lloyd’s report, Leopold was certain he would enter Miss Corbett’s life in the near future in a way she could not have predicted. His skin tingled with anticipation. He was looking forward to seeing her again.
Leopold had visitedhis attorney and asked him to investigate Lord Buckden further, leaving no stone unturned. Since then, several more days passed, and now a detailed report was submitted to him this morning. Leopold was not disappointed with the information that he received, and a plan began to formulate in his mind.
Leopold smiled at his stroke of luck. Had he not discovered Lord Buckden’s secrets, Lord Bishop—the man who held the baron’s debt—would have made life very uncomfortable for the baron and, by extension, Miss Corbett. Bishop had gone as far as bragging that he would see the family ruined. Lord Buckden was a fool, and Leopold would reap the rewards of his recklessness.
Leopold was on his way to Lord Buckden’s townhouse, having sent a card ahead to prepare the baron for his visit. Mr. Lloyd was the embodiment of discretion. Leopold knew that Lord Buckden would have no notion of the reason for his visit; thus, he had the element of surprise. His equipage pulled up to the townhouse. Leopold exited, climbed the steps to the front door, and knocked. He was admitted to the drawing room, and as he sat waiting, he wondered if he would catch a glimpse ofMiss Corbett. The butler came to escort him to the library, and Lord Buckden greeted him cordially.
The baron stood from his chair and went to a table with several decanters and glasses. “Can I offer you a drink, Lord Adlington?”
“Whisky, thank you,” Leopold politely accepted.
“Please have a seat,” Lord Buckden said as he handed Leopold a glass.
“To what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?” Lord Buckden asked once he was seated behind the large oak desk.
Leopold took a sip of his drink and appraised the baron over the rim of his glass. Lord Buckden scrutinized him in equal measure.
“I lost my family, my entire family, a few years past. I am a wealthy man with no heir and must marry to protect my family’s lineage. I met Miss Corbett at the Livingston’s ball and am interested in courting her. I hope that when we get to know each other, she will agree to be my wife,” Leopold said decidedly.
Buckden sat up and his back was erect. Leopold could see that he had the baron’s full attention.
