Page 11 of The Duke of Aces
“Brother, you mustn’t let anyone know I have shared this with you. And especially not Lady Isadora, who is already suspicious of my reasons for wanting to join the Wicked Ladies Salon.”
“Of course, I shan’t jeopardize your mission. I could, however, assist.”
Charlotte let out an unladylike snort. “How exactly do you believe you shall aid me in gaining membership?”
“Not gain but maintain your membership. I shall simply make it known to all that I wish for you to marry for love and only love. Given that our own parents’ union was a love match, my declaration won’t come as a shock.”
“Is that what you are waiting for? To fall in love?”
“Absolutely not.” It was Tom’s turn to adopt the defensive pose of crossing his arms over his chest. “I have decided to wed this Season, and believe that the lady will agree with me that a marriage of convenience would suit.”
Wide-eyed, Charlotte scooted forward. “Who do you intend to marry?” When he remained silent, his sister huffed and scooted back. “I see. You are only willing to trade secrets if it is to your benefit.”
“That is not at all what I wish.” Tom weighed his options. In order for his sister to trust him, he must, in turn, trust her. “I intend to court and wed Lady Isadora Malbury. If all goes according to plan, you shall be able to add matchmaking to your list of skills by the end of the Season.
“Lady Isadora? Have you gone mad?”
“I thought you would welcome the idea of Lady Isadora joining our family.”
“The Malbury siblings are extremely close. They harbor no secrets amongst them. Why would you want to risk discovery?”
“That cannot be true, or do all the Malbury siblings know of the existence of the Wicked Ladies Salon?”
“Based on the information I’ve gathered, only Isadora and Lady Minerva are aware, and it wasn’t Lady Isadora who divulged the existence of the Salon to her sister. I doubt there is anything that would prevent Lady Minerva from discovering the truth of any matter that she wishes to know. The lady possesses a keen mind and has exceptional skills at reasoning and deduction.
“Better than you?
“Aye, better than me.” Charlotte clutched her hands in her lap. “As the sister of a duke, I am fortunate to gain invitations to the most sought-after events. As a bluestocking, I can maneuver with little interference. I can gain access and form alliances in groups that most overlook. As an agent of the Crown, I have access to resources other ladies do not have. And despite all the advantages I may have over Lady Minerva, she could outwit me any day. The woman is a genius.” Charlotte peered out the window. “We shall arrive at the Malbury residence shortly.”
Tom peered out the opposite coach window. He was proud of how diligent Charlotte was, always on the alert. “I wouldn’t underestimate your skills or your abilities, Charlotte. You have risen quickly up the ranks and are now considered one of the best agents for the Crown by both the Head of the Foreign Office and your peers, which includes me.”
Charlotte tapped his knee with the tip of her fan. “Before we collect the Malbury sisters, I wish to know…” She paused, searching for words.
“Yes, what is it you wish to know, sister?”
She inhaled deeply. “Out of all the eligible ladies, why have you chosen Lady Isadora to be the next Duchess of Avondale? Especially given you spoke no more than ten words to the woman during the entire two weeks she resided with us.” Charlotte gave him the sweetest smile. The one that she knew he could never deny.
“I believe of all the ladies of my acquaintance, Lady Isadora is the most logical choice. She’s well liked, even admired by some…” He pierced his sister with a knowing look, “and she has her own plans that shouldn’t interfere with my own.”
Charlotte’s smile vanished, replaced with confusion. “You are the product of a love match, how could you wish for a marriage of convenience?”
“Love is not in the cards for me. Given the number of assignments I’m given, I believe it would be best to marry a woman who is highly independent.” He had stunned his sister into silence.
The coach rolled to a stop, and before the footman opened the door, Tom quickly said, “I shall trust you shall not disclose my intention to wed Lady Isadora until it is official.”
“Of course, brother.” Charlotte pinned him with a stare that had him frozen. “Likewise, I trust you will inform Lady Isadora of the risk she will be placing herself in should she agree to marry you.”
“Papa never told Mama until after their vows.”
Charlotte reached out, placing a hand on his arm, stalling him from leaving the carriage. “Mama loved Papa.”
“Aha…so you will agree, love only complicates matters, best to enter a marriage of convenience.”
Charlotte removed her hand and adjusted her skirts as she shuffled to the corner, making room for Lady Minerva and Lady Isadora. “All I ask of you, brother, is to promise to be honest with Lady Isadora and yourself.”
Tom exited the coach and then turned around and popped his head back in. “I promise.”
Charlotte raised her hand and swiped away the solitary tear which had escaped. “Go fetch the Malbury sisters, or we’ll be late for the race.”
