Page 19 of The Duke of Aces
“Why would we not have received one in the past?” Tom asked.
Charlotte glanced at Isadora and then back at him. “It is an annual, private event.”
His sister was being evasive. “We receive invitations to exclusive affairs all the time. It is one of many advantages of being a duke.”
“Invitations are extended only to certain members of theton.” Charlotte glared at him.
“Lady Thornston couldn’t possibly be a member of the Wicked Ladies Salon. She’s been married for years. Isn’t the requirement of the group that members were to remain unwed?” Tom blurted, and Charlotte’s head sagged.
Isadora looked at Charlotte and then at him. “How do you know of the Wicked Ladies Salon?”
Tom returned her stare. “This is not the first year I’ve wished to lease Wembly Hall. However, it is the first time it hasn’t been already snatched up by Lady Katherine, who is now married to one of my close friends, Lord Sutherland.”
Isadora’s eyes widened. He had surprised her.
“Lord Sutherland would never have betrayed Lady Katherine. So let me ask once more, how did you come to learn of the Wicked Ladies Salon?”
“I told him,” Charlotte confessed and shifted in her seat to face Isadora directly. Hands clasped tightly in her lap, his sister continued, “I understand this places my application for membership in jeopardy, however, Avondales live by a creed, no secrets amongst family.”
“The Malbury siblings share the same belief, and while I did not share the group’s existence with my family members, my siblings still discovered my involvement with the Wicked Ladies Salon.” Isadora reached for Charlotte’s hand. “You would not have told your brother if you did not trust him. Your application is still under consideration.”
Isadora was an understanding and compassionate leader. Qualities rarely exhibited by those that wielded power. Lady Katherine had chosen wisely when selecting her successor.
Charlotte squeezed Isadora’s hand. “I’m sincerely honored for the opportunity, but no matter what the outcome, I’m a better person for having spent time with you.”
Egad, his sister was good with words.
Isadora smiled and relaxed back against the coach seat. “A formal invitation from Lady Thornston should appear on your salver in a day or two.” Isadora glanced at Charlotte. “My apologies, Charlotte, only one guest per member.”
Charlotte always hid her disappointment well, and today was no exception. He often forgot how resilient and strong his sister was.
With a smile, Charlotte replied, “I completely understand. I shall simply hope to receive an invitation next year.”
Charlotte had informed him that if she were to become a member of the Wicked Ladies Salon, she would be privy to critical intel that could assist them greatly in investigations. If all the ladies possessed similar dispositions to that of Charlotte and Isadora, he didn’t doubt the group had access to a mass of information that would otherwise be extremely hard to discover.
Isadora clasped her hands and gave Charlotte a wink. “I intend to extend this Season’s new member invitation as soon as I have secured the group’s meeting location.”
How ingenious of Isadora to diplomatically lay the delay at his feet.
Tom glanced out the coach window. They were no longer traveling through the countryside. London buildings lined both sides of the road. It wouldn’t be long before they would reach Mayfair and the Malbury residence.
When would he see her next?
Tom cleared his throat and asked, “Will you save me a waltz at Lowrington’s ball tonight?”
“Claiming another boon so soon?” Isadora faced him. Her smile was a mixture of mischief and glee. “If Minerva is hale enough to attend, I shall accompany her, and I’ll gladly reserve a dance for you, Your Grace.”
Damnation. Her continued refusal to call him by his given name, even in the privacy of his own coach was infuriating. Isadora had called Charlotte by her given name earlier, why not use his?
Chapter Ten
The collar ofIsadora’s dress brushed against the sensitive skin of her neck. She would wager a month’s worth of pin money that Tom’s eyes remained on her through the coach window as she mounted the stairs to her parent’s townhouse. With each step she took, she inhaled deeply, and only after a count of five did she exhale. Setting her emotions aside for a moment, Isadora focused on preparing herself to enter her home.
Eager to check on Minerva, yet simultaneously dreading the series of questions her sister would have at the ready, Isadora assembled her thoughts that seemed to have scattered the moment the duke had suggested a courtship. It was absurd for her to even consider the proposition for a multitude of reasons, including her recent appointment as leader of the Wicked Ladies Salon. Normally, she wouldn’t think twice about sharing the news with Minerva, who would unquestionably assist her in muddling through her new and perplexing reactions to the duke. They would discuss the matter, mayhap even laugh over the preposterous idea, but a crippling ache settled deep in Isadora’s chest at the thought of making light of becoming the Duchess of Avondale.
The front door swung open, and Mr. Morton’s serious gaze confirmed she had run out of time to dawdle. “Lady Minerva requests you join her in her chambers.”
“Her chambers?” Isadora hurried to strip off her gloves and cape and handed them over to Mr. Morton. “Has Gregory assessed her injuries?”
