Page 18 of Lady Frederica and the Scot Who Would Not
“Hmm…” Blythe replied, studying him. “Not Lady Frederica?”
It had been a mistake to drop the formality regarding Frederica in front of his sister. Blythe knew him too well and was too insightful and meddlesome.
“Did something happen between you and Freddy on the carriage ride home, on which you strangely insisted you accompany her?”
His body hardened with the memory of what had happened. “No. Now let’s return to you and your impending betrothal.”
“To return to me, we must revisit Freddy.” Blythe served him a needling smile. “I would have thought you would be interested in the bargain I made with her.”
He was interested—too much so, in fact—which was why he was trying not to think upon it. But it was useless. Blythe was correct. He needed particulars so that when he spoke with Frederica the following night at the ball, he could ensure she understood whatever had been agreed upon was no longer. “How is it you became so chummy with Frederica without my knowing it?”
“Well, you’re very busy, aren’t you? She came back to Covent Garden even after you told her not to, so somebody had to make sure the nob didn’t get herself killed.”
“That was very generous of you,” he said, smirking. Blythe had a good heart, but he also knew his sister was cunning. One did not survive the streets of Covent Garden without knowing when to seize unexpected opportunities.
Blythe smiled. “Well, she was trying to do good for the Cyprians, and you know I have a special place in my heart for their plight.”
He nodded. “As do I. Go on.”
“I had been contemplating for quite some time how I could help make your life safer, and it occurred to me, after spending time with Freddy and listening to her talk about the business dealings of her father, your partner Carrington, and the many other lords she knows like your partner who make aboveboard investments in businesses in Covent Garden, it occurred to me that you needed more proper investors and less unsavory sorts so that you have the courts looking out for you.”
“I look out for myself, Blythe, but I agree that it would be preferable to buy out any investors from my clubs who have ties to unlawful activities, and I’ve been working toward that, which was why I initially brought on Carrington.”
“It’s taking too long,” Blythe said with a fierce frown. “The best way to speed it up is for me to wed a lord. That way, you will be proper by association with me.”
He didn’t think it would work exactly that way, but he also didn’t want to tell Blythe that and have her change her mind about wanting to wed a lord. It perfectly suited the plan he’d already put into motion to find her a titled man of means who was above reproach. “How did you think Frederica would fit into this plan?”
“I need to have someone who is already entrenched in the good graces of thetonto introduce me into the circles. I also need some polishing.”
“Just a bit,” he agreed, to which Blythe glared at him.
“Freddy thinks it was her idea, but really, it was mine.”
He frowned. “I’m afraid I still don’t know what idea you’re referring to.”
“Oh!” Blythe chuckled. “Freddy’s been teaching me to be a lady, and I’m teaching her how to survive in Covent Garden.”
“Has she given you many lessons?” He was thinking of how Blythe had wiped her mouth with her hand earlier. He would have thought Frederica would have told her not to do such a thing. He had to admit, the idea of Blythe receiving etiquette lessons was brilliant, and it had not even occurred to him.
“Well, we’ve focused mostly on her so far, but she has been nagging me about my language. We were supposed to work more on my lessons this week, but now you’ve forbidden her coming to Covent Garden…” Blythe gave him a hopeful stare.
“No,” he said. “What have you taught her?”
“Bookkeeping. She wants to live on her own here, and she wanted a way to earn a living. She’s really quite good with numbers, Gabe.”
“She cannot live in Covent Garden.”
“Whyever not? You could hire her as your bookkeeper. You will need one, after all,” she said. “I’ll be far too busy being a lady.”
“She wouldn’t survive here, Blythe, and you know it.” Never mind the fact that the woman stirred something carnal in him.
“Idon’tknow it. Perhaps she would, perhaps she wouldn’t. But either way, why should we force her to live in a world she detests? If we do that, then we’re acting no better than all the people that tried to force us to live as poor beggars simply because we started that way.”
Blythe’s words hit a nerve, but he couldn’t relent. “I’ll find you another tutor,” he said. “I’m sure Carrington’s wife would be more than willing.”
Blythe stood, upturning the glass she had set by her leg, which Gabe lunged for and caught before it hit the floor and shattered. As he set it down on the ring ledge, Blythe said, “I don’t understand you, Gabe. You act as if you’re afraid of Freddy!”
Maybe he was. He’d never before reacted to a woman the way he had to Frederica. He couldn’t act on his desire, and he wasn’t entirely sure the control he’d always been able to count on in all situations would hold when confronted with the temptation she presented.
