Page 55 of A Marquess' Season of Secrets
“Perhaps we can speak on this another time,” said Nash. “I have just realised that I have ... things to do.”
Isabella’s eyes widened just a smidgen, but it was enough to communicate her surprise at his sudden request.
“Of course, Your Grace. I shall take your tray and be on my way.”
She stretched for it, briefly showing the red line on her hand where a piece of glass had cut her some weeks ago. It had healed well, but Nash didn’t like knowing that she was carrying things with her injured hand.
He had it in mind to take the tray from her before common sense got the better of him and kept him in his seat. Isabella gave another curtsey at the door and exited, leaving Nash to his troubling thoughts.
If Isabella had indeed been to Almack’s, a place that only the privileged could attend, that could only mean that she was a well-born lady with social standing. However, it left him with the question of why no one was looking for her. No parent of means would leave a stone unturned in the search for their daughter.
He should have heard something about a young lady’s disappearance by now since it had been some time since he brought Isabella to the house.
None of this was making any sense to him, but Nash had no further time to think about it when his sister flounced into the room with a great big smile on her face.
“Good day, brother dear,” she greeted.
“I have not seen you enter a room like that in years,” Nash remarked, smiling. “What has made you so happy? Has the matter with your friend been resolved?”
Ellie rolled her eyes. “Daphne is a tad melodramatic. I did warn her that Alistair was not remotely interested in her, but she refused to take my advice. I have just spent an entire day and night consoling her, but that is not why I am happy.”
It appeared that Nash was right after all. “I’m sorry to hear that Daphne has had yet another heartbreak,” he said politely for the woman’s sake, although she wasn’t anywhere nearby to appreciate the comment.
“Well, I am not,” Ellie declared. “I warned her that I will not ride to her rescue if this should happen again, but let us not waste more time on this matter. I have already given all the attention I can give to it. What I wish to discuss is our need for a dinner party.”
“Why the sudden need?”
“To find eligible women,” said Ellie. “The carriage ride home was enough time to realise that having a dinner party and inviting all the eligible women of our circle is the best solution to finding your wife. Is that not an excellent idea?”
Nash inwardly groaned. That was the last thing on his mind, and he would rather tackle this topic on another day, but he had stated that he was actively searching for a wife. Going back on his word might affect Ellie’s decision on moving ahead with her wedding.
“I’m open to whatever suggestions you might have,” he finally told her.
“Splendid!” Ellie exclaimed before her face took on a faintly sinister expression. “Why don’t we ask Isabella to help me organise the party? She has such amazing talents, after all. Reading, arithmetic, speaking French, playing the pianoforte— have I left out anything?”
Nash tilted his head and regarded his sister with suspicion. “This is the last thing I would expect you to suggest. I find myself questioning your intentions.”
“’Tis true that I do not like her, but I can allow her to prove herself to me,” his sister replied. “If she can organise a praiseworthy dinner party, then I simply must admit that she is as special as you say.”
“I have never said that she is special,” Nash protested.
“Oh, well, perhaps I have taken liberties of your high regard for her, but I think it is all the same. Have you ever spoken so highly of our other servants?”
“Most certainly! Why, I complimented Cook on her delicious roast beef just yesterday, and I told Johnson that I have never had anyone shine my shoes quite as he does. I compliment our staff regularly.”
Ellie shrugged one shoulder. “Well, perhaps you do, but we can argue it’s not the same thing. However, I do not wish to nit-pick over such an insignificant matter. What is important is organising this dinner party, and I believe Isabella is just the woman to help me do it. She may even put the whole party together on her own! Wouldn’t that be something to behold?”
“It certainly would be something,” he muttered.
Ellie had ulterior motives, of that Nash was certain. For that matter alone, he wanted to insist that she discard the dinner party idea. Furthermore, Nash didn’t really like the idea of his sister discussing a party that would include potential bride candidates with Isabella. It seemed wrong somehow.
However, saying no to involving Isabella would raise his sister’s suspicion, which he was reluctant to do so, especially when Ellie had been so vocal about his inappropriate interest in the woman. Nash simply had to agree that his sister was reasonable about the situation and that Isabella would likely be a great asset in planning the party.
“You are rather silent, brother dear,” said Ellie. “Have you nothing further to say?”
“I’ll discuss the matter with Isabella a little later,” he told his sister.
“Why should we wait?” Ellie asked. “We can call her right away.”
