Page 53 of A Literary Liaison
“This is brilliant,” Edgar said, feeling genuine excitement for the first time in days. Suddenly, his expression turned solemn. “Perhaps I should reveal my identity to Miss Linde? I cannot in good conscience carry on with this facade. I am ashamed every time she confides in me about Steele.”
A chorus of protests erupted from his friends.
“Good God, man, have you taken leave of your senses?” Hereford’s eyes widened with disbelief.
Carlisle shook his head vehemently. “Lancaster, that would be most unwise. Consider the implications.”
Charlotte, ever the voice of reason, leaned forward. “Your Grace, I understand your desire for honesty, but revealing yourself as Steele could jeopardize everything we’re trying to achieve.”
Adams nodded in agreement. “Indeed. A wager against a duke may not be perceived as fair at all. It may upset those of lower stations. Not to mention Miss Linde feeling pressured to forfeit rather than risk humiliating a man of your station.”
Edgar’s brow furrowed. “Surely she wouldn’t forfeit so easily.”
Charlotte placed a gentle hand on Edgar’s arm. “Perhaps not, but it would undermine our entire plan. If Elisha knows she’s competingagainst you, how can she truly shine? The victory would always be tainted by the suspicion that you let her win.”
Edgar sank into a nearby chair, the weight of their arguments settling upon him. “I see your points,” he conceded reluctantly. “But keeping this secret… it feels like a betrayal of her trust.”
“Sometimes,” Adams said softly, “harmless deception is kinder. By maintaining this secret, you’re giving Miss Linde the opportunity to prove herself on her own merits, without the shadow of your title looming over her.” Adams then cleared his throat, his expression turning grave. “Speaking of deception, I took the liberty of investigating those unsavory rumors circulating about your supposed indiscretions.”
Edgar’s focus sharpened. “What did you discover?”
“The source appears to be none other than Steven Thornton.” Adams’ lips pressed into a thin line. “My investigation revealed he’s been quite strategic about it. He drops carefully worded insinuations about your character to select individuals—particularly those known for their loose tongues.”
“Thornton?” Edgar felt anger surge through him, though he couldn’t say he was entirely surprised. “The bastard.”
“I’ve exchanged some strong words with several newspaper editors,” Adams continued. “I’ve received assurances they won’t publish such unfounded allegations again.”
Hereford clapped Edgar on the shoulder encouragingly. “That’s one problem solved. Next, when Society is clamoring to be in Miss Linde’s good graces, you shall step forward as her devoted suitor.”
Edgar nodded, feeling his spirits lift considerably.
Carlisle spoke up with enthusiasm. “I suppose no grand victory party since you shall maintain your anonymity if you win, but you could have one for the public and fill the entireMetropolitanto this story to foster Miss Linde’s popularity even more.”
As the group settled back into planning the details of their scheme,Edgar felt a complex mix of emotions churning within him. Hope for the future, excitement at the prospect of elevating Elisha in Society’s eyes, and a nagging discomfort at the continued deception warred in his chest.
As they finalized the details, Edgar cleared his throat. “Speaking of unconventional matches, how fare you, my lady? Still breaking new ground in the legal world?”
Carlisle beamed with obvious pride. “Indeed she is. Charlotte’s just helped win a landmark case that’s set tongues wagging from here to Washington.”
“And how does society in America view such a contribution by a woman?” Adams asked with genuine curiosity.
“Some see it as progressive, others as scandalous. But we’ve found that popularity, rather than success, tends to silence even the loudest critics,” Charlotte replied thoughtfully.
Edgar nodded, absorbing this wisdom. “I suppose there’s a lesson in that for my own situation.”
As his friends prepared to leave, Edgar felt genuinely buoyed by the possibilities they’d outlined. “Countess, gentlemen, I cannot thank you enough for your counsel… and for dragging me out of my misery.”
Carlisle slapped him on the back with characteristic good humor. “That’s what friends are for, old boy. Now, for the love of God, shave that monstrosity off your face. You look like a vagrant philosopher.”
Laughter echoed through the study as Edgar’s thoughts turned to Steele and Lovelace’s feud. He needed to inject more heat and fire into his letters to keep the public hungry. No doubt she’d respond spectacularly. The thought made him smile.
The Duchess of Lancaster
The lantern lightsfluttered softly in Edgar’s study, casting dancing shadows across the dark paneled walls. Edgar was reviewing a ledger at his desk when his butler announced the arrival of Adams. His friend entered, his usual military bearing somewhat disheveled from what appeared to be a long night of surveillance.
“Lancaster, I have news regarding Miss Linde,” Adams said without a greeting.
Edgar straightened, instantly alert. “Speak.”
