Page 17 of Introducing Miss Joanna (Once a Wallflower 2)

“He has no family. I’ve no idea what condition the estate is in. Reade has set about restoring it. I believe his father did not leave it in good order. As they didn’t get on, Reade left straight after university and bought a set of colors in the infantry with money left to him by his mother. A captain, he served under Wellington at Waterloo. The Prince Regent rewarded him generously for his service to the crown.”

So, her guess was correct. Reade had been in the army. It fitted, for he appeared to be a man who’d faced danger and seen much of the world. A wounded soul. Jo tamped down the desire to know more.

“Reade avoids any romantic entanglements with ladies of the ton,” Letty said. “I have seen women try to snare him, Jo. None of them captured his heart. He shows no interest in marriage. He is a good friend of Cartwright’s and mine, but I see you are interested and must again caution you against him. I should not like to see you hurt.”

“He is unlike any man I’ve ever met,” she admitted.

Letty’s eyes sparkled. “Men like Reade and Cartwright are fascinating creatures.”

It was plain that Letty loved her husband dearly.

“I have decided upon the sort of gentleman I wish to marry,” Jo said, “A quiet, sensible, home-loving man. I shall not fall under Baron Reade’s spell.”

“Oh, dear,” Letty said with a smile. “I do hope you change your mind about seeking such a husband.”

Unsure of Letty’s meaning, Jo glanced around at the elegant guests, drinking champagne and laughing together. “Are there fortune hunters here tonight?”

“Most certainly,” Letty said. “And impoverished lords with estates to maintain who must marry for money.”

“But that seems so…mercenary,” Jo protested. How would she know if a man loved her or just wanted her dowry?

“A marriage of convenience can suit both parties. A man gains a wealthy wife, a woman the title. And sometimes it becomes a love match.” She nodded toward a couple who stood close together. “The Wade’s marriage was a business arrangement. But see how fond they are of each other,” she smiled. “I’m sure London is very different to the country village where you grew up. Wealth, position, and birth rule here. You must try to keep a cool head, Jo. You wish to marry for love, and I can recommend it. But take care. Some gentlemen have a great deal of charm but are not to be trusted. I fear your father and your aunt will not easily see through them because they lack experience of London society.” Her expression darkened. “And there is a wicked side to this city one hopes never to see.”

She wondered if Letty had seen it. The grave look in her eyes made Jo suspect she might have. She’d love to ask her, and perhaps one day, she would. “Reade gave me a similar warning.”

Letty raised her eyebrows. “He did?”

“In a roundabout fashion.” He had piqued Jo’s curiosity and made her look at the gentlemen around her with fresh eyes. Reade, too. Where did he fit in the scheme of things?

“Don’t look so concerned, Jo! I didn’t mean to worry you.” Letty patted her arm. “Enjoy the pleasures London offers.” She opened her reticule and took out a calling card. “This is my address. Please send word should you need someone to talk to.”

Jo took it with a nod of thanks. “I am most fortunate to have met you, Letty.”

“I am glad we are friends, Jo,” she said. “Did you receive an invitation to the Feldman’s rout on Saturday?”

“Mrs. Millet mentioned it. What is a rout?”

“Routs are most entertaining. There will be no dancing. Guests cram the reception rooms to indulge in conversation and fine wine. There might be music and card play, with a nice supper.”

“It sounds…stifling.”

“They are less formal, and one might stroll the gardens on a warm evening.” She smiled. “But choose carefully who accompanies you.”

Jo must have appeared disheartened, for Letty laughed. “The time will come when you trust a gentleman well enough to place your safety in his hands.” She rose. “I must go, the supper dance is about to begin.”

Left to her thoughts, Jo wondered how long it would take to meet the man she would marry. To have her future settled. They were to spend only a few months in London, which would pass quickly. And if no suitor she approved of presented himself, like Cinderella, when the clock struck midnight, she would return to Marlborough. It was where her father was happiest. He chafed at the way things were done, saying he never wished to have a valet fussing over him, or an infernal uppity butler, and liked to eat his breakfast in his shirt sleeves. He missed Sooty and feared their dog was pining for them.

Although Jo loved their home and the people she had known all her life, she would be devastated to return, having failed to find a husband. Everyone who knew her, which was the whole village, had wished her well and expected to hear of her marriage. Would she soon be back in her old bedchamber, chatting at church, dancing with dull men at assemblies, and retiring when the chickens went to roost?

She wanted adventure! And she was now accustomed to London hours. It would sadden her father. He would urge her to choose a husband among those in Marlborough who had expressed a wish to marry her. Not one had sparked the remotest interest in her. So few men in London had either, except for Baron Reade and Mr. Ollerton. But Mr. Ollerton had not come to ask her to dance again. Nor had she caught sight of him in the crowd since they danced. He had promised to call on them. She hoped he would.

Lord Hislop came toward her. Jo had promised him the supper dance. She groaned inwardly. Worry creased his face into deep lines, and he perspired heavily. She rose with a smile as he approached.

Her father was leading another lady onto the dance floor. Perhaps it wouldn’t be Mrs. Millet, she thought with relief.

Reade stood with Cartwright, his gaze resting on Miss Dalrymple, performing the supper dance with that poor sod, Hislop. She looked pained, for he’d just trodden heavily on her foot. He fought a surprising urge to wrestle her away from the fellow.

“I’m told Virden was here earlier,” Cartwright said. “Didn’t see him. He never stays long.”

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