Page 87 of Embracing the Earl (The St. Clairs 3)

“She wouldn’t leave without telling me,” Rachel insisted weakly.

Luke released his sister and raked his fingers through his hair. “It’s got to be those damned rumors. She was upset before. About her father’s death. She overheard he’d been murdered. She hadn’t known that.”

“Oh, that must have been awful for her,” Rachel said.

“She also has this notion that thetonwon’t accept her because she owns and runs two businesses,” he continued.

“Caroline mentioned the same to me,” Evan said. “I tried to dissuade her of the notion.”

“There was more to it, though,” he said. “Something that she wasn’t telling me. I was determined to get to the bottom of it when I saw her tonight.”

Rachel snorted. “If anyone can clue you in as to what rumors are flying about, it would be the dreaded Three B’s.”

“Then I need to confront them,” Luke said, determination filling him.

“You can’t do it in front of a ballroom full of guests,” Evan pointed out. “That only works with romantic declarations of love.” He smiled at his wife. “You’ll need to find a private spot to do so.”

“Jeremy can help there,” Rachel said. “He can ask Viscount Wilson. A viscount would never turn down a simple request from a duke needing privacy.”

“Then let’s go to the St. Clair townhouse,” Luke said. “It’s on our way.”

They quickly went to the carriage and drove the short distance, finding Jeremy and Catherine emerging from the front door in their ballroom finery. Luke flung open the carriage door and hurried to his brother.

“Caroline’s gone missing. I need your help. Ride with us.”

On the way, he filled the pair in. Once they arrived and went through the receiving line, Jeremy told Viscount Wilson he had the need to attend to a brief bit of business and wished for a quiet place to do so. The viscount summoned a footman who led them to a small parlor off the ballroom.

“Everyone stay here,” Luke said. “I’ll retrieve the Three B’s. I saw where they were lurking.”

“I’ll go with you,” Jeremy said. “They may require some ducal persuasion.”

The men approached the trio, surprise obvious on their faces, as Jeremy asked them to accompany him. They did so without any question. His brother shot him a look, one that said being a duke had its advantages. Once inside the room, Luke closed the door. No one invited the Three B’s to sit.

Knowing he’d frightened Rachel’s maid with his harsh tone, he did his best to remain calm and said, “You three seem to always know the current gossip bandied about. Tell me what’s being said about Lady Caroline Andrews.”

Immediately, Lady Bettina’s eyes fell to the ground and Lady Betsy crossed her arms protectively in front of her as she stared off to the side. Only Lady Bethany, the obvious ringleader, stared up at him in defiance.

“Do you truly want to know, Lord Mayfield?” she asked.

“I do.”

Lady Bethany sniffed. “First, her return to London and debut into society has dredged up the gossip of her father’s murder. Everyone knew of the earl’s gambling and whoring. What’s now come to light is the possibility he was... a sodomite.”

Luke held his tongue and merely nodded at the woman.

“There is a certain group within thetonthat finds having Templeton’s daughter at events unsavory. Especially now that she’s gone and become the owner of that little teashop and bookstore.” Her nose crinkled in disgust. “It’s simplywrongfor anyone in thetonto be involved in trade. And when it’s a woman? She is not wanted at society events.”

So far, he hadn’t learned anything he didn’t already know so he pressed her now. “What else, my lady? Surely, there’s more.”

She swallowed and said, “I would think that would be enough, Lord Mayfield.”

Lady Bettina’s head whipped up. She stared at her friend as Lady Betsy’s jaw fell open.

“Tell him, Bethany,” Lady Bettina urged.

“No.”

“Then I will,” Lady Bettina said. She looked at Luke, pain in her eyes. “A portion of theton—a very small group—has been spreading rumors. The Duke of Everton danced with Lady Caroline at his ball and he dances with no one but his duchess. That’s what started the gossip.”

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