Page 57 of The Scoundrel and the Lady

“Perhaps we should step into my carriage or back in my office for some privacy,” Merritt said.

“The rig will do,” Christopher said.

The door closed on them and the other man’s eyes flared with anger. “Do you have any notion of what you’ve done?”

“Not particularly, though the list seems to be growing today.”

“This is not a jest, Ashby. I realize you didn’t mention any of their names, but do you have any idea how much damage you could do to them should the truth get out?”

“You know about the Ladies of Virtue,” Merritt said.

“Of course I do. My sister is a member. Do you honestly think I would allow her to do such dangerous work without being able to keep an eye on her?” Chris asked.

“You are a good brother.”

“And you, sir, are a bastard.”

“On the contrary, I am a businessman. It is my job to print stories that are of interest to the public. There is not much more interesting than ladies of good breeding foiling thieves on London’s streets.”

“Perhaps, but you’ve now put them all at risk, all in danger. It was not just Iris’s reputation you were toying with.” Chris raked his fingers through his hair. “I thought you were a good sort, Ashby, but I was quite obviously wrong about that.” He opened the carriage door and stepped down. “Good day.”

Merritt wasn’t certain when the realization hit him. Sometime after Iris had left his office or after Chris had confronted him. Or maybe he’d already known, but he just hadn’t wanted to admit it. Somehow, in the midst of their time together, he’d fallen in love with her.

He’d foolishly fallen in love with the woman he’d betrayed. Or more to the point, he’d betrayed the woman he’d grown to love. Now he knew he had to convince her to marry him. Though he was still uncertain he’d be accomplished at such a thing, if she’d have him and be patient, he’d love her as best he could. But he also knew there was much to do to convince her that this was real and not simply a deception. The first step in his plan was to speak to her brother.

It hadn’t taken Merritt long to discover where Jasper preferred to spend his time. The boy favored the club Black’s, known for strong drinks and cheap games of cards. When Merritt entered the darkened club, he noted that it was similar to the other clubs in London, but there was a certain cheapness to the tables and furnishings. The entire room smelled of stale smoke and liquor. Merritt winced but moved forward regardless.

He spotted Jasper sitting in the back corner near one of the two large fireplaces. The boy leaned forward, his elbows on both of his knees, and stared into the embers, a contrite expression molded to his face.

“Jasper,” Merritt said as he took a seat adjacent the young man.

Jasper flinched and sat upright.

Merritt held up a hand. “I’m not here to fight you, if that is your concern.”

“Did Iris send you?”

Merritt shook his head. “No, she does not know I’m here.”

“What brings you back to this little piece of London? I would imagine you’re more accustomed to finer clubs,” Jasper said.

“I actually don’t frequent clubs unless it is absolutely necessary.” Though he had initially when he’d assumed the title, because the amount of gossip he’d been able to gather from a simple game of cards had been astounding. “I came to speak to you.”

Jasper motioned for Merritt to continue.

“The reason for my visit is twofold. One, I intend to marry your sister, and though I will do so with or without your blessing, it is customary to seek it from the lady’s closest male relative. That would be you.”

Jasper’s brows rose, and he leaned back in his chair, far more interested than he’d been initially.

“Secondly, if I am to be your sister’s husband, I shall expect some changes in your behavior for the sake of her well-being.”

Jasper was quiet, watching Merritt with eyes eerily like Iris’s.

“What do you have to say for yourself?” Merritt asked.

“I haven’t had anything to drink since our little rendezvous in the alleyway.”

“I suppose that’s a start.”

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