Page 16 of The Scoundrel and the Lady

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“You mentioned you are leaving the office early today,” Rand said, interrupting Merritt’s thoughts. “Considering you are normally the first person to arrive and the last to leave, I am curious. Is this about that chit?”

Merritt refused to take Rand’s bait. This thing between him and Lady Iris was a business agreement and nothing more. “As a matter of fact, it is. While meeting and conversing with her, and subsequently seeing her in action at a ball, I realized that Lady Iris could be precisely the person to help introduce Lucy into Society.” He set aside the segment he’d been editing. “You could knock on the damned door every now and again instead of simply barging into my office.”

Rand rolled his eyes heavenward then fell into the chair across from Merritt. “You’ve asked her to help you with Lucy?”

“I have.”

“I know you feel as if Lucy needs this. Though, if you ask me, there is nothing wrong with your sister.”

That sentiment was not surprising, considering Merritt had suspected Rand fancied her and had for the better part of two years. But Lucy was an earl’s sister now, and she wanted the life that went along with it.

“She is going to do this out of the goodness of her heart, and all the while she believes you’re single-handedly leading her brother astray?” Rand asked. “Are you not concerned that she will sabotage this to prove her point? This woman can’t possibly be the only option.”

“I found one woman, but she backed out, remember? The others…” Merritt shook his head. “I know too much about them. I don’t trust them. Lady Iris has an excellent reputation, and she’s not that much older than Lucy so it is more likely that Lucy will be receptive to her instruction.” He leaned back in his chair and considered his friend’s concerns. “Because she is so worried about her brother, she will understand the protection of a younger sibling and be careful with Lucy.”

“Your sister’s reputation is a lot to put on this one woman that you don’t know very well,” Rand said.

“In any case,” Merritt waved his hand as if to clear the air. “I made her a proposition. A wager. I agreed to pass off anyone of her choosing as a gentleman some place in London of my choosing, and she will, in turn, instruct Lucy.”

“That sounds more of a bargain than a wager,” Rand said.

“Yes, well, there is more. If I fail, she wants me to retract the articles.” He looked pointedly at Rand. “Though, I have not yet agreed to that. We are meeting this afternoon. She is bringing her man by my home, and I shall begin my task. I suggested her brother, but she insisted she already had someone in mind.”

Rand chuckled.

“What?”

“Sounds as if you’ve gotten yourself into quite a wager. You should agree to the girl’s terms. You’ll be able to pass off anyone as a gent, as you said. You’ve studied these people for years, so if anyone can do that, ’tis you.”

Chapter Four

Two hours later, Merritt stood as Lady Iris was introduced into his study. He was surprised when she came in alone.

“Please, sit.” He stepped around his desk and waited until she had lowered herself onto one of the leather chairs before he did the same. “Did you change your mind?” he asked once his butler had left the room.”

“No, I did not.”

“Where is your man, then? Did you give him my address?”

“There is no man.” She clutched her reticule to her. “I had a better idea. You said you could pass off anyone as a gentleman, correct?”

“Yes,” he said, though he felt slightly uncertain as he eyed the pretty Lady Iris.

“Very well, then. My proposal is that you pass me off as a gentleman.” She tilted her delicate chin up ever so slightly.

That, he hadn’t been expecting. “You can’t be serious.”

“I can and I am.”

“Have you completely taken leave of your senses?” he asked.

“No.” She frowned. “And why does everyone keep asking me that?”

He considered her carefully. She did not look as though she were deranged. And yet, she’d lost her wits. She wanted him to pass her off as a gentleman? The idea was absurd. He shook his head. “The wager is off.”

“Then, you admit that you cannot do it?” She crossed her arms over her chest. “That sounds like a forfeit to me.”

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