Hardly a Husband (Free Fellows League 3)

Jarrod frowned. "You do realize that if I go around London contradicting Lord Dunbridge it's tantamount to calling him a liar."

"He is a liar," she insisted.

"Yes, he is," Jarrod agreed, "but my pointing that out in public may result in his calling me out in order to save his honor."

Lady Dunbridge pursed her lips. "Can you best him?"

"Yes."

"Then there's no reason to worry," she said.

"Perhaps not," he replied, "but I'd prefer not to engage in a duel in order to save my honor or protect your niece's."

"That's understandable," Lady Dunbridge agreed, "and we wouldn't want that either. Especially if there's the slightest chance that he could best you, because we're already in mourning."

"And…?" Jarrod was curious to see where Lady Dunbridge was leading him.

"How many calling cards and invitations do you think we'll receive while we're here?"

"Very few."

"Unless the powerful, well-connected, and well-respected Marquess of Shepherdston lets it be known that the late Reverend Simon Eckersley's last request was that his daughter find a suitable husband from among the members of the ton."

"Was that his last request?"

"In a manner of speaking," Lady Dunbridge hedged.

Jarrod leveled his gaze at her. "In what manner of speaking?"

"Simon professed a desire to see her happily wed."

"Close enough."

"Then you'll make it known that we're doing what Simon wanted?"

"I'll let it be known." He hesitated a moment, then reached across the table and covered her gloved hand with his own. "Rest assured, Lady Dunbridge, that I am a man of my word. I will use what influence I have to see that you and Sarah are invited wherever there are young men seeking wives."

"Thank you, Lord Shepherdston." Lady Dunbridge stood up. "I knew we could count on you to do the right thing."

"I am glad I can be of service," he murmured, standing up and bowing low over her hand.

"There is one other small matter," Lady Dunbridge drawled.

"Oh?"

"Sarah and I will require an invitation to Lady Garrison's gala tonight…"

"Ma'am…" He clenched his teeth.

"And an escort." Lady Dunbridge smiled at him. "To go about town alone will only add fuel to Reggie's lies and provide him with an excuse to stand at our side and legitimize his fiction," she said. "Having you as our escort would do just the opposite."

"Lady Dunbridge, I — "

"Oh, thank you, Lord Shepherdston, I knew you would understand."

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Chapter Fifteen