Passionately Yours (Hellions of High Street 3)
“Lord Strathcona is not one to let his emotions get the better of him,” said Caro.
Or so she hoped. Stirring the fires with Thayer had not been a wise strategy. But perhaps Alec’s show of anger could be turned to good use in any plan to trap Thayer into revealing his perfidy.
An idea was beginning to take shape in her head…
“That may be, but I, for one, am not overly anxious to face him when he is flexing his fists in such a menacing manner,” said Andover dryly as he watched Isobel’s brother stalk toward them. “Do you ladies mind if I cower behind your skirts?”
“You should be safe enough, Andy,” replied Caro, leaving off her own plotting for the moment. “You are far too nice for anyone to want to punch you in the nose.”
“I’m not sure I would want to wager on that.” Andover discreetly edged back a step.
Not that she blamed him. Alec’s scowl was cold enough to freeze the fires of Hell.
“Bloody bastard,” he muttered through his teeth.
Andover coughed.
“Sorry. Forgive me for using such language in front of you ladies,” added Alec gruffly. “But Thayer is—”
“A bloody bastard,” murmured Caro. “Yes, yes, but…”
She paused in frustration. Anxious as she was to hear what news he had learned earlier in the day, she thought it best for the moment that Thayer not see them conversing together. But saying so might stir suspicions with Isobel and Andover.
Thankfully Alec seemed to be thinking much the same thing, for he quickly finished her sentence. “Yes, but I ought not spoil the evening by bloodying his beak.”
“It wouldn’t be wise,” she agreed.
Boom! Boom! The crowd by the refreshments burst into applause as a rainbow of sparks filled the sky.
“True.” He watched the myriad points of light fizzle and dissolve into the darkness. “So I pray that you will excuse me if I take my leave from these festivities. I find I am in no mood to make merry.”
Without a glance at her, Alec turned on his heel just as another explosion filled the air and walked off.
Caro heaved a sigh of relief—though a touch of annoyance shaded her breath. Any confidences would now have to wait until Alec could contrive to set up a private meeting.
And knowing his sentiments about sharing his thoughts with her, she might be waiting until Doomsday.
But perhaps there were other ways she could help to counter the threat against him and his sister.
Whether he wished her to do so or not.
Chapter Nineteen
Upon waking the next morning, Caro was anxious to spring into action. The only trouble was, she hadn’t quite formulated a plan. And as she knew it was dangerous to go running off half-cocked, she made herself dress unhurriedly and go down to the breakfast room.
Perhaps several cups of strong tea would stimulate some ideas.
“Mrs. Mifflin is hosting a card party this evening,” announced her mother, on looking up from sorting through the morning’s mail. “I do so love a good game of whist, though it is a pity that she serves a very watery punch instead of champagne.”
“You are supposed to be taking the medicinal waters, not punch or wine, Mama.”
“Oh, pffft! What fun is that?” exclaimed the baroness as she tore open another invitation. After a moment, a smile spread over her face. “Why, this is even better! Wrexham’s elderly aunts—you remember Lady Hortense and Lady Alois from Olivia’s wedding—are renting a manor house just outside of town for the coming month. They arrived yesterday.”
Yes, unfortunately Caro did remember them. They were very sweet, hard-of-hearing old spinsters with a great fondness for cards and fine French claret. The earl’s sister had remarked that her gracious townhouse in Mayfair felt as if it had been turned into a gaming hell for the duration of the visit.
“And I am invited to come keep them company for this first week!” The paper fluttered, mimicking the happy sigh. “Three friends have accompanied them from Yorkshire, so with me filling out the numbers, we shall make three pairs. But you—”
“Oh, you know I have no patience for card games,” said Caro quickly. “I am sure Isobel and her aunt would be happy to have me stay with them while you enjoy a respite in the country.”