the remainder.”
Lowery nodded his agreement. “You must know even though he is too impetuous, Fowler has your best interest.”
John savored the small victory. “I prefer your having my best interest. The duke is likely to speak for his wife’s sister rather than the Swenton name.” His heart lurched: His words spoke of betrayal. John shook off the encroaching maudlin. “I would claim one more favor of you. This one is for Miss Neville, Lady Swenton’s companion.”
Lowery smiled secretively. “The one you hired to keep you informed of Miss Aldridge?”
A faint answering smile curved John’s lips: Something about Miss Neville always made him feel a bit odd inside. “The very one. Miss Neville is quite intelligent and very opinionated. She reminds me of Lady Lowery.”
Sir Carter laughed easily. “Heaven forbid there is more than one Lucinda Rightnour Lowery in the world. If such a woman exists, then I must have the lady’s acquaintance. How may I serve your Miss Neville?”
Although he enjoyed the idea, John protested, “Miss Neville would not appreciate your referring to her as belonging to any man.” He paused to gather his thoughts. “Miss Neville’s father Eoghan Neville is an archaeologist and preserver of antiquities. For the past seven years, Neville has served in one capacity or another under Thomas Bruce and Giovanni Lusieri. He went missing some eighteen months prior. Miss Neville accepted my offer of a position in Satiné’s household in order to use the settlement I offered to hire someone to search for her father. The lady has searched for a lead, but doors are often closed to a woman.”
“I have connections to Lord Elgin, but I believe Lusieri is out of the country. I will send out overtures and inform Pennington of why I mean to question Lord Elgin.” Lowery stood to leave. “No matter what the issue, John, please know I remain your confidant. Promise you will seek me out. It is not necessary for you face the world alone.”
John frowned. “If my marriage brings scandal, it could ruin your career, Lowery.”
The baronet chuckled. “Lady Lowery once used that possibility as an excuse as to why she could not accept my proposal. Tomorrow, she will host several of the most influential of England’s political powers. One never knows…”
“The duke has already added Lady Swenton and me to your guest list. Hopefully, Lady Lowery can manage three more,” John said sheepishly. “I am certain Lady Swenton will wish to flaunt her new position by having Miss Neville as part of your group.”
“Yes, the duke sometimes forgets his dukedom does not extend to Huntingborne Abbey, but I would have made the invitation. I wish you to have my wife’s acquaintance so you might heartily congratulate me on my intelligence.”
John said sagely, “And I request the same acknowledgement from you.”
*
Isolde sat in a dark corner of the duchess’s favorite sitting room and observed her mistress and the baroness’s sister. She saw no reason for her presence, other than the baroness liked the idea she had a paid companion and the duchess did not. From her limited observations, she thought the sisters were very much of the same nature. All of which the two spoke was fashion and titles.
“A baroness!” The duchess said fondly, but from Lady Swenton’s expression, Isolde’s mistress had not been pleased with the distinction.
“It is nothing compared to your and Cashémere’s titles,” Lady Satiné had said a bit too testily, “but the baron’s protection came when most required.” She said wistfully, “There was a time I had thought to know much more.” Isolde had strained to hear the conversation. She held no knowledge of Lady Swenton’s acquaintances prior to Isolde’s coming to serve the girl or of the identity of the child’s father, but it seemed important to learn all she could. “Yet, it was not to be.”
The duchess had snarled, as if in displeasure. “I was certainly
Lowery nodded his agreement. “You must know even though he is too impetuous, Fowler has your best interest.”
John savored the small victory. “I prefer your having my best interest. The duke is likely to speak for his wife’s sister rather than the Swenton name.” His heart lurched: His words spoke of betrayal. John shook off the encroaching maudlin. “I would claim one more favor of you. This one is for Miss Neville, Lady Swenton’s companion.”
Lowery smiled secretively. “The one you hired to keep you informed of Miss Aldridge?”
A faint answering smile curved John’s lips: Something about Miss Neville always made him feel a bit odd inside. “The very one. Miss Neville is quite intelligent and very opinionated. She reminds me of Lady Lowery.”
Sir Carter laughed easily. “Heaven forbid there is more than one Lucinda Rightnour Lowery in the world. If such a woman exists, then I must have the lady’s acquaintance. How may I serve your Miss Neville?”
Although he enjoyed the idea, John protested, “Miss Neville would not appreciate your referring to her as belonging to any man.” He paused to gather his thoughts. “Miss Neville’s father Eoghan Neville is an archaeologist and preserver of antiquities. For the past seven years, Neville has served in one capacity or another under Thomas Bruce and Giovanni Lusieri. He went missing some eighteen months prior. Miss Neville accepted my offer of a position in Satiné’s household in order to use the settlement I offered to hire someone to search for her father. The lady has searched for a lead, but doors are often closed to a woman.”
“I have connections to Lord Elgin, but I believe Lusieri is out of the country. I will send out overtures and inform Pennington of why I mean to question Lord Elgin.” Lowery stood to leave. “No matter what the issue, John, please know I remain your confidant. Promise you will seek me out. It is not necessary for you face the world alone.”
John frowned. “If my marriage brings scandal, it could ruin your career, Lowery.”
The baronet chuckled. “Lady Lowery once used that possibility as an excuse as to why she could not accept my proposal. Tomorrow, she will host several of the most influential of England’s political powers. One never knows…”
“The duke has already added Lady Swenton and me to your guest list. Hopefully, Lady Lowery can manage three more,” John said sheepishly. “I am certain Lady Swenton will wish to flaunt her new position by having Miss Neville as part of your group.”
“Yes, the duke sometimes forgets his dukedom does not extend to Huntingborne Abbey, but I would have made the invitation. I wish you to have my wife’s acquaintance so you might heartily congratulate me on my intelligence.”
John said sagely, “And I request the same acknowledgement from you.”
*
Isolde sat in a dark corner of the duchess’s favorite sitting room and observed her mistress and the baroness’s sister. She saw no reason for her presence, other than the baroness liked the idea she had a paid companion and the duchess did not. From her limited observations, she thought the sisters were very much of the same nature. All of which the two spoke was fashion and titles.
“A baroness!” The duchess said fondly, but from Lady Swenton’s expression, Isolde’s mistress had not been pleased with the distinction.
“It is nothing compared to your and Cashémere’s titles,” Lady Satiné had said a bit too testily, “but the baron’s protection came when most required.” She said wistfully, “There was a time I had thought to know much more.” Isolde had strained to hear the conversation. She held no knowledge of Lady Swenton’s acquaintances prior to Isolde’s coming to serve the girl or of the identity of the child’s father, but it seemed important to learn all she could. “Yet, it was not to be.”
The duchess had snarled, as if in displeasure. “I was certainly
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