An Inadvisable Wager (The Curse of the Weatherby Ball Book 2) by Eliza Lloyd (the best novels to read txt) 📕

past six months, and I’ve never written a single correspondence to her or her family. There, now I have explained.”

“An unrequited love. You’ve probably broken her heart.”

“Probably, but that is the very definition of unrequited. I did not return any affection.”

“Will that be how our acquaintance ends?”

“We are not acquainted. We are married. And it wouldn’t be my intent to break your heart under any circumstance.”

“You misunderstand. It will be you with the broken heart because I would never allow myself to be placed in such a position. Besides, between us, it is business.”

“Is it now? That kiss you just gave me wasn’t very businesslike. Explain that.”

“There is nothing to explain,” Nora countered, using his exact words.

Exasperated, Carlow rolled his eyes upward, then led her to the large group on the floor.

They danced one reel, after which she was breathless with excitement. She wasn’t sure if it was the dance or the way Carlow looked at her each time their hands joined. Or if he was right about a silly kiss. Because it was silly. And it was just a kiss. And why would any woman who knew her worth be swayed by such a kiss?

Afterward they strolled along Exeter’s lengthy indoor promenade, which was filled with the finest in heirloom paintings, sculptures and other objet d’art. A thought struck her, for which she felt shame—she was getting a better education out on her own without Gigi correcting her at every turn. But wasn’t that Gigi’s goal? To prepare her for such a time as this?

“Carlow, would it not be appropriate to obtain a contract for Henbury Hall? It seems you are respected in the ton and I’m sure your word is good.”

“But you would feel better if our agreement were in writing? Is not a vow in front of the clergy sufficient?”

“For that part of the agreement, yes. For the part that’s most important to me, no. God and his angels weren’t present when we made the original agreement.”

“None can say you don’t wrestle for what you want.”

“When there is no one to do it for you, when it is your only option…”

“What about your brother? Or Lord and Lady Fortenay? They surely have your best interest in mind and would prevent scoundrels like me from taking advantage?”

“Henbury Hall is my grail. No one else’s.”

“How lucky I am that I was the one to inherit, completely oblivious to the treasure that came with the hall and estates.”

“You don’t need to spin pretty compliments. I am your wife. I will share your bed eventually. I just need assurances.”

They stopped at the far end of the corridor, alone for the time being. “Nora, what makes you think Henbury Hall isn’t rightly mine? I inherited it from my father.”

“Who stole it from mine.”

“Stole? How?”

“The property wasn’t entailed. My father was in a desperate situation. Somehow, they lied to him, pressured him unduly.”

“But how? Title transfers require a signature and witnesses. If your father had no final will and testament, he would have had to sign a deed. Are you saying your father’s signature was forged?”

“Perhaps. I just know. I know here,” she pressed her hands to her heart, “that he wouldn’t give away Timothy’s birthright and leave me without a dowry. Not even my mother’s jewelry. What father would do that?”

“You’ve answered your own question. Your father was desperate.”

“Carlow, don’t you see? If he had sold the property, there would at least be money. If he had sold the horses, the book would reflect it. If he had sold the mines, again, there would be money. But there is nothing. Nothing!”

“Would your father have done something with the funds? Perhaps placed them with a bank or other institution that might one day be distributed to you or your brother?”

“We would have been told. Lord and Lady Fortenay would have known.”

“Why hasn’t your brother taken up this fight?”

“He’s not of the same mold as I am. He lets life happen to him.”

“And you don’t.”

She sighed and looked up at him. “I can’t believe I am telling you this, of all people.”

“You mean your husband?”

“No, I mean one of the Wicked Three: Carlow, Andover, and Fromme and Rode.” Two couples strolled toward them. The women arm-in-arm, the men carrying drinks. “I’ve said enough, and I’ve solved nothing.”

He took her hand to his sleeve again. “Nora, would it not be better if we stayed in London until we know more?”

“I need my home. I need to know what happened. I’ve waited all these years.”

“I’m humbled that you’ve trusted me enough to tell me your position, but I don’t want you to be disappointed if the truth turns out to be something simple, like he sold the property and he misused the money.”

“Your father never said anything? He never said how or why he got the property?” she asked.

They took a couple of steps before he replied. “My father lost some of his mental faculties toward the end of his life. This scar,” he drew a line down the side of his face, “was the beginning of the end of what I would call his normal life. He said many things. None of which I would place any stock.”

“I’m sorry. I didn't know. Would you…would you mind if I talked with your friends? I was angry when I approached them before. They might know part of the story.”

“Let me think about it. In the meantime, let us return to the ballroom and make some new acquaintances for you. Or we can visit Exeter’s buffet.”

“The buffet would cause less gossip. But if you want to dance, we can find your mother and I can sit with her while you entertain the ladies on the ballroom floor. Maybe Miss Talbot would like to dance.”

“Or