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

“Have you told her yet?”

“No, I can’t. She will have to see it in person. It is beyond description. What about you? Has the transition from ne’er-do-well to earl suited you?”

Was it a good idea to build up trust between him and Nora and then have it shattered at the sight of her former home? It was the last thing in a chain of things that should be revealed.

They continued to chat about the season’s entertainments, until Nora opened the door. “My lords, would you care for refreshment?” She was followed by one of the servants, carrying a tray full of foodstuffs and the teapot and cups. All the men stood and bowed.

“Lady Carlow,” they said.

“Fromme. Andover. We are happy to have you in our home.”

“Your husband tells us you are making some progress in your search for truth,” Andover said.

“What is truth? How we want things to be or how they are?” she asked.

“It cannot be both?” Andover asked.

Nora did not answer but smiled politely. Gabriel and Nora had discussed many, many things in their short marriage, but they had not talked about his friends, especially after the first indecorous meeting at the Weatherby Ball. He could speculate as to her reasons to remain aloof but surely time would sort it all out. And time would hopefully reveal the truth that Ellis and Nash were as innocent as Gabriel when it came to the Wargrove assets.

As the service was laid out, Gabriel said, “You aren’t going to join us?”

“I don’t want to be a bother. And you know how much I like tea,” she whispered, but smiled conspiratorially.

“But I have a new tea blend from Twinings I want you to try. I think you will like it.”

“They all taste the same to me,” she said before adding, “I am still working on that project you required of me.”

“You have not found anyone you like for your lady’s maid?

“Oh, I like them all, but I have a difficult time trying to imagine how I will keep one person busy every day taking care of just me. I couldn’t keep Molly busy. And I think she was even relieved she was going to stay on with Gigi.”

“My mother would be happy to give advice.”

“No, Mintz is scrutinizing every word and every action along with reviewing their letters of recommendation with a looking glass. You are not to worry. He will find someone to press my linens and fasten my buttons. I should have just asked Lady Fortenay if I could hire Molly for myself.”

“That would have been difficult for Lady Fortenay and Mrs. Brady. Don’t worry, you will find the perfect person.”

“I hope so.”

“Are you sure you don’t want to stay? The conversation is interesting, and my friends do want to become acquainted with you. Stay. I’ll send for new brew just for you.”

“Tea is tea, no matter the maker. I’ll pass. Besides, I’m going to finish Mother’s diary today, before we leave for Henbury.” She peeked around his shoulder, at his friends. “If they are staying for dinner, we can enjoy the conversation then. It’s all right. I just want it to be finished. I’ll be in my room, if you need me. Gentlemen, if you will excuse me.”

They bowed to her. Gabriel watched her walk away and he strolled to the library’s double doors, watching as she hurried up the stairs. Yes, he wanted it to be over too. He was ready to start a real life with her.

Just as he was about to look away, the front door opened. Timothy burst in, disheveled, worn to the bone and obviously disturbed. He ripped off his top hat, dropped a small valise on the floor and confronted the doorman, saying, “I need to see Lady Carlow. It’s urgent. I’m her brother,” he said.

Gabriel approached him. “Lord Wargrave,” he said.

Timothy stared right through him. “Oh, Carlow. I need to see my sister.”

“She just retired to her room. Is there something I can do for you? Did something happen while you were in Reading?”

“No. I just need to talk to Nora.”

Gabriel waved to the footman. “Can you show him up?”

One thing was clear: something had happened in Reading.

* * * * *

When Timothy burst in, Nora set aside her mother’s diary, reading a few more pages and learning the depth of her mother’s desperate and unrequited love for Exeter. And the foolish way she demeaned herself for a man who only used her. For it was now clear to Nora that Exeter had wooed her for a single purpose.

Timothy sat on a ladderback chair, head down and forearms braced against his knees. Nora feared his transition to manhood was not going to be easy.

“Timothy, you are frightening me. Did something happen between you and Cecily?”

“Nothing happened with her.”

Nora paced. “I could be at this the rest of the day if you are going to make me guess.”

“I was a complete embarrassment to the Blasington name, to the earldom, to you, me.”

“I am happy to tell you that it is impossible to be a further embarrassment to the Blasingtons. We have hit rock bottom and are only just now reaching level ground.”

“Don’t try to be humorous. This is serious.”

“Was Cecily unkind?”

“She wasn’t allowed to speak with me except in the most public of settings. And there were others in attendance, obviously vying for her hand. I was a pariah. An outcast.”

Nora sat on the mahogany sofa with its heavy yellow upholstery. “Maybe it is for the best.” How to soothe his hurt? How to keep from wounding his already dented pride?

Timothy jumped to his feet. He swiped his hand through his messed hair. “For the best? You can say that now that you’ve