Jacquie D'Alessandro Read Free

that’s why I recommended you. You’re tenacious and unrelenting when it comes to ferreting out the truth. And thanks to your ties to the museum and your association with the, ahem , exalted likes of me, you have access to both Society’s finest and persons of, shall we say, more humble origins. People would be far more inclined to confide in you than a Runner, and your presence at these types of soirees doesn’t raise a brow, as a stranger’s or a Runner’s would.”
    “Yes, that is to my advantage,” Andrew agreed. “It has been my experience that clues are often inadvertently revealed during casual conversations.”
    “Well, I’ve no doubt of your success. I only hope that revealing this Charles Brightmore’s identity puts a stop to this damnable Ladies’ Guide . I want that book pulled from the shelves before Meredith manages to secure a copy. My lovely wife is by far too independent as it is. Keeping her in check already requires nearly more energy than I can muster.”
    “Yes, I’m certain that it’s your beautiful wife’s independence that drains your energy.” His gaze skimmed over Philip in a pointed fashion. “You do not appear to be suffering overmuch at her hands. But fear not—I intendto unmask this Brightmore person. I’ll not only have the pleasure of exposing the charlatan, but the money I’ll earn doing so will help further my campaign with regard to your sister. I have every intention of giving Lady Catherine the luxury to which she is accustomed.”
    “Ah. Speaking of which—how goes the courting of my sister?”
    Andrew looked toward the ceiling. “Rather slowly, I’m afraid.”
    “Well, quit dawdling about. I’ve never known you to be anything less than relentless when you wanted something. Why are you dilly-dallying?”
    “I’m not dilly—”
    “And for God’s sake, quit tugging at your hair. You look as if a lightning bolt struck you.”
    Andrew scraped a hasty hand through his apparently lightning-struck hair and frowned. “You’re a fine one to talk. Have you consulted a mirror lately? Your manner can only be described as harried, and your own hair looks as if you were caught in sudden freakish storm.”
    “I am harried, but considering that my first child is soon to be born, I at least have a valid excuse for yanking at my hair and behaving oddly. What the devil is wrong with you ?”
    “There is nothing wrong with me, other than frustration. I haven’t had an opportunity even to speak with Lady Catherine. Every time I finally spot her in the crowd, another museum investor or potential investor claims my attention.” He shot Philip a pointed stare. “I was attempting to approach her for the fourth time this evening when I was again waylaid—this time by you .”
    “And you should be glad you were. If she’d seen that mess of a coiffure, she would have run screaming from the room.”
    “Thank you. Your encouragement warms my heart. Truly. Although I find it difficult to take fashion advice from someone whose own attire and coiffure most often resemble a squirrel’s nest.”
    Instead of taking offense, Philip smiled. “True. However, I am not attempting to court a lady this evening. I have already succeeded in winning the woman I love.”
    “Yes, and almost in spite of yourself, I might add. If not for my advice on how to woo and win Meredith…” Andrew shook his head sadly. “Well, let us just say that the outcome of your courting was highly questionable.”
    A rude sound escaped Philip. “Is that so? If you are such an expert, then why haven’t you yet succeeded with Catherine?”
    “Because I’ve yet to start with her—thanks, most recently, to you. Tell me, is there not some other house in Mayfair you can haunt?”
    “Fear not, I’m on my way out the door. However, if I leave now, I won’t be able to tell you about the two very interesting conversations I had this evening. One was with a Mr. Sidney Carmichael. Have you met him yet?”
    Andrew