Two Beaux and a Promise Collection Read Free Page B

any resentment, for thinking of money always strained his friendship with the very wealthy Beaux. It had nearly fractured the group when they’d pressed him too hard to join an expensive outing one summer. Jacob had finally healed the rift and no longer argued when Richard refused. But memories continued to hover, casting shadows on his soul.
    The next hour passed in a blur as he dampened further hints at scandal and toasted the bride and groom. The gossips grumbled, but followed Charles’s lead. Lady Beatrice’s toast finally eliminated his fears for Emily’s future, allowing him to fully relax.
    Now he could concentrate on Georgiana.
    The thought ignited anticipation – because helping her would irritate Herriard, he assured himself. It was the battle, not the girl, that stirred his senses. He could hardly wait to learn her full story. She might even have information that could help his investigation.
    * * * *
    Jacob found Richard in the refreshment room half an hour later. “What happened?” he demanded softly, helping himself to a lobster patty.
    “Herriard and Stagleigh.”  Richard handed him a plate.
    Jacob tensed, noting the fury that changed Richard’s warm brown eyes to a feral ocher. To keep his hands busy, he piled delicacies on the plate. “Is that who barged in during the service?”
    Richard nodded. “I maneuvered them outside, but they accosted me afterward.”
    “What do they want this time?”  The pair had long been a wart on society’s backside and were no longer included in even the most inclusive invitations. But their feud with the Beaux was personal. Herriard had cheated Richard some years earlier. If the Beaux had not recovered the funds, Richard would have been forced to leave London. It was unlikely that he could have returned.
    Herriard had hated the Beaux ever since, especially Richard, who wasn’t satisfied with recouping his losses. Determined to protect other young men from Herriard’s predations, he kept a close eye on Herriard’s gaming, seeking evidence of cheating that would expel him from the clubs.
    “Did you know that Herriard has a ward?  A female ward?”  Richard added cream cakes and a lemon biscuit to his own plate.
    “My God!”  Jacob lowered his voice when heads turned his way. “Who would trust him within a hundred miles of an innocent?  How old is she?”
    “Twenty – until Friday, when she gains control of her dowry and hopes to move out.”
    “Herriard won’t stand for that. He’s always deep in the River Tick, so he’ll demand the money as payment for keeping her. Especially now.”  Herriard had lost badly the night before. It was doubtful that he could cover his vowels.
    “Her small inheritance won’t begin to pay his debts,” said Richard, pat on the thought. “So he’s selling her to Stagleigh.”
    Jacob cursed. His butler took one look at his face, then herded nearby guests toward the drawing room. “Why didn’t you say something earlier?” Jacob asked when he had his temper under control.
    “I told you, I just found out about it. She escaped this morning and is currently in your study.”
    “Devil take it. Can’t you keep your lame ducks away from my wedding?”
    Richard glared.
    Jacob waved a hand in apology. “That was uncalled for. But why the devil don’t you let people know about your crusades?  At least then you could ask someone besides us to help you.”
    “It isn’t even us this time. I can’t involve Charles.”
    “I know.”  He grimaced. “He can be a real prig when it comes to the letter of the law. What do you need?”
    “A place where she can stay.”
    Jacob frowned.
    “Not here,” Richard added. “Herriard nearly grabbed her as we left St. George’s. Since everyone in town knows where I was headed, he must already be watching the house. I hoped she could use Oakhaven for a week.”
    “Possibly. But first I need to meet her.”  He had to decide for himself if she was telling the truth. Richard