Unlacing Lilly. Gail Ranstrom

use that information against them. But perhaps he could still uncover that information. If he and Hunter tracked the Brotherhood down one by one, he might get lucky and discover a stray duke or marquis in the lot. Now wouldn’t that be delicious? Yes, that would make an excellent backup if his first plan failed.

      “I have pressing business for the next week, Hunter, and may have to go away for a short while. A week, at most. After that…I might find some time.”

      “The sooner, the better,” Hunter urged. “A month has passed already, and I fear the blackguards may be making plans to leave the country until the scandal blows over.”

      Devlin laughed. “I disagree, Hunter. A month is just enough time for them to get cocky and think they’ve escaped unnoticed. Give them another week, and they won’t even be looking for us. We shall take them by surprise.”

      Hunter raised his glass in a salute and Devlin returned it. Yes, things were coming together nicely.

      

      Lilly sipped her tea, affecting a serene countenance as all about her was in turmoil. Isabella and her new husband were gently entreating her mother. Gina sat in a corner, applying herself to her needlework and ignoring the conversation. Lilly wished she could, but since she was the subject of it, that was not possible.

      “I really think—” Isabella began.

      Their mother waved her hand to silence her sister. “Good heavens, Bella, I cannot believe you want us to remove to your home. That would be so disruptive when I am still in mourning for poor Cora. Why can we not stay on here? The lease is paid through September.”

      Andrew Hunter, her sister’s new husband, placed his hand on Bella’s shoulder in a show of support, an expression of profound patience etched on his face. “Because, Mrs. O’Rourke, we wish to see to your needs and to offer you the protection of our home. When Miss Lilly is married, I am certain you would not want to intrude upon the newlyweds. Your house will be nearly empty with only you and Miss Gina left.”

      “I suppose it will be very lonely and quiet here when Lilly is gone.” Mama glanced over her shoulder at Gina and lowered her voice. “I cannot think what has got into Gina. She used to be so lively.”

      Lilly and Bella exchanged a quick glance but said nothing. Only they knew of the night barely a month ago when a brotherhood of murderous villains had kidnapped Gina intending to make her their next victim. If Mama ever found out how close Gina had come to death, she’d never allow her to leave the house again.

      Bella tried again. “Lilly and Lord Olney will be away on their wedding trip for a month or more, and by then you will be settled in with us. We have room enough, and Andrew has said he’d rather have you with us than with Olney.”

      “But why?” Her mother’s tone was querulous. “I am certain the marquis—” she paused for emphasis “—would be delighted to make room for us. When we went to his home for tea last week, he was quite accommodating.”

      Lilly was not as certain as her mother that her new husband would welcome her family. In the two months Olney had been courting her, he had given her dozens of costly trinkets as if to prove his generosity. He had sent her poems and letters on the days when they had not met in person. He’d been her most ardent suitor by far—almost inappropriately so. But never once had he indicated that Mama and Gina would be welcome to stay in their home once they were wed, and though her mother was delighted that Lilly would be a duchess someday, Olney’s parents could not forget that her family came from “humble origins.” Which always begged the question—why had he stooped so low as to propose marriage to her?

      That odious man in the garden the night of Olney’s proposal was likely right. Olney would marry her to have what he otherwise could not. Well, as far as she was concerned, it was a fair trade. He would have access to her body, and she would have social and financial security for Mama and Gina. Even Mr. Hunter and Bella would benefit from that association, though it was clear to her that Mr. Hunter did not like Olney in the least.

      “Perhaps later you could join Lilly and Olney,” Bella was suggesting. “When they are settled.”

      “You are a fine one to talk, Bella. You and Mr. Hunter have been married, what, a month today? Are you not newlyweds yourselves?”

      “Andrew feels—”

      “That you need the protection and presence of a man,” Andrew finished for her. “Surely you can see the benefit to Miss Gina and yourself in having a male presence to protect you from unscrupulous tradesmen and other bothersome details, not to mention the troublesome events surrounding the disgraced queen’s funeral procession yesterday? People were hurt in those riots, Mrs. O’Rourke. My servants are more than adequate for your needs. And, of course, you will bring Nancy with you, and Cook if you wish.”

      Her mother looked mildly surprised. “So this is your idea, is it, Mr. Hunter?”

      “Bella and I have discussed it at length and believe that it is the best possible place for you. Once you are out of mourning, you will require a safe place to entertain Miss Gina’s callers and freedom from the cares of running your own household. Surely you can see the attention that two attractive women alone would draw from scoundrels.”

      Mama gave him a little smile, almost flirtatious. “And who better to recognize them than another scoundrel?”

      “Precisely,” Mr. Hunter replied, not in the least put off by Mama’s veiled barb.

      “Well, in that case…I suppose I could always go to Lilly after she and Olney have settled and are accustomed to one another.”

      Mr. Hunter gave Lilly a quick glance, and she was surprised by the concern she saw in his eyes. “Yes, you could. And, of course, Miss Lilly will always be welcome in my home, as well.”

      What an odd way of phrasing such a sentiment. Lilly wondered if he was hinting that Olney would not be welcome. He and Bella had tried to talk to her about her impending nuptials several times, but she had changed the subject. She really did not want them planting doubts in her mind. Why could they not see that Olney was a dear in so many ways? Yes, she knew that he would be a challenge to handle, but she was certain she could manage. And the benefit of the lofty connection for Mama and Gina was immense.

      “Gina? What do you say? Shall we remove to Mr. Hunter’s house?” Mama asked.

      Gina looked up from her needlework and swept a stray strand of dark hair back. “Will there be servants about? And locks on the doors?”

      Bella smiled encouragingly. “Yes, Gina. And you shall have your own room. I picked a bright and sunny one for you, with a sitting area where you can do your needlework or read.”

      “Then, yes. I should like that very much. I have missed having you about, Bella.”

      “Then it is agreed!” Mr. Hunter rubbed his hands together. “I shall send servants to pack you up this very afternoon. No sense putting it off. You shall be settled before the wedding, Mrs. O’Rourke.”

      “But Lilly has her last fitting for her wedding gown this afternoon. And I had hoped to shop the stalls at Covent Garden for ribbon.”

      “By all means, do your chores. Bella tells me there is not much to be done since you leased this place fully furnished. Your Nancy can supervise the packing of your personal belongings.”

      “This is so sudden….”

      Lilly touched her mother’s arm. “I think this is for the best, Mama. I do not mind in the least, and I shall feel better leaving knowing that you will have someone to look after your needs and that you will have the protection of family.”

      Mama’s eyes grew sad and Lilly knew she was thinking of Cora, and how she might still be alive if there had been more people about to see what she’d been doing. Mama took a deep breath before speaking. “Yes, then. Thank you, Mr. Hunter. We shall be delighted to accept your hospitality.”

      

      “Miss