“I am. Always exciting.” The lady’s narrow face and hooked nose made Prue think of a bird. Her hands awkwardly fluttered as she spoke. “It has been a thrill to watch the success of our league members make such excellent matches over the last two Seasons, don’t you think?”
“Yes, indeed,” Millie agreed.
Prue thought it interesting that Lady Lucinda seemed so pleased by the matches when she had caused several problems for the ladies in the group. Had she truly joined because of her love of books, or did she hope to take part in the For Better or Worse agenda?
The opulent drawing room with pink floral wallpaper held more figurines and paintings than Prue could count. The décor suggested Lady Lucinda’s mother wanted any callers to know of their wealth, though Prue found it cluttered rather than impressive.
The conversation continued, and it was quickly clear that Millie had been right to suggest they call on her. Lady Lucinda seemed to know details about everyone who was anyone and admitted how much she enjoyed reading the gossip sheets. She shared what was on her mind, without thinking twice, in unsettling spurts.
Millie guided the discussion with a subtle hand until rogues were the topic and who among them was the most outrageous. Prue sent her an approving smile.
“So difficult to say who is the most roguish, isn’t it?” Millie asked after their hostess mentioned several with whom Prue wasn’t familiar.
“Indeed. I suppose we only hear of their more outrageous activities. The Marquess of Montfort only returned to England a few months ago and is already off the market.” Lady Lucinda glanced at Prue. “Montfort recently married Lady Winifred, another of our members. Anyway, Viscount Winstead is a good friend of his and is said to be in search of an heiress.”
That wasn’t news, but Prue did not want to discuss Silas, especially his intent to marry an heiress. Especially after their kiss.
“The viscount is quite attractive,” Millie added. “I believe he’s friends with Viscount Maynard as well.”
“Maynard is said to enjoy cards and women in equal measure.” Lady Lucinda’s eyes gleamed with interest. “Rumor has it that his mother, who is engaged in numerous charitable works, is nearing despair that he will ever marry. He is currently dallying with an Italian opera singer, much to her dismay.”
“Do you find him attractive?” Millie asked the lady.
Lady Lucinda quickly shook her head. “He is not for the likes of me. I danced with him at a ball last week, but I can’t say I enjoyed it.”
“He is rather abrasive,” Millie agreed. “What of Lord Randolph?”
Lady Lucinda smiled. “He is quite handsome. I also had the pleasure of dancing with him recently, though I wondered if he had one drink too many. Conversing with him was a challenge.”
Millie lifted a brow at Prue who nodded. They had more information than they’d had before. Whether or not it would be helpful remained to be seen.
Chapter Six
Lord and Lady Everett held a ball the third week of June each year, and Millie’s mother insisted it wasn’t to be missed.
Though Prue was fairly certain Silas would be there, she had mixed feelings about seeing him again so soon. Worry filled her at spending more time with him when he already held so many of her thoughts. She knew he wouldn’t dance with her, which was disappointing, even if she appreciated the reason for it.
However, Prue hoped Viscount Maynard’s mother might attend. Though the idea seemed ridiculous, becoming acquainted with her might prove beneficial. Confronting Maynard was out of the question, at least for Prue, but speaking with the Countess of Tinford was a possibility. Each small step she took toward her goal of thwarting the rogues was a victory in her eyes.
She and Millie decided against telling their own mothers and aunts about the wallflower wager, certain they would be appalled at the idea of either of them refusing a dance and therefore risk the chance of never making a match. Though that was a real concern, they weren’t willing to allow the rogues to use them in this way.
With luck, Millie’s mother could introduce Prue and her mother to Lady Tinford. Whether telling her about the wager would be worthwhile remained to be seen.
Prue told herself she was still gathering information, which helped to calm her nerves.
She and Millie entered the ballroom after greeting their hosts and followed their mothers and aunts slowly through the crowd as they paused frequently to visit with friends.
The room had been decorated to look like a Greek temple with ivy wrapped around the white columns, a trickling fountain in one corner, and numerous potted ferns. Miniature statues of Greek gods were displayed on pedestals along one wall.
Prue sternly reminded herself she wasn’t looking for Silas. How ironic that she found him almost immediately. Her heart did a little spin at the sight of his tall form and that irresistible smile, even though it wasn’t directed at her.
Still, flutters erupted in her middle and her body tingled as she watched him. She longed to speak with him about anything and everything. How had the meeting with her uncle gone? Well, she hoped.
The lady to whom he spoke was pretty and dressed in the height of fashion. Her sleek yellow gown accentuated her generous curves and its train fanned out in perfect symmetry. Perhaps he’d found an heiress to pursue.
With a quiet sigh, she turned her back on the pair. It wouldn’t do to allow herself to fall in love with Silas when their futures were on opposing paths. He might enjoy her company and appreciate her assistance with the party, but their relationship ended there.
Better that she focused on helping her friends by finding a way to teach the rogues a lesson they wouldn’t soon forget. It didn’t take long to locate Viscount Maynard’s mother. The Countess of Tinford was an imposing woman with a stout form and blunt features. She wore more diamonds than most of the other ladies at the ball combined.